New Youth Outdoor Policy Playbook Released

New Youth Outdoor Policy Playbook helps legislators and community leaders advance policies that get kids outside

Lawmakers across the U.S. are increasingly aware that playing and learning outdoors is critical for children’s health, well-being and academic success. They also recognize that children’s connection to the natural world is tied to the future of their states’ outdoor economies and natural resources. The recently launched Youth Outdoor Policy Playbook shares bipartisan policy initiatives and resources to support statewide efforts to increase youth engagement in the outdoors.

The Youth Outdoor Policy Playbook’s policy and investment recommendations reflect the understanding that community wellbeing, social and environmental justice, and health of the natural world are inextricably linked. Connecting youth to regular, high quality outdoor experiences and environmental education has proven benefits for public health, education, workforce development, youth leadership development, economic development and conservation. 

The Playbook is designed to share the knowledge and experience of outdoor engagement and education champions to drive new, innovative ideas. Playbook users will benefit from:

• A framework of guiding principles for effective policy initiatives;
• Expertly curated research that helps make the case for youth outdoor engagement;
• A library of successful and emerging policy initiatives that connect kids with nature and support environmental education; and,
• Opportunities for cross sector leaders to connect.