Blog

Blog Entries - youth development

Kids run towards the camera while smiling

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,

read more …
A young person holds up a pride flag and smiles

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

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

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

read more …
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

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,

read more …