PRC Newsletter - May 2021 - Nature Engagement

C&NN Infographic

Helping Youth Achieve Their Full Potential Through Nature Engagement

Youth development and nature-based programming are both broad fields that employ a wide range of approaches to achieve outcomes. What important outcomes might be achieved when principles from both approaches are thoughtfully and effectively integrated? This question is the focus of an initiative at the Children & Nature Network (C&NN) aimed at building the capacity of youth-serving organizations to effectively utilize nature to enhance positive youth development outcomes. In partnership with the Outdoor Foundation, Search Institute, and Fresh Tracks – made possible with major funding from the S.D. Bechtel Jr. Foundation and general support from the Pisces Foundation – C&NN led an effort resulting in the development of tools and resources that unite youth development and nature-based programs around a common goal of helping youth reach their full potential as people – and as nature advocates. A Search Institute literature review of current research from the two fields and co-authored by Dr. Cathy Jordan, HYD-PRC faculty, Director of Leadership & Education for the University of Minnesota Institute on the Environment, and Consulting Director of Research for C&NN revealed best practices and complementary strategies for incorporating social-emotional learning into nature-based programming and the benefits of nature into youth development work. The information was further grounded through monthly conversations with thirteen community organizations over the course of a year, followed by a national workshop.

What are the potential outcomes?
Youth participating in nature-based programming grounded in positive youth development principles gain a deeper understanding of their capabilities and limitations; develop greater self-confidence, self-efficacy and self-esteem; build resilience; and develop an appreciation for nature, attachment to natural places, and a conservation and environmental justice ethos. In nature-based social activities youth develop a sense of belonging, build stronger relationships (youth-adult, peer-to-peer, and group cohesion) and have rich opportunities for developing social skills, group decision-making skills, flexibility and adaptability.

What are best practices at the intersection of nature and youth development?
Conservation and stewardship work; gardening, farming or urban agriculture activities; wilderness adventure; and nature-based camp experiences are examples of ideal opportunities for the integration of nature with youth development principles and practices. When thoughtfully integrated, nature is not the “backdrop” to youth development activities, but integral to the experience. Activities can be designed to deepen developmental opportunities through the physical, cognitive, emotional, social and leadership challenges and appropriate risks that are inherent in nature and nature-based programming. A strengths-based approach, high support/high expectations, experiential learning, social-emotional skill-building, and developmental relationships are youth development principles that translate easily to nature-based activities. Youth development programming practices that can be effectively integrated into nature-based activities include intentional time for guided self or group reflection; opportunities for leadership and followership; group activities requiring cooperation, communication, and conflict management; challenge activities; and opportunities for practicing inclusion and intentional relationship building. Thoughtful programs create culturally responsive spaces that invite youth to lead and grow in ways that respect, celebrate, and take seriously youth voices, identities and perspectives.

Good youth work can of course happen in many settings, but nature provides a unique opportunity for learning and development that also supports physical and mental wellbeing for all involved. For programmatic examples, resources, and an organizational self-assessment tool, visit C&NN’s resource library.

For more information on the Children & Nature Network or the UMN Institute on Environment, please email Dr. Jordan at [email protected].