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South Dakota GFP works to connect children with nature
South Dakota GFP works to connect children with nature
PIERRE, S.D. – Thanks to a new partnership involving the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department and child-care providers, there will be a lot more kids playing outside this year.
The department recently awarded nature backpacks, filled with items to encourage outdoor exploration, to 180 child-care providers across the state.
“The nature backpack program is a perfect opportunity to partner with child-care providers in getting kids outside more,” said GFP Secretary Jeff Vonk.
The program is part of the Game, Fish and Parks’ participation in the nationwide Children in Nature initiative. The initiative seeks to make nature a part of children’s everyday lives, something Vonk says the department feels very strongly about.
“Connecting children with nature at an early age is very important, both for the children as individuals and for our society as a whole,” Vonk said. “Studies show children who play outside are healthier, have higher self-esteem, are good problem-solvers, have good self-discipline and do better in school. At the same time, we’re engaging tomorrow’s conservation leaders and introducing them to our state’s traditions of hunting and fishing. Our unique outdoor treasures depend on the next generation to preserve them.”
The department hopes to continue the grant program with future installments for pre-school, after-school, libraries and other groups. More information on other opportunities provided by GFP can be found at GFP's Children in Nature webpage.
Tags: children, nature, south, dakota, gfp, connect, works, department, child-care, providers
More Tags: Jeff Vonk, PIERRE, GFP, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department, Parks Department, GFP Secretary, Secretary, South Dakota,
Region: South Dakota
Categories: Developer
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