For the past 6 years, Boston-based Relief Riders International’s (RRI) humanitarian efforts in the Rajasthani desert have helped over 10,000 children – approximately 63% of the 16,000 villagers in the region.

Featured in magazines including Outside, Forbes, National Geographic Adventure, and The Oprah Magazine, Relief Riders International is an award-winning travel company whose trips combine adventure travel and humanitarian aid. Relief rides are organized with the help of in-country medical staff, teams of riders, and paying volunteer participants who ride rare Marwari horses through the Rajasthan desert to reach isolated rural villages.

According to RRI founder and executive director, Alexander Souri, in a country where UNICEF reports 42% of families live below the international poverty line and 48 percent of children are malnourished, the number is significant.

“Living a world away makes it hard to understand how badly needed basic medical care is and how dramatic the impact can be from a few school supplies,” stated Souri. “Riders with us see the situation up close and personal – it manifests itself in ways far beyond the gift at hand.”

Souri points out that too often young children in communities such as the ones he and the Relief Riders visit are directed into agricultural work.

“Only 59 percent of boys and 49 percent of girls make it to secondary school education,” said Souri. School supplies such as notebooks, drawing pads, pencils, crayons, and sports equipment provide a simple and direct way to keep children interested in school.

Although less quantifiable, Souri affirms that equally as important is the creative and heartwarming social exchange that results between children and relief ride participants.

“For most of these children, Relief Riders are their first experience with foreigners, and the excitement and curiosity they express during these meetings is inspiring.”

While relief efforts have assisted communities as a whole, Souri points out that hundreds of miles from urban service centers, RRI delivers basic de-worming medication to help rural children strengthen their immunity against parasites, which they are susceptible to as a result of compromised nutrition and drinking water.

“Aiding children is at the heart of RRI’s mission,” said Souri. “The highlight of our relief trips is the excitement and gratitude we see on their faces whenever we visit their schools. Relief riders all agree that their experiences with these village children are unforgettably rewarding.”

For more information, visit www.reliefridersinternational.com.

Available via www.letsgochipper.com, or download on iTunes, iTouch or iPhone the eco-educational APP includes animated and live action videos, e-books, games and music for young children.

The series takes Chipper, an overly curious squirrel, on adventures in nature to meet animals and learn about their habitats and the importance of keeping the environment healthy so everyone can thrive. The stories excite, engage, and playfully teach young children good character and a love for the environment.

Teaching value through fun and learning

In the premiere video “Into the Great Outdoors” music, mishap and humor guide the adventure taking Chipper on a camping trip to explore the wonders of the park.

With park rules delivered by Ranger Frank, Chipper’s curiosity gets the best of him as he dashes from the campsite to make friends with birds, Red and Robin. Chipper quickly discovers he’s broken the first rule, “Always be with a partner” but with the guidance of the birds and many other park helpers, Chipper connects with nature and learns valuable lessons that will help empower young children to make conscientious choices when camping, hiking, or just exploring in the backyard with family and friends.

“Many parents avoid camping or simple trips to the park because of the fear of their child getting lost or even getting dirty but Chipper empowers children and provides a positive parenting tool to help reinforce lessons and good choices,” says creator Stephanie Rach-Wilson. “Our goal is to help confirm the intuitive mindset in children through play-based learning and nature-inspired stories.”

Research shows that more often than TV is parental fear keeping children from exploring just beyond the back door. The benefits of exploring nature are included in many medical journals and noted author, Richard Louv discusses the phenomenon of Nature Deficit Disorder in his book Last Child in the Woods.

Making real-life connections

Connecting with nature can help reduce stress, and children with ADHD have shown a reduced need for medication through experiencing nature. Additionally, physical activity and “free play” helps children stay fit while encouraging imagination.

The opportunity to connect children to nature and foster future environmental stewards is the goal behind the series. The Company partners with park systems, environmental organizations and schools to reinforce the learning within each story. Chipper recently led Earth Stroll and presented Crissy Field, part of the Golden Gate National Park system, with a customized story. Let’s Stroll Crissy Field teaches children about urban habitats, the benefits of taking public transportation, and the history of one of the nation’s most visited urban parks.

