Get Outdoors Florida!
A coalition engaging communities, families and individuals in outdoor experiences.
The health of children is at stake, but so is the health of the earth. Studies show that conservationists or any adults with environmental awareness had some transcendent experience in nature when they were children. But if experiences in nature are radically reduced for future generations, where will stewards of the earth come from? - from The Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv
Get Outdoors Florida! (GOF!) Coalition A statewide educational initiative and outreach campaign to raise awareness about the importance of outdoor experiences, to motivate Floridians to engage in outdoor activities, particularly with their children, and to link Florida residents with the wealth of outdoor resources the state has to offer.
Get Outdoors Florida! Coalition Recognized by Florida Governor Charlie Crist Partners Include: • Federal and State agencies • Local/Municipal agencies • Educators • Healthcare providers • Nonprofit organizations • Businesses
Get Outdoors Florida! Coalition Mission
Engaging communities, families and individuals in outdoor experiences to achieve healthier lifestyles and to sustain Florida’s natural resources.
Vision
A healthy Florida community that is connected with nature, reflects social diversity and exhibits a conservation ethic enhanced by enjoyment of safe and sustainable outdoor recreational opportunities.
Florida Children’s Bill of Rights Every child has the right to: • Swim in a healthy lake • Build a sandcastle, or outdoor fort • Camp out under the stars • Climb a tree • Catch a fish • Hike a path • Watch a bird • Listen to a cricket, bird or frog • Smell a wildflower • Explore nature • Volunteer to help wildlife • Celebrate Florida’s heritage
Goals of GOF! • Communicate benefits of going outdoors • Share information • Utilize Get Outdoors Florida! website • Establish annual GOF! Day • Establish a partnership symposium • Supports conservation education programs • Create outdoor events and programs • Encourage and support local GOF! programs • Remove barriers and increase access to programs • Expand participant diversity • Facilitate partnerships and funding opportunities • Document impacts of coalition activities
Changing Times • 20% of children obese today (4% in 1960s) • Rise of ADHD, diabetes, depression in young • Less freedom to roam • Limited outdoor play • Physical activity down • Hours in front of t.v. and computer is up
Research-proven Benefits Children who spend more time outdoors: • Perform better academically • Play more creatively • Have lower stress levels • Have more active imaginations • Become fitter and leaner • Experience fewer symptoms of ADHD/ADD • Develop stronger immune systems • Have greater respect for themselves, others and the environment
Breadth of Movement • Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv • No Child Left Inside www.eenclb.org
• Children & Nature Network www.childrenandnature.org
• National Forum on Children and Nature www.forumonchildrenandnature.org
• Project Learning Tree www.plt.org
• Nature Rocks www.naturerocks.org
• 38 other states with similar groups • Media attention • International efforts
How you can help • Become a partner Join the growing number of organizations and businesses working together to have a positive, statewide impact on conservation, stewardship, health, society, and our children.
• Participate
Have GOF! programs, speakers, information at your events
• Create
Design new programs, one-day, and multi-day events to get outdoors
• Sponsor programs and events We will be a 501(c)3 non-profit
• Network
Add your outdoor related events and activities to the list at www.getoutdoorsflorida.com
• Donate We will be a 501(c)3 non-profit
• Spread the word • Get outdoors!
Sponsorship Opportunities Sponsors from the fields of health, conservation, development, green living, education, environment, outdoor recreation, children’s welfare and many others can benefit from the relevance of the topic and the exposure offered by Get Outdoors Florida! Bird Watcher: Less than $1000/year Weekend Camper: $1000-$5000/year Trail Blazer: More than $5001/year Sponsors receive the following benefits: • Recognition and link on the GOF! website • Branding presence • Event participation
Support the health of our State and our children . . .
Get Outdoors Florida!