California offers an unbelievable array of natural wonders: oceans, mountains, forests, grasslands, desserts, wildlife of every kind. All too often, however, those vistas simply provide the backdrop against which most of us live out our lives. This is especially true for California's youth. When almost every moment of the day is accounted for- school, homework, sports, clubs, video games, television- there is precious little time for outdoor play and exploration.
It's time to reconnect California's youth with the outdoors! At Building Bridges to the Outdoors, we believe every child deserves the opportunity for an outdoor experience. Here's why:
To Widen Horizons: Getting outside teaches new skills, builds appreciation for nature, and inspires the imagination. Remember hopping from rock to rock so you wouldn't step in the "lava"?
To Build Brainpower: Children who participate in such programs can raise their science test scores by 27 percent! (according to a study administered by the California Department of Education and released in 2005)
For their Health: National Center for Health Statistics show that, today, one in five kids is overweight. Getting outside means getting exercise- let's get kids moving!
At the Sierra Club, we are working to ensure that every child has a special place in nature. But each community's needs are different- that's why Building Bridges to the Outdoors supports the wonderful work already being done in different communities. Here's how:
Partners: We are working with a diverse set of partners including educators, health organizations, outdoor programs, law enforcement officials and outdoor recreation groups to reconnect kids with nature, and to showcase the fact that all of us support California's youth.
Public Outreach: It's time for us all to work together to ensure that the next generation enjoys all the privileges of the last!
Advocacy: Building Bridges to the Outdoors is engaging public officials to develop sustainable funding for programs that get kids outdoors.
Youth Leaders: We believe that California's youth deserve a voice in guiding the public discussion of outdoor education, so we are identifying and training youth leaders to ensure that their voices are heard.
Want to be part of the solution? It's as easy as walking out your front door! Here's what you can do:
Organize a family outdoor outing
Join or start a family hiking club in your neighborhood
Take a walk through a local park
Enjoy a backyard picnic
Contact a decision maker in your community and let them know why getting kids outside is important to you
Get together with other concerned community members to brainstorm how you can get kids involved in outdoor activities in your neighborhood
Building Bridges to the Outdoors hopes to inspire the next generation to a healthier, happier, greener future, and to make sure that no child is left inside
Tiffany Saleh
California Youth Representative
801 K Street, Suite 2700
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 557-1100, ext. 106 Tiffany.Saleh@SierraClub.org
BBTO Partner Showcase! Crenshaw Eco Club: Survivor Challenge
On October 8th and 9th, 120 students from Crenshaw High School stepped up and took the Survivor Challenge by spending a night under the stars at Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area. For many of these inner-city kids, this was their first camping experience- and they made the most of it! The Eco Club organized a catered dinner from a soul food kitchen, played group games, and hiked around the park. They roasted marshmallows and watched a movie by projecting it onto a sheet. They also contributed to their community by organizing a trash pick-up, in an effort to leave the park even better than they found it. It was a fun and exciting way to kick off another great year for the Crenshaw Eco Club!
Where in the US is BBTO? Click here to see an interactive map of BBTO project partner
Sierra Club Radio: June 6, 2007 California State Senator Alex Padilla talks about a new bill to fund outdoor education and solve "Nature Deficit Disorder."
KQED's Forum with Michael Krasny: June 1, 2007 10:00am Nature Deficit Disorder
Listen to a discussion of Nature Deficit Disorder featuring California State Senator Alex Padilla, D-20, Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods, Martin LeBlanc, Sierra Club National Youth Education Director and Juan Martinez, Sierra Club Youth Volunteer Coordinator.
.jpg)
.jpg)
What is BBTO all about? 