Keeping things fresh

The Let’s Go Chipper app releases a new book every two weeks. Stories range from:

• Out to Sea with Sally taking Chipper on adventure from fresh water to salt water and back again to learn about the life of a salmon and the importance of keeping waterways clean.
• Into the Great Outdoors introducing children to adventures beyond the backyard where they can meet rabbits, bears, deer, birds, and learn about ecosystemsars.
• Break it Down with Bruce Chipper and his sidekick, Paisley, play hide and seek and wind up on silly, slimy adventure with one of nature’s best composter – the banana slug.

Additionally, Chipper learns about safe air travel in Get Ready to Fly. From what to pack to check-in, boarding, flying and landing children are better prepared to fly and more respectful of on-board behavior with Chipper’s simple lessons via an easy-to-download app.

The Let’s Go Chipper!™ app provides entertainment while educating and encouraging children about the great outdoors. Created and produced by Bay Area based IAGmedia, a conscientious family-lifestyle media company, the series is also available as physical books, DVDs and products via the Let’s Go Chipper website.

The Company environmentally packages its products and manufactures almost entirely in the USA using FSC certified papers and soy based inks. Additionally, a portion of proceeds directly support educational and scholarship programs that connect children with nature-based experiences.

To learn more, visit www.letsgochipper.com.

As highlighted in a recent post, Vehicle for good: Responsible tourism takes a clear stance against human trafficking, the organization has taken up the cause against sexual tourism and exploitation – particularly in women and minors.

The renowned industry leader has already begun working to educate member hospitality establishments on the Tourism Child Protection Code of Conduct – an initiative aimed at protecting the safety of children and prevent the effects of child sex tourism – including human trafficking, child pornography, and child prostitution.

The initiative began as a project of ECPAT International (End Child Prostitution, Child Pornography, and Trafficking of Children for Sexual Purposes International), and has since been endorsed by UNWTO (United Nations World Tourism Organization) and signed by more than thirty-five countries across the globe.

It was launched in Johannesburg on May 9, 2010 by Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa (FTTSA) who has been tasked with being the driving force behind the initiative, in partnership with funding and advisory partners, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

In Cape Town, awareness and implementation of the Code is being encouraged by Cape Town Tourism together with FTTSA. A formal launch date for Cape Town will be set ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ as soccer fans prepare to bring their euros, dollars, and pounds into the country providing short-term temptation to the vulnerable and less fortunate.

Tourism businesses of all kinds are encouraged to join the cause and fight against the exploitation of minors in South Africa and Cape Town. Those businesses that choose to embrace the responsible tourism culture and implement the Code will have to commit to certain measures, namely:
• to establish an ethical corporate policy regarding the sexual exploitation of children;
• to train establishment personnel in prevention measures and Code contact personnel;
• to introduce clauses in supplier contracts stating a common alliance against the exploitation of minors;
• to provide information and help center details to key people at the tourist destination, as well as to travelers; and
• to report back annually on incidents and progress.

For more info, visit www.capetown.travel.

“It’s a global problem,” said Cape Town Tourism CEO Mariëtte Du Toit-Helmbold, “And it’s a problem that often goes hand in hand with developing societies.”

Du Toit-Helmbold is part of an international task team looking at the protection of women and children through tourism, and she says while tourism can be a vehicle for much good, it can also do harm, in areas like irresponsible development, for example.

“Responsible tourism is about not doing harm to the environment, to host communities, and so on,” she said. “I am passionate about making a positive difference to tourism, and I think many people, for many years, have turned a blind eye to the ugly underbelly of tourism. But we can’t ignore it – it’s a fact of life. We can’t wish it away. We have to deal with it proactively.”

As CEO, she is taking a bold stance against human traffickers in the final countdown to the World Cup in June.

In a hard-hitting statement, Du Toit-Helmbold said this week: “Our message is very clear – we welcome visitors from all over the world. But you will not be welcome if you exploit our women and children.”

Protection of women and children through tourism

“When people travel with the intention to exploit women and children, it becomes a matter of interest for tourism. It has to be,” Du Toit-Helmbold said. “We cannot turn a blind eye and just focus on the pretty postcard pictures. There is a dark underbelly in tourism whether we like it or not. And that underbelly needs to be exposed and proactively dealt with.”

