Submitted by Jo Joly, Families In Nature
The Children & Nature Network’s Nature Everywhere Conference 2024 was an inspiring event, bringing together educators, community leaders, and advocates from around the globe to champion the importance of connecting children with nature.
Set on the beautiful waters of Lake Monona in Madison, Wisconsin, USA, participants spent the week exploring successful case studies, learning about the latest research on the benefits of nature for children’s health and development, and engaging in hands-on activities that demonstrate practical applications of innovative programming and policy.
This marked my fourth conference with the Children and Nature Network, beginning in 2019 in Oakland, California. Over the years, I have grown immensely, both personally and professionally, through these conferences. In Oakland, I was a newcomer, eager to learn and find my place in the field. I remember the excitement of my first networking session, where I met like-minded people who would later become my close friends and collaborators.
Each conference since has been a stepping stone, deepening my understanding and passion for nature connection and the important part that I play in this movement. From sharing moments across ZOOM during a global pandemic to presenting a poster on the pipeline to green jobs in Atlanta, each connection I have made through C&NN and #NatureforAll has equipped me with knowledge, inspiration and most importantly, community. A community that I play an active role in. A community where I make a difference doing what I love, helping others connect deeply to their sense of place in the world, in nature where everyone belongs.
This year I reunited with old friends and made new connections. Through networking opportunities and engaging exhibits, many attendees, myself included, walked away empowered with the knowledge and tools needed to advocate for nature connection in our own communities.
From creating quality outdoor play environments across large organizations like Educare to the innovative retention strategies, burnout remedies, and internship programs at ELSO, the breadth of experience shared at this year’s conference highlights the diverse and impactful methods employed by leaders in the field to foster growth, resilience, and community engagement at all levels.
Through the #NatureForAll movement, we aim to inspire a love of nature in people of all ages and backgrounds, emphasizing the idea that everyone should have access to and benefit from nature. By uniting through collaboration, spaces like the Children & Nature Network Conference allow #NatureForAll partners and many other organizations to amplify our impact, advocating for policy changes and community-based solutions that support the health and well-being of both people and the planet.
This year I hosted a #NatureForAll exhibit with the organization I work for, Families in Nature. Families in Nature connects children and their families to nature and to each other through time spent learning, playing and volunteering outdoors in Austin, Texas. Through camping opportunities, day trips, experiential and placed based nature connection curriculum and more, Families in Nature has been taking people outside since 2008, with the goal of inspiring ALL people to fall in love with nature, fostering the next generation of conservationists.
We shared our resources alongside other #NatureForAll partners Parks Canada, Project Learning Tree, Take Me Outside, and the Outdoor Learning Store, highlighting the importance of community, collective action, and shared goals in promoting environmental stewardship, sustainability, and a love of nature.
Looking back, each conference has been a journey of growth, filled with learning, friendship, and a shared commitment to foster a better future for our children and our planet. From #NatureforAll and Families in Nature, we hope to see you next year!