Active Smarter Kids (ASK) is a model for curriculum delivery developed in Norway that incorporates physical activity into academic lessons in a meaningful way. ASK physically active lessons occur primarily outdoors and aim to engage all students, and encourage collaborative and cooperative learning. The Nova Scotia ASK Project was piloted in two schools in the 2018-2019...
ReImagine RREC (Renew, Retool, Engage, Contribute) is a national COVID-19 recovery initiative led by the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association (CPRA) and its partners and is supported by Sport Canada and the Government of Canada. ReImagine RREC aims to support administrators, policymakers, practitioners, and volunteers working in recreation, parks, and community sport to return to sustainable...
On February 17th, Strong Minds Strong Kids is hosting a webinar entitled 'How Nature Benefits Kids and Youth', featuring clinical psychologist Dr. Robin Alter. In the webinar Dr. Alter will discuss the evidence on the strong connection between nature and mental health and wellbeing. For more information and to register: How Nature Benefits Kids and Youth...
On February 1st, 2021, the Great Trail hosted an expert panel on boosting mental health during the winter as part of their #Blahs2ahhhs campaign. Their four experts shared insights on the importance of getting outdoors in all seasons to boost mental health and provided ideas on how to stay active and healthy - mentally, physically,...
Lawson Foundation invests $4.95 million in 8 demonstration projects, including Outdoor Play Canada, to build adult capacity to support outdoor play in Early Learning and Child Care The Lawson Foundation is pleased to announce the launch of the second phase of its Outdoor Play Strategy and an investment of $4.95 million in 8 demonstration projects,...
From 2017-2020, Evergreen together with the City of Kitchener, the Waterloo Region District School Board, and the Lyle. S. Hallman Family Foundation launched the Neighbourhood Nature Play Initiative. This Kitchener-based collaborative, community-led participatory initiative encouraged children and their families to play and learn in nature by transforming two local parks into vibrant hubs. Through this initiative,...
The Government of Canada, in collaboration with the Canadian Parks Council and Mount Royal University’s Institute for Environmental Sustainability, recently announced the launch of the Pan-Canadian Parks and Protected Areas Research Network. The Network is made up of scientists, researchers, Indigenous knowledge holders, students, and parks and protected areas specialists and managers, who collectively will...
As part of the process of reviewing the Child Care and Early Years Act, the Ministry of Education in Ontario put out a call for submissions to discuss several components of the Act, including the potential to license Forest and Outdoor Programs. In response, Andrew Fleck Children's Services (AFCS), together with Child Nature Alliance of Canada...
Congratulations to Heather Wilson recently appointed as the new Child and Nature Alliance of Canada (CNAC) Executive Director! Heather spent two decades working with national non-profit and charitable organizations before joining CNAC in 2018 as the Director of Operations and Finance. While her most pressing priority is to support parents, practitioners, and educators to #thriveoutside during...
On Friday, November 13th at 9pm EST, CBC will be airing Kids vs Screens, a documentary from The Nature of Things that explores the impact of excess screen time on children and youth's mental health, development, and learning. Guest host Dan Riskin, a biologist, science journalist, and author explores the latest research on children and...
