Illinois General Assembly Supports Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights
Declares June “Leave No Child Inside"
Release Date: 06/01/09
The 244-member Chicago Wilderness alliance is celebrating the passage of a joint resolution in the Illinois General Assembly supporting its Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights and officially designating June as “Leave No Child Inside” month in the State of Illinois.
The Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights states that every child should have the opportunity to: discover wilderness -- prairies, dunes, forests, savannas, and wetlands; camp under the stars; follow a trail; catch and release fish, frogs, and insects; climb a tree; explore nature in neighborhoods and cities; celebrate heritage; plant a flower; play in the mud or a stream; and learn to swim.
The Chicago Wilderness alliance is implementing the Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights through its Leave No Child Inside initiative, which promotes a culture in which children enjoy and are encouraged to be outside in nature, and as a result are healthier, have a sense of connection to their place, and become supporters and stewards of local nature.
Leave No Child Inside programs strive to nourish children’s curiosity, growth, and creativity through play time outside.
“I am so pleased that the month of June has been declared ‘Leave No Child Inside Month’ to promote outdoor recreation in the Land of Lincoln,” Governor Pat Quinn said. “Many children today suffer from ‘Nature Deficit Disorder,’ so it is important that we encourage parents and children to enjoy the outdoors by using our parks and open space.”
Illinois Senate sponsors of the resolution are Sen. Michael W. Frerichs (D-Champaign) and Heather Steans (D-Chicago). Illinois House sponsors are: Rep. Monique D. Davis (D-Chicago), Emily McAsey (D-Crest Hill), Elizabeth Coulson (R-Glenview), and Greg Harris (D-Chicago).
“Research shows that children’s cognitive skills benefit from time spent in nature,” said Senator Michael Frerichs. “When children plant a flower, camp under the stars, or follow a trail, they strengthen their health, and social and emotional well-being. And when we encourage children to connect to their natural heritage, we give them a sense of being part of Illinois’ gloriously diverse landscape. I am pleased to support the Chicago Wilderness Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights and to celebrate June as Leave No Child Inside Month.”
“I encourage all of us to take the children in our lives outside for a day of exploration and discovery in nature and become active in our communities to ensure safe access to nature,” said Representative Monique Davis.
Members of Chicago Wilderness, a regional alliance dedicated to protecting nature and enriching life, will host events in June throughout the Chicagoland region to get kids outside and help families spend quality time together in nature. Visit kidsoutside.info/june for programs in your area.
“We want our children to experience the wonder of nature that affected us so profoundly in our youth – for their benefit, and for the benefit of nature. Take your child’s hand and let them lead your exploration--you'll likely be climbing trees, getting wet or muddy, or gazing at stars” said Melinda Pruett-Jones, Executive Director of Chicago Wilderness.
About Chicago WildernessChicago Wilderness is a regional conservation alliance that connects people and nature. More than 240 diverse member organizations work together on programs and scientific study to protect and restore natural areas within this urban region that spans four states. Chicago Wilderness acts with one voice to improve the quality of life for all living things by protecting the lands and waters on which we all depend. www.chicagowilderness.org.
- Contact Phone: 312 742 7529
- Publication Date: 06/01/09