Will Kids Reconnect With Nature…At School?

Aug. 7, 2013 “Wait, didn’t we already DO this?”That’s the refrain I hear constantly among parents, whether it’s supporting environmental education legislation, or getting junk food out of vending machines and school lunch programs.When research shows the benefits and links between nature, learning, health and wellness are clear, it makes me wonder, what will we need to prove … [Read more...]

Media Netiquette + Some Great Nature Apps In A Totally Wired World

July 26, 2015 Update: Adding Washington Parent's list: Nature Apps, Life Beyond the Screen and DailyTekk.com's iPhone app specific picks for enjoying the outdoors, plus Mother Nature Network's "7 Apps to Help You Get the Most Out of Nature" to Shaping Youth's links and positive picks below. Have more favorites? Lob them into the comments section, please! Nov. 8, 2014 Update How … [Read more...]

Trekaroo iPhone App: Kid-Friendly Travel Spots On The Fly

June 29, 2012 Anyone with small children knows parents need to pack a lot of patience for pit-stops and play time when it comes to logistics of summer travel, but now “there’s an app for that” to make it a snap. Trekaroo, the travel review site written by families themselves has just launched their free iPhone app that taps into kid-friendly spots along most any vacation … [Read more...]

Meaningful Media for Father’s Day: My Daddy Taught Me To…

June 13, 2010 One week from Father’s Day and media is awash with ubiquitous tie and techie ads for Father’s Day finds. Meh. Better ideas? Experiential fun for memories in the making... How would YOU fill in the blank, “My Daddy Taught Me To…?” It’s no secret I’m a water rat and an island girl who spent much of childhood splashing in the surf or sprawled on one of Hawaii’s … [Read more...]

Shaping Youth Joins EcoLiteracy Coalition: No Child Left INSIDE

As a nonprofit, nonpartisan consortium, I’m always keenly aware when I’m being ‘played’ by both the ‘right and left’ of a political hot potato, and I strive to balance spin accordingly. But sometimes, legislation is just smack dab common sense for all, pairing centrist thinking with beneficial outcomes... Shaping Youth is breaking form in … [Read more...]