Press Release - Kids' Outdoor Bill of Rights Announced
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WEDNESDAY, JULY 15, 2009
CONTACT:
Ellen Dumm, 303.829.0194 (cell), Ellen.dumm@state.co.us
Lt. Gov. O'Brien Announces Colorado Kids' Outdoor Bill of Rights
Lt. Gov. Barbara O'Brien today released the Colorado Outdoor Bill of Rights, ten activities Colorado kids told her they believe everyone in the state should have an opportunity to experience before they grow up. She made the announcement on the steps of the Denver Museum of Nature & Science (DMNS).
"There are thousands of outdoor activities in Colorado for kids," said Lt. Gov. O'Brien. "These are just a few favorites that kids told us they enjoy and think others should have an opportunity to experience. It's a great starting point to ensure that our kids have a healthy relationship with the outdoors, which in the end, will make them healthier, ready to learn, and more balanced."
After the announcement, ten teenagers from ELK (Environmental Learning for Kids) had an opportunity to learn about the science of their bodies at the Museum's newest exhibition, Expedition Health.
"We share a common goal of creating new generations who are good stewards of both the outdoors and themselves," said Dr. Bridget Coughlin, Deputy Chief Curator at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.
Recent studies have shown that the time kids spend outdoors has been cut in half over the last 20 years, while obesity rates have doubled. One national study said kids spend an average of six and a half hours a day connected to something electronic.
Lt. Gov. O'Brien is visiting 11 communities around the state this summer holding forums where she is talking about the barriers and benefits of reconnecting kids to the outdoors. As a part of that effort, she asked for suggestions from Colorado kids about their favorite activities and what should be included in the Colorado Kids' Outdoor Bill of Rights. She received hundreds of suggestions from across the state. A group of judges representing nonprofit organizations, business, state agencies, local officials, sportsmen, education and others voted on the suggestions.
With help from ELK, Lt. Gov. O'Brien unveiled the following activities:
- Camp out under the stars
- Follow a trail -- ride it, walk it, and be respectful of everyone's right to use the trail.
- Play in a creek or river -- fish, wade, paddle or skip a stone.
- Experience the wonders of Colorado's four seasons: wildflowers, abundant sunshine, the changing aspen leaves and fresh powder snow.
- Visit a working farm or ranch.
- Enjoy the view from the top of a mountain.
- Identify Colorado's official state wildlife and plants in their natural habitat.
- Explore one of Colorado's dozens of local, state and national parks.
- Play in the dirt and learn about the world from the ground up.
- Plant a seed for other Colorado kids to enjoy in the future.
The full Outdoor Bill of Rights text is available inEnglish and Spanish.
Lt. Gov. O'Brien's Colorado Kids Outdoors Tour continues Friday, July 17 in Salida and on July 30 in Pueblo.
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