In fiscal year 2010–2011 (which ends on July 31st each year) the FHL Foundation made a $25,000 grant to the local chapter of Children & Nature Network (C&NN). The purpose of the grant was to develop training tool kits. We are happy to announce that the first of these tool kits is now available. Used by permission, here’s the announcement that C&NN recently sent out to its alerts list members. As always, we welcome your comments concerning this tool kit (use the Contact Us link above):
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ANNOUNCING!!!! Together in Nature: Pathways to a Stronger, Closer Family.
C&NN is delighted to announce the release of this new tool kit, free and downloadable from the C&NN web site. Research over the last forty years has shown that a secure parent–child attachment is an important foundation for a child’s later competence and well-being. C&NN adds the perspective of nature-based experiences as an especially rich opportunity for the kinds of parent–child interactions that promote and sustain good attachment at any age.
This tool kit begins with a clear and helpful overview of attachment research, and then offers a host of family-friendly, age-appropriate suggestions for things to do outdoors in nature to nurture parent–child relationships and support healthy child development. C&NN Chair and co-Founder, Dr. Martha Farrell Erickson is a developmental psychologist and says, “By following a prescription for more nature experience together, families will discover a win/win situation in which both children and adults benefit as individuals, even as they are strengthening those important family bonds that all children (and adults) need.”
This is a pilot version—so send us your comments and suggestions!
Together in Nature: Pathways to a Stronger, Closer Family.
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To learn more about C&NN and to contact them concerning this tool kit, feel free to access their web site.