Exposure to nature is positively correlated to numerous benefits in children, including reduced stress levels, improved cognitive functioning, higher levels of concentration and academic performance and improved social skills. In this workshop, we will explore some of the deep challenges in research and implementation related to the role of nature contact on mental health of youth.
Schedule:
9-9:50 am: Panel Discussion
9:50-10:00: Break
10-10:28: Breakout/World Cafe Round 1
10:30-11:00: Breakout/World Cafe Round 2
11:00-11:05: Transition Time
11:05-11:55: Roundup / Next Steps (plenary)
11:55 am – 12 pm: Thank You / Adjourn
To begin the workshop, a panel discussion will explore the evidence for outdoor play and exposure to nature on the mental health of children, as well as some of the barriers to nature contact and the ways we can overcome them.
Moderator: David Berrigan, PhD, Program Officer, National Institute of Health
Panelists:
Following the panel discussion, participants and panelists will be placed in breakout rooms in smaller groups to continue discussing the topic using a World Cafe format.
Two 30-minute rounds of world cafe-style breakouts will be followed by a thirty-minute “roundup” that reports out on the findings of each breakout room.
The final thirty minutes of the workshop will synthesize the proceedings into next steps.
NOTE TO ALL PARTICIPANTS: Both the Panel Discussion and the Roundup / Next Steps will be recorded for later distribution. If you do not wish to be recorded, you are kindly asked not to participate in these elements of the workshop.