“If we don’t do this, we can’t call ourselves a responsible industry. So, under the auspices of responsible tourism, we also tackle things like sex tourism, child sex tourism, the exploitation of women and human trafficking.”

She says this is why Cape Town Tourism will be a co-signatory to the Code against Human Trafficking, which is currently being developed. Her organization is also putting together a responsible visitors’ code, offering people some guidelines around how to be responsible visitors.

“We can all talk a good game, but it’s really about developing some practical tools to empower the industry and to empower visitors to Cape Town. “Our message is plain and simple; if you are going to make yourself guilty of irresponsible behavior, you are not welcome.”

Leading the cause

Cape Town Tourism is a member of Fair Trade in Tourism SA (FTTSA) and has worked together with this body on an anti-trafficking initiative. Fair Trade in Tourism SA is South Africa’s leading responsible tourism non-governmental organization (NGO) and is launching a new project to institutionalize the Tourism Child Protection Code of Conduct (“the Code”) in South Africa, in partnership with the United Nations’ Children’s Fund (Unicef) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) and in collaboration with South African tourism stakeholders, including Cape Town Tourism.

The NGO hopes to welcome at least 10 leading industry players as Code signatories by June 2010.

“FTTSA believes that protecting children at risk is a critical element of ‘2010 readiness,’ and we look forward to supporting tourism enterprises of all shapes and sizes to implement the Code,” said FTTSA executive director, Jennifer Seif.

Seif added that during the FIFA event, a national campaign to protect children will be ongoing, including messages – specifically designed to help prevent and report child sexual exploitation and other forms of child abuse – targeting tourists.

Fair Trade in Tourism SA is the officially-recognized Local Code Representative for South Africa, and Seif is an elected member of the international board of directors of the Code.

Photo credit: UNODC via Flickr

Wyndham’s new WyndhamGreen Kids is designed to teach children ages three to fourteen about the environment, their communities, and the world. Children from all around the world will be able to learn how to take care of the planet using six core strategies: energy conservation, water conservation, recycling/reusing, education, community involvement, and innovation.

“We are proud to be one of the first hospitality companies to launch a dedicated sustainability program for children,” said Faith Taylor, Wyndham Worldwide vice president, sustainability and innovation. “This program is just one pillar of Wyndham’s overall commitment to sustainability. As a global company, we are committed to conserving resources, preserving natural habitats and preventing pollution in order to meet the needs of our customers and the lives of future generations.”

The program is an offshoot of WyndhamGreen – the company’s recently launched sustainability program. It is working to manage energy consumption as a part of the company’s overall green strategy across its businesses and brands, which together encompass nearly 70,000 properties in 100 countries.

Due to its numerous brands, properties and distribution points, WyndhamGreen is expected to have a large impact on the company’s overall carbon footprint.

Saving energy and money

The recently released WyndhamGreen Global Best Practices document showcases the company’s initiatives in energy and water conservation, recycling, education, community programs and innovation.

Highlighting their efforts is its recently Silver LEED certified, 250,000-square-foot headquarters in Parsippany, New Jersey. The building is expected to reduce water, energy and waste by 10 to 30 percent.

The company also recently received the “Green Pioneer” award from ConEdison Solutions for purchasing 100 percent of the building’s electricity from wind generation.

Wyndham Hotel Group is implementing the EarthSmart linen reuse program to save resources and operational costs. The company’s Super 8, Howard Johnson, Travelodge, Days Inn and Ramada brands currently participate. Even the brand’s uniforms are sustainable – spun from recycled plastic bottles and requiring 66 percent less energy and 90 percent less water to produce than a standard uniform.

Its ClearAir initiative features allergy-friendly rooms designed at improving air quality. The Wyndham chain also incorporates ecologically-friendly initiatives including use of energy-efficient compact fluorescent lighting; low-flow water practices; Starbucks organic coffees in its restaurants; guestroom key cards made from recycled material; biodegradable guest laundry bags; and numerous recycling efforts.

Proof of responsible investment

Wyndham Exchange & Rentals, the worldwide leader in vacation exchange and the European leader in vacation rentals, saved 1.3 million kilowatts annually at its Parsippany headquarters and Indianapolis call center by replacing lighting fixtures and bulbs and installing motion sensors to control lighting and heating, ventilation and air-conditioning units.

