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Blog Entries - youth development

Summer Camps Help Kids Grow
The summer camp industry in the U.S. dates back to the mid-1800s. Thomas W. Gunn established the Gunnery Camp, a camping program exclusively for his all-male students, in 1861 in Connecticut. Only thirteen years later,

LGBTQ+ Youth Thrive in Supportive Environments
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

CREATE Cyclists Gain More Than Bike Skills
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

Three Years of the Get Into Nature Initiative Yields Positive Results
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,