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There is a growing movement across the country to reverse the trends of the past few decades and encourage children to spend more time outdoors and active. Alabama Public Television has identified a number of resources for parents and care givers to provide guidance, including some recommended viewing (Ecosense for Living: Children and Nature is a terrific video) and links to Web sites with helpful information.

Recommended Viewing

ECOSENSE FOR LIVING: CHILDREN & NATURE (playing in video above)
Richard Louv ( Last Child in the Woods)  pinpoints how we came to be a nation separated from the natural world and how we can reverse it.  Psychologist Dr. David Busch uses nature therapy to help kids with ADD and ADHD.  Then see how urban communities reconnect kids to nature through gardening, beekeeping, and creating safe untamed places where kids can still run wild. Find out how you can reconnect kids to their natural roots in your part of the world. 

DISCOVERING ALABAMA
These programs with Dr. Doug Phillips will introduce you and your family to Alabama’s great outdoors.
Adventures to Guide Your Outdoor Discovery

KEN BURNS' THE NATIONAL PARKS
Preview new film premiering September 27
http://www.pbs.org/nationalparks/

Parent Organizations

Children and Nature Network
http://www.childrenandnature.org/

Discover the Forest.org
http://www.discovertheforest.org/index.php

Discovering Alabama "Ask the Expert"
http://www.discoveringalabama.com/

Nature Rocks
http://www.naturerocks.org/

Richard Louv Children & Nature
http://richardlouv.com/children-nature-resources

Youth Organizations

Alabama 4-H
http://www.aces.edu/fourh/

Boys Scouts of America
http://www.scouting.org/

Girl Scouts of America
http://www.girlscouts.org/

Be Safe Outdoors

Alabama Public Television would like to remind parents and other adults that there are risks associated with outdoor activities. APT recommends that before you start on your adventures, you become aware of and alert children to any unsafe areas or conditions that may be present in your surroundings. You should also be aware of your and your children’s physical limitations and always take necessary safety precautions while exploring the outdoors.  For water activities, all vessels must carry a Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices for each person on board and children under 8 must wear a properly secured and Coast Guard-approved PFD at all times while on board any vessel. 

Alabama Boating Certification Manual
http://www.boat-ed.com/al/handbook/pfds.htm