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A young person stands looking down a trail with their back to the camera
Photo courtesy of the Charles Roundtree Bloom Project

Extreme Weather Affects Outdoor Access

Many factors influence our ability to engage in outdoor recreation. We need access to free time, transportation, gear, and information about participating safely. For many folks, there are added barriers of navigating

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A child squats in dirt and holds up muddy hands

Time in Nature is Even Better for Kids Than We Thought

We know that playing outside is beneficial for kids. New research shows that there may be even more positive health effects of time in nature than was previously understood. The mental health impacts of time in nature

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Three young people sit in grass with arms around each other

Outdoor Participation Trends Report Provides Key Industry Insights

The latest Outdoor Participation Trends Report tells us that the majority of Americans are engaging in outdoor recreation. The report, which is published annually by the Outdoor Industry Association and the Outdoor

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Kids in bright vests play together on a field
Photo courtesy of Beyond the Ball

New Impact Grants Support Newcomer Youth in Chicago

The Chicago area is now home to a significant number of newcomer families who have recently arrived in the United States. While it can be difficult to track exactly how many new arrivals have landed in Chicago, some

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A person stands with a lifeguard aid next to the ocean
Photo courtesy of Laru Beya Collective

Water Safety Skills are Essential

Summer is a great time to enjoy being in and around water for people of all ages. Whether its swimming at the local pool, time at the beach, paddling on a lake, or fishing in a river – water-based recreation helps us

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A group of kids gather around a counselor holding a turtle
Photo courtesy of Camp Fire

New Report Sheds Light on Gender Affirming Practices for Youth

NRF knows that outdoor recreation is a powerful tool for positive youth development. We also know that this can only be successful when everyone feels welcome and safe in every sense of the word – mentally,

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