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Blog Entries - youth development

A young person holds up a pride flag and smiles

LGBTQ+ Youth Thrive in Supportive Environments

June 27, 2025    inclusive environments, LGBTQ+ youth, pride month, supportive adults, youth development, youth mental health, youth programs, youth recreation

Research shows that the discrimination experienced by LGBTQ+ youth because of their identities is linked to an increased risk of suicide and lack of access to mental health care. This finding comes from a 2024 survey of

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two young people bike past the camera while holding up peace signs
Photo courtesy of CREATE

CREATE Cyclists Gain More Than Bike Skills

May 29, 2025    bicycle ride across georgia, bikepacking, center for recreation education arts technology and enterprise, cultural connection, intergenerational recreation, long distance cycling, outdoor leadership, outdoor recreation, youth cycling, youth development

In outdoor education, the recreation activities often look like the most exciting part. Whether it’s canoeing, cycling, or hiking, it’s easy to get caught up in counting miles, comparing gear, or assessing

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A group of people sit around a Brown Girls Climb flag next to a cliff
Photo courtesy of Brown Girls Climb

Three Years of the Get Into Nature Initiative Yields Positive Results

January 21, 2025    access to nature, community organizations, equity outdoors, Get into nature, grantee support, national recreation foundation, philanthropic funding, toms of maine, youth development

The National Recreation Foundation has collaborated with Tom’s of Maine since 2020 to increase access to nature for youth across the United States. The Get Into Nature initiative has allowed NRF to reach small,

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