A theory called ‘nature deficit disorder’ first discussed by author Richard Louv in his book, Last Child in the Woods, has been getting lots of attention recently. For reasons that include a growing fear of strangers, decreased physical activity, higher obesity rates and more time spent watching TV and playing video games, children today spend less and less time outdoors than the generations that came before them. A vast majority of kids today spend very little time enjoying unstructured and imaginative play outside and as a result, are suffering from depression, obesity, a lack of creativity, attention disorders and behavioral problems.
As Calgarians, we’re fortunate to live in a city with 5,600 public parks sites encompassing over 10,000 hectares of parkland. Time spent outside playing, interacting and exploring in City parks helps children learn about nature and their place within it. They discover why parks are important and valuable, as well as what they can do to help keep our parks healthy. Children who regularly play outside observe wildlife, explore different habitats and learn the science, art and natural culture of Calgary.
The City of Calgary Parks loves to see families spend quality time in our parks. If you’re not sure how to engage your kids with the natural world, start by heading to a nearby park. Look for signs of nature - encourage your kids to play, explore and get their hands dirty. Turn over rocks and leaves to see what you find. Get into nooks and crannies, examine what you see in the trees and keep your eyes peeled for interesting flowers, bugs, birds and other wildlife.
Kids today are switched on when it comes to technology, but it’s important to get outside, learn and have fun. For kids that love their tech fix, Parks has created a super-cool, super-fun and super-secret app that helps connect young people with nature. The OISEAU Agents of Nature mobile app lets kids choose a mission site located in a City park where they get busy searching out hidden QR codes that, once found and scanned, unlock exciting nature mysteries and challenges to solve and complete. You can download the free app at www.agentsofnature.com and use it to investigate and find hidden nature secrets at Devonian Gardens, Nose Hill Park, Prairie Winds Park and Ralph Klein Park.
We all have a role in shaping Calgary. Engaging kids hands-on in their local environment is a powerful way to help kids make sense of the world around them, increase eco-literacy and cultivate a general love and appreciation for nature. Getting kids outside gets their imaginations working, keeps them active and helps create well-informed, engaged and caring citizens who are committed to adopting sustainable behaviors and acting responsibly. Kids who have fostered a love of nature through explorations outside not only reap benefits for their own well-being, but also understand the impacts of their actions and decisions in our natural surroundings. This understanding helps citizens to create and maintain a healthy and vibrant natural Calgary now and in the future.
Learn more about what City of Calgary Parks has to offer at www.calgary.ca/parks, and check out the camps and programs at www.calgary.ca/parksguide. Like them on Facebook, www.facebook.com/cityofcalgaryparks, and follow them on Twitter @CalgaryParks, https://twitter.com/CalgaryParks, to keep up-to-date with all the great stuff they’ve got going on in the great outdoors.
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