Healthy Kids Outdoors Act Introduced
The Healthy Kids Outdoors Act (HKOA) was just introduced by Senator Mark Udall (D-CO) and Congressman Ron Kind (D-WI).
Congressman Kind stated, “Young people today spend less time engaged in outdoor activity than any other generation in history, which takes a serious physical and mental toll on them at a critical time in their development. This bill provides tools for our state and local leaders to find new opportunities to promote active, healthy outdoor lifestyles to our kids. And by starting early in life, young people are more likely to care for their health and their natural surroundings as adults who will then pass those values on to future generations.”
“Coloradans know our mountains, parks and open spaces are essential to our special way of life. But as study after study shows childhood obesity rates are increasing, we must do more to connect our kids with opportunities for outdoor adventure,"Senator Udall said. "The Healthy Kids Outdoors Act supports local initiatives across the United States to ensure our kids everywhere have access to outdoor recreational opportunities and they can reap the numerous benefits of an active lifestyle."
Read OAK’s press statement and joint release from Senator Udall and Congressman Kind.
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Kids to Parks Day was launched in 2011 by OAK Member, National Park Trust. Congratulations NPT on another successful Kids to Park Day!! |
Kids to Park ResolutionJune is Great Outdoors Month
In recognition of the diverse wealth of natural beauty found in America’s great outdoors, President Barack Obama has issued a proclamation establishing June 2014 as Great Outdoors Month.
President Barack Obama stated,“My Administration remains committed to developing the next generation of environmental stewards. We created the 21st Century Conservation Service Corps, which provides quality jobs, career pathways, and service opportunities for young people and veterans. We are working to bring public lands into the classroom and to extend educational opportunities to millions of children. And through First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move Outside! initiative, we are encouraging children to get active while getting to know the great outdoors.”
Great Outdoors America Week June 23-26
During Great Outdoors Month, OAK will be participating in Great Outdoors America Week to raise the visibility of the importance of connecting kids with the outdoors on Capitol Hill and with the Administration. Many OAK members will be participating in events and lobby visits throughout the week. Here is our most current list of all the activities in events going on throughout the week. We hope to see you there!
Great Outdoors America Week Schedule of Events:
| MONDAY, JUNE 23 | |
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5:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
Welcome Reception at the Wilderness Society, 1615 M Street NW, Washington DC |
| TUESDAY, JUNE 24 | |
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8:30 AM - 10:00 AM |
Launch of the 50 for 50th Project at The Wilderness Society, 1615 M Street NW, Washington DC |
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12:30 PM - 2:00 PM |
Children & Nature Network Natural Leaders Program, Latinos and America's Great Outdoors at Room SD-562 of the Senate Office Building |
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5:00 PM - 8:15 PM |
Expedition Denali Film Premier/ Inspiration Tour event at the Jefferson Auditorium, USDA, 1400 Independence Ave, SW |
| WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25 | |
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9:00 AM - 12:00 PM |
OAK Youth Outdoors Event at Bladensburg Waterfront Park, 4601 Annapolis Road, Bladensburg, MD 20710 |
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4:00 PM - 5:00 PM |
Group Photo, Location TBD |
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6:00 PM - 8:00 PM |
Congressional Celebration at The Mott House, 122 Maryland Ave. NE, Washington DC |
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Protecting Youth Programs in the Interior Appropriations Budget Last month, OAK called on the Senate Interior Appropriations subcommittee to provide adequate funding for youth programs, including the 21st Century Conservation Service Corps. Our letter also urged the subcommittee to adequately fund the operational accounts of our public lands management agencies. Thanks to all the OAK members who signed on to our letter of support. |
June 7th is AHS’s National Trail Day!
Saturday, June 7, 2014, marks American Hiking Society’s 22nd annual National Trails Day®, America's largest celebration of trails, outdoor recreation, and volunteer stewardship.
Thousands of public events will be hosted nationwide and hundreds of thousands of trail enthusiasts will be outside as they hike, pedal, and paddle through some of America’s most beautiful areas.
We hope you join us outdoors on Saturday to celebrate!
ATC - Family Hiking Day on September 27th
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) is looking to partner with organizations working with youth to lead hikes on the Appalachian Trail for Family Hiking Day on September 27, in conjunction with National Public Lands Day.
If your organization is interested in learning more and partnering with ATC on this event, please contact Julie Judkins, jjudkins@appalachiantrail.org.
ICYMI OAK Members Have Been Blogging
5 Ways to Celebrate Kids to Parks Day by Jessica Culverhouse, National Recreation and Park Association
Juan Martinez Talks Green Play to Green Pay Initiative by Juan Martinez, The North Face Ambassador
Want to contribute to OAK’s blog or social media platforms? We want to hear from you. Submit your request now!
OAK Events Calendar
| June 7, 2014 | AHS's National Trails Day |
| June 23-26, 2014 | Great Outdoors America Week |
| June 25, 2014 - 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM ET | OAK Youth Outdoors Event |
| September 27, 2014 | ATC's Family Hiking Day |
| September 27, 2014 | National Public Lands Day |
Is your organization hosting a conference or event that you would like featured on OAK’s event calendar? Submit your request now!
OAK Call/Meeting Calendar
| June 10, 2014 - 3:30 - 4:30 PM ET (repeats monthly, 2nd Tuesday) | Next State & Local Action Team Call |
| June 11, 2014 - 4:00 - 5:00 PM ET (repeats monthly, 2nd Wednesday) | Next National Policy Action Team Call |
| September 8, 2014 - 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM ET | OAk Annual Partner Membership Meeting in Washington DC |
| September 8, 2014 - 4:00 PM ET | OAK Annual Partner Membership Happy Hour in Washington DC |
| September 9, 2014 - 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM ET | OAK Advocacy Day in Washington DC |
| November 18, 2014 - 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM ET | OAK Fourth Quarter Partner Membership Call |
Help Us Grow OAK
Do you know another business or organization that share’s OAK’s mission to expand the number and quality of opportunities for children, youth and families to connect with the outdoors? Encourage them to become a member and refer them to our Join OAK page!