Raleigh Parks Winter-Spring 2024 Leisure Ledger

City of Oaks Foundation Urges Children to Get Outside Keeping nature nearby for all to enjoy—this mission is at the heart of the City of Oaks Foundation’s goal for Raleigh. The connection to the outdoors is fundamental to the health and well-being of everyone, but especially children . American children today spend less than 10 minutes a day on unstructured outdoor play, according to the National Recreation and Park Association. The rapidly growing role of technology in our world and the increased urbanization of our communities are just some of the reasons that experts have given for the limited time children now spend outside in nature. The City of Oaks Foundation wants to help children grow into stronger and healthier adults who will be connected to their environment. Part of educating children about nature is simply giving them the opportunity to spend more time outside. Give Play is the City of Oaks’ premier youth program. A partnership with Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources, Give Play allows us to provide financial assistance to help children participate in the City’s incredible summer camps and nature programs, getting them outdoors and active, making friends and building an appreciation of natural settings and physical activity that will last a lifetime.

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Give Play also introduces many children to outdoor sports such as hiking, climbing, canoeing and mountain biking, and helps them build self-confidence and important social skills. Recently, programs like outdoor arts and crafts have been added as a means for more creative and contemplative activities. Through these camps, local youth have safe and healthy ways to spend their summers Our Give Play initiative strives to remove cost as a barrier for children’s participation in the nature play programs Raleigh offers. Additionally, the Foundation’s land conservation programs help landowners who want to leave a legacy by setting aside their forests, farms, gardens and streams as conservation land and future public parks. By supporting the City of Oaks Foundation with your tax-deductible contribution, you will help reverse our nature deficit and help maintain a great outdoors for a great Raleigh!

For more information: visit www.cityofoaksfoundation.org call us at (919)355-6998 , or send us mail to: City of Oaks Foundation, PO Box 6147, Raleigh, NC 27628. The City of Oaks Foundation, a great outdoors for a great Raleigh!

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Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources