Nature & Kids

“Children who feel a connection with the natural world are happier, healthier, and smarter.” Richard Louv
Knowing that we connect kids to the natural world is one of my favorite things about camp. Kids are outside and connected to NATURE whether they attend summer camp or a school year program. I think most of us probably have a favorite memory of time spent outside either alone, with peers or an important adult. I remember CYO Camp and my grandparent’s backyard as two outdoor spaces where I could roam and explore. I have such wonderful memories of both places.
At camp I played in the creek, ran among the trees, sought out raccoon and deer, rode horses, and basked in the sun! I was immersed in the natural world and was having the time of my life with friends and counselors.
In my grandparents backyard I explored a garden, sandbox, a creek, trees, sun, sky and more! From this experience I learned where my food comes from, how to care for the neighborhood creek (never litter) and just “be.”
Those early outdoor experiences at camp eventually led me to a career connecting other people with nature. I love what camp does. When we connect kids to nature we connect them to God, to each other, to the greater community and to the future. As we get busy with Fall school groups my greatest hope is that we can reach more kids than we did last year.  
Yours in the Outdoors,
Angi Sullivan, CYO Camp Co-Director
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