Raising children in today's world is very different from the past:  screens dominate  everyone's attention; busy schedules lead to more rushed meals of high-calorie, processed foods; and less time is spent outdoors than ever before. The percentage of children and adolescents affected by obesity has more than tripled since the 1970s, and it is estimated that as many as 1 out of 5 children experience a mental disorder in a given year.  

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Connecting with nature can improve our children's physical, mental, and emotional health. Studies show that spending time outdoors fights obesity; lowers blood pressure; increases levels of Vitamin D; improves memory, concentration, and creativity; decreases myopia; and reduces inflammation and asthma. It also reduces stress, anxiety, and depression. Furthermore, children who play regularly in natural environments have more advanced motor skills, such as agility, balance, and coordination, and are sick less often. They are more empathetic; less likely to engage in bullying; and develop stronger awareness, reasoning, and observation skills.

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As recent times have shown, natural resources that were once considered to be protected can become at risk if future generations have different values. Children who grow up having regular contact with the natural world are more likely to develop a lifelong love for nature and want to preserve it.

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