Last year, RCI was the first in the vacation exchange industry to begin printing all of its resort directories and Endless Vacation magazines for members on FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) paper. RCI also converted vacation confirmations and notifications to members from direct mail to e-mail, saving more than 5 million pieces of paper and an estimated 435 trees.

Wyndham Vacation Ownership, the world’s largest vacation ownership business, provides low- and no-phosphate laundry and dish detergent in its resorts, an initiative that has reduced pollutants by 90,000 pounds since its inception in 2008. Wyndham Vacation Ownership’s Asia Pacific division developed a sustainable destination resort on the Australian island Tasmania that practices conservation of biodiversity and restoration of the natural habitat. The resort utilizes a state-of-the art wastewater treatment plant, and its villas were designed to resemble sea shells to fit into the environment.

The study, by law professor Benjamin Perrin from the University of British Columbia, found that the offenders – mostly men – usually travel from a rich country to a developing region such as Latin America, an area which is growing in popularity and replacing southern Asia as the main destination for sex offenders due to its low cost and close proximity.

After an information forum on Child Sex Tourism coordinated by the International Bureau for Children’s Rights (IBCR), Thomas Cook and SkyLink Voyages, agencies from the tourism and travel industry decided to act. In close collaboration with the bureau, representatives created a new campaign with the objective to dissuade potential abusers and encourage travelers to report suspicious behaviors while abroad.

The participants at the forum, including Vacances Tours Mont-Royal, Voyages Incursion, Jolivac, Thomas Cook, Canandes International Tours, Sunwing, Tours Chanteclerc, and SkyLink Voyages have all asserted their concern about the issue and are actively incorporating the campaign into their different channels of communication (email, contracts, itinerary, website, etc.).

IBCR believes that these partnerships will lead to further joint initiatives within the private sector.

“We plan on enforcing this educational campaign using informative pamphlets that will be distributed in airports and the consulate offices of the main travel destinations visited by Quebecers,” said Marco Sotelo, program manager for the Prevention of Child Sex Tourism at the IBCR. “If funds allow, we look forward to producing an in-flight video about Child Sex Tourism. Simultaneously, the IBCR will continue developing projects in these destinations in order to change the social tolerance surrounding this issue and hence close the circle of sexual exploitation.”

An industry united

Actions are not only being taken by the Canadian tourism community – even global players are doing their part. For instance, hotel giant Accor has instituted since 2001 a training program Accor to fight child sex tourism by increasing awareness among its guests and employees.

In 2008, nearly 11,700 Accor employees were trained worldwide to recognize a typical high-risk situation. These training programs were conducted in Southeast Asia (Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Singapore), Africa (Ivory Coast, Benin, Senegal, and Cameroon), Europe (Austria and Switzerland) and in the Caribbean (Dominican Republic).

By the end of that same year, Accor was a signatory to the Code of Conduct developed by ECPAT and the WTO in 38 countries where the Group operates

A larger concern

Contrary to popular belief, the majority of tourists abusing minors abroad are not pedophiles who are only interested in young children. Rather, they are so-called “situational” offenders who have sexual relations with children because the opportunity arises through prostitution or family members.

Although most abusers would not do this in their daily lives, they utilize their anonymity and the favorable exchange rates of destinations to engage in sexual acts with minors. Consequently, a high proportion of exploited minors are between the ages of 12 and 16 years old. Victims are both girls and boys.

One of the main recommendations of the World Congress III against the Sexual Exploitation of Children and Adolescents was to reinforce the collaboration between governments, NGOs, and the private sector in the fight against sexual exploitation.

In Canada, an extraterritorial law allows for the pursuit and prosecution of Canadians who commit sexual abuse on children abroad. Despite recent convictions, Child Sex Tourism and its consequences unfortunately remain fairly unknown among the Canadian population.

(Photo courtesy of Accor Hotels)

Carlson also plans to roll out a new responsible employee training initiative as well as a program to collect environmental performance data.

Until 2009, Lunde had worked for The Rezidor Group – who had already joined the United Nations Global Compact in 2008 (Carlson currently owns more than 40 percent of Brussels, Belgium-based The Rezidor Group).

