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Decline of Youth Participation: Outdoor Recreation

February 10, 2016

The National Recreation Foundation is “dedicated to enhancing the role of recreation as a positive force in improving the quality of life of youth. We do this by investing in recreation programs directed at those who

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A child shades their eyes while holding a water bottle

Extreme Heat Poses Risks to Youth Recreation

Spring is here, which means it’s the time of year when temperatures start rising and lots of people start spending more time outside. While there are many fun outdoor activities available year round, warmer weather

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A group of young people stand in the street holding signs

The Link Between Environment and Mental Health

Many traditional indicators of youth well-being are showing positive trends. Drug use, smoking, and pregnancy rates are down among teenagers and high school graduation rates are on the rise. This is good news, but the

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A group of youth ski together in snowy woods
Photo courtesy of SheJumps

Story Riders and SheJumps Foster Confidence in Kids

Kids are navigating a lot. They are working hard in school, figuring out social dynamics, balancing family responsibilities, and discovering what they care about and who they want to be. That’s a lot for a young

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Kids sit with technology on steps outside

Investing in Evaluation Supports Long-term Program Goals

Evaluation may feel intimidating at first, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming or stressful. Once you have a few tools to help you get started and some support along the way, evaluation can be rewarding… and

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Two boys stand with fishing gear and smile big at the camera
Photo courtesy of The Humble Hustle

New Cohort of Outdoor Grantees Invites Youth Outside

Across all of our grant programs, NRF is ultimately working towards a world in which all kids can spend time outside in ways they enjoy and feel prepared to contribute meaningfully to a better future for themselves,

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A group of people stand in a circle outside with their arms around each other
Photo courtesy of Zuni Youth Enrichment Project

Communities of Care: Siċaŋġu Health Initiative and Zuni Youth Enrichment Project

Often, the real magic of successful youth programs is creating a community of care. Care for each other, care for oneself, and care for the environment are at the root of the work NRF grantees do with kids. While these

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