Kansans for Children in Nature

On April 13, 2009, former Governor Kathleen  Sebelius signed Executive Order 09-02 creating the Kansas Coalition for  Children in Nature (KCCN). The KCCN was formed to foster Kansas youth’s  appreciation of the outdoors. “Kansas is blessed with an abundance of  natural beauty and this coalition will work to make sure Kansas children  experience all that our state has to offer,” Sebelius said.  “Environmental education is the first step toward helping our children  learn to protect and preserve our planet.” The KCCN will promote outdoor learning  experiences and environmental education for the young people of Kansas and  provide ongoing support for these endeavors. Subsequent to the signing of the Executive  Order, Governor Mark Parkinson appointed conveners and outlined the tasks for  the KCCN. The conveners established three work groups to  create plans addressing the outcomes of the identified Executive Order. 1.  Environmental Education – formal  learning experiences for children in a variety of settings.     2.  Outdoor Experiences &  Recreation – experiences including play, recreation, exploration, etc.     3.  Health – time and access to  nature; relationships to children’s health. The Plan was completed in the fall of 2011 and  subsequently endorsed by Governor Sam Brownback.  The name of the  conveners was shortened to the Kansans for Children in Nature (KCN). The KCN Plan may be found at the website for the  Kansas Association for Conservation and Environmental Education, the host site  for the Kansans for Children in Nature information.  At this site the  following documents can be found.  1)  The KCN Executive Order, 2)  The KCN Plan, 3) Governor Brownback’s Endorsement letter, and 4)  The KCN  Endorsement form for organizations. http://www.kacee.org/kansas-coalition-children-nature JOIN the Kansans for Children in Nature Today!   Kansas Kids are Our Future!

Students – Elementary to High School,  College-aged & Young Adults

Elementary aged students