According to Lunde, Carlson was increasing its commitment to environmental programs for numerous reasons: compelling evidence of climate change, consumer awareness, reducing costs and increasing competition within the niche.

Mandated responsibility

Beginning in 2010, Carlson employees will be required to undergo 2.5 hours of CSR training. Master trainers will train managers at the hotel level, who will in turn pass the education on to employees.

To give employee a little “push”, the company is establishing a new-for-2011 Responsible Business Award – an incentive that hopes to inspire hoteliers achieve green certification for their properties.

Setting the pace across the board, Carlson plans to share best practices across properties, offer carbon offsetting through its guest loyalty program, and will begin a roll out of an environmental performance data collection process.

Serving the world on multiple fronts

Also during the conference, Carlson recommitted to supporting the World Childhood Foundation and ECPAT International – two organizations whose work betters the life of children and young women across the globe.

The World Childhood Foundation is committed to defending the rights of children and to securing better living conditions for children and young women at risk all over the world, while ECPAT International is a global network of organizations and individuals working together to eliminate child prostitution, child pornography and the trafficking of children for sexual purposes.

Its goal: to inspire and enable people of all ages to become regularly active outside, and to develop the benefits gained through a connection to nature. The site has partnered with more than 100 non-profit organizations across the country, offering many opportunities to discover a diverse array of outdoor activities.

To kick off the launch in New York, PlanetExplore and New York Restoration Project will be hosting NYRP’s Winter Warm-Up – a free event offering winter activities that encourage local exploration and expose youth to nature experiences – on Saturday, February 13th. Supported by the NYC Green Stops, Winter Warm-Up will expose local children to hands-on activities in the non-profit’s Swindler Cove Park and the adjacent Highbridge Park.

“Kids and adults, especially folks from urban communities, NEED to get outside — time in nature makes them more healthy, fit, and even more happy,” said Akiima Price, Chief of Education and Programs at NYRP. “I’m so proud we’re partnering with The North Face and PlanetExplore to get people outdoors. And, by introducing New Yorkers to all the great organizations at the Winter Warm-up and on PlanetExplore, they’ll be getting out even more in the months to come.”

The New York launch of PlanetExplore comes on the heels of The Outdoor Foundation’s recently released Special Report on Youth, which found that outdoor participation among youth continues to decrease each year, with the rate of decline steepest among the youngest age groups.

History of outdoor inspiration

After launching in the San Francisco Bay Area (home of The North Face), PlanetExplore expanded into the Midwest with a Denver release, and is now available nationwide with the New York introduction.

Since The Outdoor Foundation began tracking youth participation in 2006, the rate of participation among girls 6-to-12 fell from 77 to 58 percent, while that of boys 6-to-12 fell from 79 to 69 percent, reflective of the inactivity and obesity crisis facing American youth today. The biggest barriers for non-participants were lack of interest, including screen time (TV, video games, and computers) at 39 percent, and lack of parental support, 17 percent.

“Thanks to the steadfast leadership and generous support of The North Face, young leaders from across the country will be empowered to reclaim, redefine and rediscover the outdoors,” said Chris Fanning, executive director of The Outdoor Foundation.

Other organizations supporting the Winter Warm Up include the National Parks Conservation Association of New York City, Greenbelt Nature Center, New York State Outdoor Education Association, and the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, among others.

Later this year, PlanetExplore, Backpacker Magazine and Outdoor Foundation will be hosting the first annual Outdoor Nation event in New York City, the largest effort to bring youth together to discuss the challenges and opportunities around increasing youth outdoor participation.

For more information, visit www.planetexplore.com.

The WFP is the world’s largest humanitarian organization.

“Doubletree’s Community Drive to Fight World Hunger is educating students on the hunger needs of their neighbors and then extending that awareness to other regions of the world,” said Mary Beth Parks, vice president-brand marketing for Doubletree Hotels.

As an integral part of Doubletree’s award-winning “Teaching Kids to CARE” community outreach program, “Community Drive to Fight World Hunger” hopes to raise awareness on key social and environmental issues through educational activities.

Food drive collection activities will take place at participating Doubletree hotels in more than 125 cities worldwide between now and December 18th.

