Montana's Big Backyard—The Montana Children And Nature Summit
By Governor Brian Schweitzer
Montana Children & Nature Logo
Montana Children & Nature logo
Some of my best memories are of playing outdoors with my brothers and sisters on the family ranch. We grew up hearing, “Get outside and play!” and we did. I remember whole days spent building forts, tracking animals, fishing and helping out around the ranch.
Times have changed.
Kids are scheduled from morning until night, and they’re connected through an electric plug a lot of that time. That isn’t to say that technology isn’t important. Access to technology is a critically important tool in the 21 st century.
What is even more critical, though, is the balance between being plugged in through the worldwide web and being connected to the natural world. Without that, kids miss out some of the best parts of childhood.
They also miss out on understanding Montana’s big backyard and all it has to offer.
Montana is home to fewer than seven people per square mile. That means we still have plenty of open spaces and for kids it’s a giant natural playground that’s perfect for an active life – from fishing and swimming, to skiing and hiking. There’s something for everyone here. Montana’s natural beauty provides our children a place to learn as well as play. The First Lady and I established our Math and Science Initiative to encourage children to discover the wonders of Montana through learning and exploration.
That’s why we are so excited about the Montana Children and Nature Summit, which was planned by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, and set for Helena on Sept. 23 at the Great Northern Hotel.
The Summit will convene local, state and federal land and recreation resource managers, health care professionals, educators, representatives of non-profit groups and private industry to discuss the importance of reconnecting children with nature in Montana’s big backyard.
This is important. Consider that children today have had less contact with the natural world than the generations of children who came before them. Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods, coined the term “nature-deficit disorder,” to describe the impacts on health and well being of kids who have become disconnected from nature.
Kids who have the opportunity to explore the natural world thrive. They have reduced stress, better concentration and better creative problem solving skills.
We need to ensure that kids for generations to come can connect with nature, so we’re doing our best to encourage kids and families to get outside and play!
The MCNS is open to the public. Educators and local parks, recreation, and health officials are encouraged to attend. The fee is $30 and includes lunch. For information or to register for the Montana Children & Nature Summit, visit FWP web site at fwp.mt.gov. Click, "Children & Nature Summit." Or, call Thomas Baumeister at: 406-444-4046.
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