Resources for Teachers and Youth Leaders

Online Resource Center for all Teachers and Youth Leaders.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources appreciates the dedication of Ohio educators who are committed to leading Ohio’s youth into the outdoors. Please make use of the valuable resources below as you help Ohio’s young people discover the excitement and diversity of our natural world.

What is Explore the Outdoors?

Explore the Outdoors Ohio is a comprehensive program developed to provide adults with an easy guide to lead Ohio’s young people into the outdoors so that they may, together, enjoy the many benefits of the natural world. It provides a selection of outdoor activities that adults and children can enjoy together and rewards young people who complete the activities.

Explore the Outdoors Activity Guide

Booklet contains 13 activity ideas and information for young people. (view or download here) For multiple copies, call 614-784-7529 or email explore@dnr.state.oh.us.

Explore the Outdoors Codes

Did you complete an Explore the Outdoors activity, but were unable to find the activity code? Click here to download the codes for 2010/2011.

Explore the Outdoors Teacher Guide

Packet contains a variety of activities that educators can do with their students that meet state curriculum standards click to download

Tell Others about Explore the Outdoors

If you find this program exciting and valuable, chances are others will as well. Download the Explore the Outdoors summary and post it to your MySpace, Facebook or other social networking sites. Click to download

Explore the Outdoors News Release

If your classroom or school is taking part in Explore the Outdoors, please download and complete this news release. If you need assistance contacting the media, contact Heidi Hetzel-Evans at 614-265-6860.

Explore the Outdoors in the Media

Explore the Outdoors is making headlines. Click to read articles about the program, events and how it is making an impact on Ohio children.

Other Useful Information and Resources

Get ‘Em Outside video – This video celebrates the value of environmental education. Richard Louv, Nature Clubs on Today Show – NBC’s Today Show featured a report on nature–deficit disorder and one parent’s efforts to help other families connect with nature. Childhood Pastimes are Increasingly Moving Indoors.

Statistical Summaries

Active Living Research, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
Childhood obesity stats and facts, National Association of Children’s Hospitals and Related Institutions

Studies and Research

Outdoor Recreation Participation Report, The Outdoor Foundation
Kids Picking TV over Trees, The Nature Conservancy

News Reports

Remember ‘go outside and play?’, LA Times Commentary
Fears Keep Children Indoors, BBC
No Outdoor Play Hurts Children, BBC
Young Not Allowed Out to Play, BBC
Child Obesity is at Crisis Point, ESPN
Childhood Pastimes Increasingly Move Indoors, USA Today
As Childhood Obesity Rates Rise, Youth Outdoor Participation Declines, Medical News Today
Hyper-Parenting, Little Time for Nature, TVOParents.org

Feedback

ODNR appreciates your partnership and values your opinions. Please let us know if you have feedback on the Explore the Outdoors program. Send a message to explore@dnr.state.oh.us or call 614. 784. PLAY (7529).