“Our hope is that participants will gain a sense of the scope of the hunger crisis and their role in addressing it through hands-on donation and fundraising efforts,” added Parks. “Students will also learn ways to impact this worldwide challenge by making enlightened changes in their own lives, like cutting down on food waste during meals or donating regularly to a local food bank.”

‘Teaching Kids to CARE’ this holiday season

The Teaching Kids to Care campaign works to educate students on the impact hunger has on both a local and global level by highlighting the critical importance of food donations during the holiday season.

Founded in 2002, “Teaching Kids to CARE is a community-based outreach initiative that has connected local Doubletree hotels with more than 150,000 students in local elementary schools and youth organizations. Teaching Kids to CARE educates children about the importance of making environmentally and socially conscious decisions for their community and their world at the earliest ages.

As part of the campaign, students across the country are filling self-decorated food collection containers and organizing “Great Community Food Collection” drives, encouraging family, friends and fellow citizens to feed their hungry neighbors through non-perishable food donations.

All collected non-perishable food items will be presented to a variety of nonprofit community outreach organizations including local food banks, rescue missions, mobile meal delivery programs and more—directly connecting students to the hunger needs present in their own communities.

Doubletree commits to hunger relief

Taking part in the giving-spirit of the season, Doubletree Hotels has committed to contributing $0.05 for every non-perishable food item donated to Friends of the World Food Program (Friends of WFP), a U.S.-based nonprofit organization that builds support for WFP operations. Funds will be donated exclusively to WFP’s school meals program, which provides meals to more than 20 million of the world’s poorest schoolchildren each year.

Research from the WFP has found that supplying meals to students at school significantly increases enrollment, attendance and academic performance—especially for girls. This reinforces Doubletree’s mission of supporting and enhancing educational efforts for youth worldwide and engaging Teachings Kids to CARE participants in actively supporting academic aspirations through the power of community outreach.

“WFP seeks partnerships that, in addition to monetary donations, are committed to creating lasting change and addressing the core of the hunger epidemic worldwide,” said Friends of WFP President and CEO, Karen Sendelback. “Doubletree’s youth-focused program ensures that future generations of leaders are aware of this issue and are able to take proactive steps to help eradicate world hunger.”

For more information or to find out how you can contribute, follow the campaign via Twitter at www.twitter.com/doubletreehtls.

As a parent, I tend to stay up-to-speed on the latest warnings and hazards that may be involved in the common household products I buy and use, whether they be for cleaning, playing, or any other method within the daily routine. Recently, though, it seems that more and more “breaking news” continues to expose further dangers of toxic chemicals – in places you would sometimes never even think to look.

Scientific studies are emerging on an almost daily basis that continually link toxic chemical exposure to serious health problems, especially in young ones.

From bisphenol-A in baby bottles to phthalates in childrens’ toys and flame retardants in nursery furnishings, the modern world is filled with synthetic compounds that research now shows likely cause neurological and behavioral disorders, reproductive and developmental disruption, cancer and other troubles.

Modern families are exposed to literally hundreds of untested chemicals in the products they use every day. Since the TSCA’s passing in 1976, the EPA has investigated only 200 of the more than 80,000 chemical compounds available to manufacturers today.

Even still, TSCA critics say that it doesn’t give the EPA enough authority to demand that companies supply the information needed to evaluate a chemical’s risk.

New bill aims to protect kids from untested chemicals

A new and aggressive coalition of nearly 30 leading non-governmental organizations, called Safer Chemicals Healthy Families, is working to help Congress overhaul the nation’s chemical regulations.

The group supports new legislation proposed by several Congress-people, including Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), including the stringent requirement that new chemicals be safety-tested before they are put into products that children and others use.

Manufacturers would also have to prove that chemicals already in production are free of danger. This information would be publicly available so that consumers could see exactly what they’re bringing home.

Here’s what the bill can do:

• Take quick action on the most dangerous chemicals.
• Require full information on the health and environmental hazards associated with all chemicals.
• Protect all people and vulnerable groups – including children and pregnant women – using the best science.

Coalition supporters include the Environmental Defense Fund, Healthy Child Healthy World and Seventh Generation, the maker of all-natural cleaning products and diapers.

