A HOUSE RESOLUTION expressing support for healthy and active children in North Carolina and encouraging children to participate in outdoor activities.
Whereas, children across the State of North Carolina are losing their connection with our natural world, an alienation that threatens their health, quality of life, readiness for future job opportunities, and the future of our natural resources; and
Whereas, children who frequently spend time outdoors in nature have enhanced sensory perception, decreased attention difficulties, and lowered rates of physical and emotional illness and obesity; and
Whereas, studies show that participation in outdoor activities will lead to good citizenship, improved fitness, foster volunteer and community service, promote positive social behavior, improve quality family time, and develop stronger and all around more productive North Carolinians; and
Whereas, children who experience nature have significantly less stress, and free play in natural areas enhances children's problem‑solving ability, creativity, self‑esteem, and self‑discipline; and
Whereas, spending frequent time outdoors is also the best way to develop a connection to nature and thus build a foundation of environmental literacy and stewardship; and
Whereas, our State is endowed with a diverse natural landscape and has a longstanding commitment to its natural heritage, connecting its people to the land and passing its heritage and traditions to future generations; and
Whereas, our State is committed to ensuring all children have the opportunity to connect with nature at an early age and to build upon that connection throughout their lives; and
Whereas, our State is abundant in high‑quality natural places that offer both structured and unstructured outdoor experiences, such as environmental education centers, nature and science centers, State, national, and local parks, the zoo, aquariums, museums, educational State forests, wildlife centers, soil and water conservation districts, coastal reserves, arboretums, botanical gardens, camps, 4‑H centers, farms, cultural resource centers, and national wildlife refuges; and
Whereas, North Carolina is rich in educational initiatives, conservation organizations, federal, State, and local natural resource and recreation agencies, schools, and education and civic organizations that are all actively engaged in promoting environmental literacy and stewardship of natural resources; and
Whereas, children are happier and healthier the more they are outside; Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
SECTION 1.  The House of Representatives believes that every child in North Carolina should have the opportunity to discover, explore, and connect with natural spaces and wild places close to home, in neighborhoods, and cities throughout the State.
SECTION 2.  The House of Representatives recognizes the need to promote healthy and active children in North Carolina and encourages children's participation in outdoor activities.
SECTION 3.  This resolution is effective upon adoption.