ARIZONA STATE PARKS: For Immediate Release
Managing and conserving Arizona’s natural, cultural and recreational resources for the benefit of the people, both in our Parks and through our Partners. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Ellen Bilbrey at (602) 542-1996 or (602) 228-8518, or Monica Enriquez at (602) 542-6997. Contact by Email: pio(at)azstateparks.gov
(Phoenix, Arizona - July 18, 2008) - Richard Louv is an author and futurist focused on nature, family and community. His most recent book, "Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder," has stimulated an international conversation about the future relationship between children and nature, and has helped spawn a movement that is now moving into the international sphere.
According to Louv's testimony to the Department of the Interior in February, "Only 6 percent of children from nine to thirteen-years-old play outside on their own. Research indicates there is a dramatic decline in outdoor activities such as swimming and fishing and camping is down."
Louv goes on to explain that both urban and rural parents cite reasons such as disappearing natural areas, competition from electronics, dangerous traffic, homework and other pressures. Of course the physical benefits of being in an outdoor environment for children are obvious, but other benefits are subtle, such as the development of cognitive functioning. The California Department of Education found that students in outdoor science programs improved their science testing scores by 27 percent.
Louv will be speaking in conjunction with the 2008 Arizona Parks and Recreation Association (APRA) Conference held at the Camelback Inn in Scottsdale from August 25-29, 2008. In addition to keynote speakers Richard Louv and Robert Martin, some of the most influential people in their fields, there will also be more than 50 breakout sessions from national and local speakers including, "School Discipline and Effects on our Youth," "Youth Development and Community Nature," "Managing Parents Fear," "Unique Fitness Activities for Afterschool Programs," and "Arizona's Five Keys to Youth Success."
For more information about Richard Louv or to attend visit www.azpra.org or call (602) 335-1962 or (800) 335-PARK.
For information about Arizona State Parks call (602) 542-4174 (outside of the Phoenix metro area call toll-free (800) 285-3703) or visit the website at www.azstateparks.com.
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link to this page:
http://azstateparks.com/press/2008/PR_07-18-08.html
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