Sandy Perchetti, one of Region 5’s Children and Nature Ambassadors, and volunteer and Friend, Barry Keefe, addressed the steering committee of AtlantiCare’s Healthy Schools, Healthy Children program.

AtlantiCare is a not-for-profit health care system based in Southern New Jersey that consists of hospitals and other health care services.  Its primary focus is to serve the community as a provider of health and wellness services.

The steering committee consists of representatives from 12 participating school districts in Atlantic County.  It meets on a quarterly basis to establish common goals and measurements, develop joint plans for activities, exchange information, document progress, and share “best practices.”

Sandy and Barry highlighted the Service’s People and Nature initiative and vision, and spoke of the many opportunities for families to connect with nature at Forsythe Refuge.  Three upcoming Children and Nature events were promoted -- Earth Day, TV Turn-Off Week, and the annual Hooked on Fishing – Not on Drugs derby for kids.

30 members of the steering committee were present for this presentation.