Youth Programming Toolkit
Youth Development & Nature
We partnered with the Outdoor Foundation, Search Institute, and Fresh Tracks to better understand the intersection of youth development and nature-based programming. This work, made possible with funding from the S.D. Bechtel Jr. Foundation, resulted 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 literature review of current research from the two fields 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.
Toolkit Components
This suite of resources supports youth development and nature-based organizations serving youth and young adults ages 16 to 24.
Youth Development & Nature Framework
A visual framework for understanding the outcomes, methods, and strategies for coupling youth development and nature-based programs.
Webinar Recording: Integrating Youth Development and Nature for Youth to Reach Their Full Potential
A webinar presentation of all findings, stories and tools related to C&NN’s Bechtel funded project on youth development and nature (October 2020).
Nature Connection for Youth Development Research Digest
A compilation of research associated with youth development in nature (September 2020).
Presentation of the Literature Review
A recording from the C&NN InsideOut! Summit Youth Development Action Area of Search Institute overviewing literature related to Youth Development and Nature (coming soon).
Literature Review Executive Summary
A summary of findings at the intersection of Youth Development and Nature.
Literature Review Deck
A slide deck for understanding and presenting on effective practices in youth development and nature-based programs.
Webinar Recording: Making the Case for the Long-term Investment in the Development of Young Leaders
A research and young leader perspective on the opportunity and outcomes of investing in the development of young leaders.
Development of Young Leaders Research Digest
A compilation of research on how young people become leaders in the environmental movement and the movement to reconnect people to nature (September 2018).
Program Reflection Questionnaire
Questionnaire for nature-based and youth-serving organizations to assess where their programs situate on the continuum of integration of youth development and nature engagement practices.
Nature Leaders Assessment Tool
A questionnaire for youth serving and nature-based organizations to understand where they fit on the continuum of youth development and nature (coming soon).
Youth Development and Nature Mapping
A survey for sharing action people/organizations are taking towards the intersection of Youth Development & Nature (coming soon).
Webinar Recording: The Role of Youth Leadership in Connecting Children to Nature
Explores the potential of youth engagement, leadership and stewardship activities to foster nature connection in cities.
Development of this toolkit was supported by:
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