We have all seen the statistics. Research from AB1330 found that students who attend overnight outdoor education experiences perform 27% higher on standardized test scores. Additionally, a San Francisco Chronicle article wrote, “At-risk youngsters with no past orientation to the outdoors who were placed in outdoor clinics later scored 27 percent higher in science, and also improved their ability to work out conflicts and problems.” The article stated; “children who are active and enlightened in the outdoors grow up healthier and wiser, especially in science, are self-aware and excited about nature. As adults, they are more likely to take care of parks, water and wildlife they have learned to love.” Effective environmental education experiences should be integral in today’s educational offerings to youth.

Today, after participating in my first Big Ideas Fest I understand and support the benefits of what The Big Ideas Fest sponsored by ISKME provides to education professionals. Over the course of three days individuals across a number of fields within education; informal, traditional classroom educators, funding agencies, academia and other youth enrichment nonprofits; all came together to put their time, energy, resource and creativity towards developing solutions that would improve the education system today, and would be more cost effective and streamlined at meeting the needs of classroom teachers. Working in small groups, these cohorts worked to design, prototype and scale a solution facing educators today. Throughout the conference I was surprised how many of the activities reminded me of outdoor school. Groups of adults were made to perform and participate in improve activities and work together as a team to create a product. Individuals were taken out of their comfort zone, and asked to take a chance and reach out and bring their creativity, inspiration and passion to help solve an issue facing education today. So over the three days my cohort came together, created art, brainstormed, developed a culture and a strong sense of pride in our ideas.

The natural world, along with education today is balancing in a delicate place. Just as naturalists spend countless hours creating small moments that inspire wonder and awe in the world around us; The Big Ideas Fest highlighted countless stories of success, of individuals that dedicate their lives to help make education accessible for all students. If education were an ecosystem we would be posting the sign “Restoration in Progress” and sending in the work parties. Education is in need of the same balance a healthy ecosystem exhibits. The Big Ideas Feast exposed the challenges within education.

So what did I learn after three days? There is an incredible wealth of information and resources out there for individuals wishing to advocate for their own education. If the traditional classroom model doesn’t work then go out and find what does – there are individual and businesses out there to help you. Most importantly, don’t give up. With any evolution it takes time and dedicated individuals pulling and pushing for change each step of the way. It is up to all of us to not sit idly by waiting for someone else to make change happen.

Looking towards the future it is important that our voices of the informal, of the natural world not go unheard. I now know, we have good people, in our corner helping us to make sure these opportunities continue to thrive for future generations. I hope more colleagues and friends will consider joining me again next year at The Big Ideas Fest 2012.

Help ENH by logging on today and vote at the Santa Cruz and Felton stores. Voting is open through the end of May – please support ENH and vote!

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Additionally, on December 24th as a way to thank their customers Peet’s Coffee will be handing out complimentary cups of coffee and tea all day as a way of thanking their customers for making charitable contributions throughout the holiday season.

So stop by the Peets Coffee in Scotts Valley at 214 Mt. Hermon Rd. Scotts Valley, CA 95066 between now and December 24th and enjoy a drink and make a contribution to ENH!

The North Face Explore Fund™ Grant Recipients Announced
Program Awards $52,000 to 21 organizations in California’s Bay Area

San Leandro, CA – October 19, 2010 – The North Face today announced that the Explore Fund™ (www.explorefund.org), a grant-giving program supporting nonprofit, community organizations that break down the barriers to getting youth outdoors, is awarding $52,000 to 21 organizations with projects that will affect over 16,000 young people and families in the Bay Area. The grants are part of the inaugural commitment of $250,000 from The North Face Explore Fund, administered by The Outdoor Foundation.

In recent years, The North Face along with industry partners including the Outdoor Foundation, has witnessed a decline in outdoor participation and has made strides to work against the trend. Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) studies have found outdoor participation declines with age. Over the past three years the participation rate of youth ages 6 to 12 fell almost 20 percent for girls and 10 percent for boys. The OIA states this potential trend could negatively impact the future of conservation efforts that rely on individuals with a strong connection to and an understanding of natural systems and recreational landscapes.

The North Face originally announced the Explore Fund program in June at the first ever Outdoor Nation Youth Summit in New York City, asking nonprofit organizations to submit their applications. Hundreds of grant applications requesting more than $400,000 in support were received.

“Our goal is to get more people outside, having fun and exploring their world in ways that are meaningful to them,” said Steve Rendle, President of The North Face and VF Outdoor Americas. “We’re thrilled to be able to support these incredible organizations who work so hard to provide outdoor education and experiences. This, along with other initiatives such as PlanetExplore, our online community that helps individuals and families discover local outdoor recreational activities, will help to achieve this very important goal.”

Organizations that were awarded funds in the Bay area include Bay Area Wilderness Training (Oakland), Golden Gate Audubon Society (Berkeley), Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy( San Francisco), Student Conservation Association (Oakland), and Youth Enrichment Strategies (Richmond). These programs will provide a variety of opportunities, including environmental education, an outdoor children’s planting project, an outdoor youth ambassadors program, and mountain biking.

Thank you Curtis for supporting our students, and all you are doing to help make the world a better place.

Days at the SVOS garden have been filled making edible art with the lemon cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce and other delicious greens growing in the garden. The fruit trees are filled with apples and pears and this year, for an ENH first, students are able to sign up to help milk our goat, Gracie.

Last night after a rocking boogie we heard a western screech owl calling into the night while the naturalist Poppy told a story to send us off to bed. Tonight: skit night on the Autumnal Equinox!