Boy Scouts of America® Great Salt Lake Council

Here's a question and answer from an interview with former University of Utah professor and current vice president of research and collections and chief curator at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, Scott Sampson, PhD, regarding the need youth have to connect to nature:

"Can you talk a little bit about some of the science behind the need for a human-nature connection?" 

"It turns out to be critical for our physical, mental, and emotional development. 

"Kids who engage in regular outdoor play have better motor skills and are better able to navigate the world safely with that experience. 

"Intellectually, kids are more creative. They will play longer in a natural playground as opposed to a metal one because they’re using their creativity. A stick can be a light saber, a writing instrument, etc. They’re actually problem-solving a lot — they’re better understanding the world through play. It’s essential to kid brains. 

"Emotionally, play in natural spaces reduces bullying. Kids tend to be more social with each other; they tend to play longer and are more engaged. Kids who don’t get nature play are impoverished relative to kids who do. 

"The impact it has on the trajectory of kids’ lives — it actually causes their brains to grow differently. They’re able to use the world as a place to go and relax. They’re better able to navigate risk when they get older. 

"The Japanese have found that if they send people out to the forest, it has tremendous recuperative effects. Kids’ lives are pretty stressful these days. Having the ability for them to chill out and relax can be really important to their lives as well. If you want to reduce your stress level, one of the best things you can do is go outside and walk around. Scientists have measured cortisol (also known as the “stress hormone”) levels in the hair and found there is less in those who play in nature."

Here's the link to the interview: http://www.acacamps.org/resource-library/camping-magazine/putting-nature-perspective-interview-scott-sampson-phd?