Being outdoors has a wide range of benefits, especially for kids. Studies show that outside time can play a critical role in building positive physical activity habits, promoting mental wellbeing and enhancing cognitive development.
At the same time, children have never spent more time indoors. The average American child spends more than seven hours each day in front of an electronic screen and just 30 minutes of unstructured outdoor play, according to the National Wildlife Federation.
Luckily, Virginia’s natural landscape of rivers and watersheds to the Blue Ridge Mountains offers endless opportunities for learning and exploration. However, for some families, outdoor access may not be as straightforward due to limited transportation, resources, equipment or skills and training.
These four Virginia nonprofits are breaking down barriers, creating educational opportunities and ensuring every kid gets a chance to get outside.
Living Earth School
The Living Earth School is a nature connection and mentoring nonprofit based in central Virginia, specifically Charlottesville and Afton. For more than two decades, it has guided youth by the mission of “Earth Care, People Care.”
Through camps like Stepping Stones for young children and the Teen Apprentice Program for teens, the nonprofit invites youth to build a relationship with the natural world, themselves and one another, drawing on both ancient and modern nature-connection practices across the Blue Ridge Mountains. Programs range from single-day workshops and weekly homeschool classes to weekend expedition trips and longer immersive courses, giving young people ongoing, hands-on time outdoors rather than a one-off experience.
To help make that access possible for more families, the nonprofit has a scholarship fund used to help aid registration costs for some of the programming.
Make a donation to the scholarship fund or find volunteer opportunities here.
Blue Sky Fund
Based in Richmond, Blue Sky Fund works to close the outdoor experience gap and enrich learning curriculum for kids. Its Explorers program organizes free field trips to spots like Belle Isle and Pocahontas State Park for a dozen Title I Richmond Public Schools, reaching more than 1,800 elementary school students each year.
The nonprofit also partners with nine Richmond-area organizations through its Outdoor Adventure Club, teaching skills like fire building, river safety, camping and rock climbing to fifth graders to ninth graders.
“Whenever I’m in the woods, I feel so happy. I feel so energetic. I just love it here.”
-E’Myra, fourth grade student, Blackwell Elementary School, Explorers
Together, the two programs build resilience, leadership and a lasting connection to nature for Richmond youth who might not otherwise have easy access to it. Blue Sky Fund strategically links hands-on science instruction to Virginia Standards of Learning, connecting the classroom to the world around them.
To learn how to get involved, visit its website.
“Some people think that nature is scary, but, if you just sit on a bench and look at what’s around you, you’ll realize that it’s actually really beautiful. I really like the feeling of being able to calm down in nature.”-Chavon, fourth grade student, Overby Sheppard Elementary School, Explorers
Roanoke Outside Foundation
Serving Southwest Virginia, the Roanoke Outside Foundation partners with Roanoke Parks and Recreation for its Outdoor Adventure Club. Volunteer “Bigs” are paired with young teens from underserved communities for a year-long mentorship built around monthly outdoor activities like hiking, paddling, rock climbing, tubing and stargazing.
Other programming includes the Humble Hikes Program, which challenges young hikers while guiding them to achieve goals that build resilience, equipping youth with tools to handle life’s challenges. The Boys & Girls Club Biking program is a collaboration with Roanoke Star Cycling and provides weekly mountain biking practices for Boys and Girls Club members at Roanoke’s Morningside Bike Park.
“We build the events and the access points, so that getting outside isn’t something you have to be invited into or afford your way into,” said Pete Eshelman, senior director of creative services.
To learn more about mentorship opportunities or programming, visit its website.
Virginia Outdoor Adventure
Virginia Outdoor Adventure brings low- and no-cost outdoor experiences to youth groups across Hampton Roads. The trips are meant to build character and improve emotional, mental and physical fitness for participants under 21.
Rather than recruiting kids directly, Virginia Outdoor Adventure partners with existing local youth organizations, such as scout units, church groups and other nonprofit organizations, to reach youth who might not otherwise have access to boating, sailing and other outdoor pursuits in the region. The program has led activities ranging from sailing trips in the US Virgin Islands and the Bahamas to canoe camping trips on the James River in central Virginia.
To learn more or connect your organization, visit its website.
Whether it’s floating down the river or hiking up a mountain, these nonprofits are inspiring confidence in children across the state to conquer challenges, connect to their environment and build skills that will carry them through life.
