Each charitable donation to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is like a ray of sunshine for children's health. That's especially the case for one of the projects made possible through the kindness of AAP donors.
Supported by AAP gifts,
Taking it Outside: Nature & Child Health Convening aims to help children get the
physical activity they need, but too often lack, by spending time outdoors.
Learn more about AAP philanthropy and helping the academy make a difference for children and families. Many children today find it hard to pull away from digital devices or don't have access to safe places to play outside. Chronic disease and mental illness can rise with a lack of physical and social activity. By working with families and communities to balance screen time and provide safe outdoor spaces, this project seeks aims to help more children enjoy outdoor activities and experience nature in a meaningful way.
The great outdoors: great for kids
As a first step, the AAP held a virtual strategic planning meeting that allowed a broader group of AAP members to plan and set the stage for future activities. Those initial plans laid the groundwork to raise awareness of the proven physical and mental health benefits of time in nature.
The projects also seeks to expand access to natural settings for every child and increase children's participation in nature experiences. Participants seek to strengthen public commitment to preserve, enhance and expand natural settings.
"I am so grateful that I got to spend my time with like-minded people who value children and nature as I do. It has given me lots of hope and happiness!" said Sheela Mahnke, MD, FAAP, who practices pediatrics in Colorado. Dr. Mahnke and her enthusiastic colleagues are eager to move forward.
The funding allowed for follow-up surveys to gather information that will help inform a future AAP policy statement and resources. Member of local AAP chapters can use these to put policy recommendations into action for children.
This project has an exciting future ahead. An organized plan to promote outdoor activities could help a lot of kids, especially children with pre-existing emotional challenges or facing societal inequities. Through the generosity of AAP donors, it will help transform the landscape for kids, literally and figuratively.
If you'd like to donate to the AAP Friends of Children fund and make more projects like these possible, visit here.
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