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Annual Report |
February 2012 |
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Off the Beaten Path
by Don Schafer
Nature is fresh, alive and full of opportunity. It’s mountains, valleys, trails, and streams all await exploration. Yet many kids to not get to share in these opportunities. 80% of American youth live in an urban or suburban area and many, because of circumstances beyond their control, are limited to the streets, alleys and concrete jungles of their neighborhood. Young people today may have a better knowledge of the importance of the rain forests, but are unable to identify the trees in their local parks and backyards. Exploration in nature is near lost to our younger generation
The good news is that getting outside, being active, and experiencing nature is getting more attention these days. maybe it is because over 15% of Indiana’s 9th to 12th grader are overweight, a statistic that keeps rising. Maybe it is because the average middle school student spends in excess of 40 hours a week behind a computer or television while only spending 30 minutes of unstructured time outside. Maybe it’s because 35% of Indiana’s students failed the ISTEP. However you look at it, our children need help. They are losing the ability to think for themselves. Adventurous, creative play has been replaced by structure; both in the classroom and in after school sports programs. Studies show that schools that incorporated hands-on outdoor environmental experiences into their curriculum show reduced discipline and disruptive behavior in the classroom, increased interest and enthusiasm for learning and greater student responsibility and pride. Anyway you look at it, getting into nature is good for our children.
At Camptown we understand that better than anyone. We know that the intensity of a wilderness experience creates an ideal environment to influence attitudes and to teach new skills. That is why our participants have increase from 174 in 2004 to over 3,000 this year. We believe every child should have the opportunity to experience nature first hand, regardless of their ability to pay. That is why we gave financial assistance to 73% of our program participants last year and aggressively pursue those most in need.
We want to thank all of our contributors, board members, volunteers, and friends for all of their hard work, support and encouragement this year. It is because of you that we can make a difference.
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