What you can do

Follow a diverse nationwide coalition comprised of environmental groups, health professionals and others working to pass smart federal policies that protect us from toxic chemicals.

Learn more about Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families and email Congress to let them know you think it’s time to update the law governing toxic chemicals For more information on how you can help the proposed legislation become law, visit www.millionbabycrawl.com/.

With the Rann Riders Resort in Dasada as a “base camp,” participants will explore remote desert villages in the stunning, geographically-unique region known as the Little Rann of The Kutch between December 22, 2009 and January 2, 2010 – traveling each day to different villages to distribute school supplies to children and assist RWI’s team of doctors to provide medicine and critical health care for needy villagers.

Each excursion allows participants to make an enormous difference in the lives of the villagers they visit.

“At the heart of every RWI excursion is the very meaningful interaction between trip participants and local residents,” said Alexander Souri, executive director of RWI. “No matter what life experiences they’ve had or what skills they possess, each trip participant performs a pivotal, integral role in our aid efforts. As a result, both villagers’ and participants’ lives are improved.”

Bringing help to those in need

RWI will bring medical, educational and labor-focused help to the destination communities while giving participants a once in a lifetime travel experience; exploring the region’s dazzling landscapes and landmarks while becoming fully-immersed in the local culture.

“It’s important that, alongside the crucial work we do, we take time to appreciate the beautiful terrain, fascinating wildlife, historic monuments, and cultural traditions that surround us,” Souri said. “This is an integral part of the RWI experience.”

One of the mainstays of the experience are RWI’s “mobile eye camps,” which allow villagers blinded by cataracts – a widespread problem in this sun-scorched region – to undergo a very simple surgery and regain their sight. The mobile eye camp will be set up in the village of Patdi, where they will help RWI’s medical team to do check-ups, organize triage, and distribute medical supplies for aftercare.

Trip participants will also provide books and supplies for schoolchildren at Patdi and other villages while learning how to educate and enrich them about local culture and its place in the world. Trip members will get to meet with Ganthar, a non-governmental organization that created “Floating Desert Schools,” which help educate the region’s semi-nomadic children.

RWI will also bring participants to the Rann’s salt pans to meet salt workers, who form the foundation of the local economy; attend an interactive seminar about global climate change; and meet with the honorary secretary of the Indian Red Cross’ Gujarat state branch in Ahmedabad.

An offshoot of Relief Riders International (RRI), an aid organization which has provided humanitarian relief to Rajasthani villagers via horseback since 2004, RWI seeks to address the same issues as its sister organization: providing general and pediatric medical care; treating blindness; and donating livestock, books, and school supplies to villagers. In the five years since its inception, RRI has provided aid to some 15,000 villagers, half of them children.

“After four years of offering unique voluntourism expeditions on horseback, we were delighted to create a whole new humanitarian travel experience for those not interested in riding,” said Souri. “The aims are the same and our success should be as well.”

“We are passionate about this type of tourism because it benefits both parties,” explained Meredith. “For us, it enriched our lives and informed our sense of the world. The villagers have become stewards of their own experience; making decisions about how to introduce tourism into their lives, rather than having Western tourism forced upon them.”

Founded in the wake of the 2004 tsunami, Andaman Discoveries has grown from providing emergency disaster relief into an internationally acclaimed community-based tour operator. Over the past five years the social enterprise has helped tsunami-affected communities achieve environmental, cultural and financial sustainability through conservation programs, vocational training and providing interactive cultural tours for responsible tourists.

Andaman Discoveries now supports eight villages to achieve sustainable development on their own terms. Through homestays, handicrafts production and guiding, it creates supplementary livelihood opportunities for the communities, that provide much-needed additional income in a way that complements the villagers’ traditional way of life.

Noi, a member of a Moken (nomadic sea-faring people) community that recently started opening its homes to tourists, says that, “since being involved with Andaman Discoveries, my life has been better. No one cared about us before; but now people are interested in our traditional way of life. I feel proud and excited when we have guests. They teach our children the importance of preserving our culture and the environment.”

The World Challenge is a global competition hosted by BBC World News and Newsweek magazine, in association with Shell. The 12 finalists for this year’s competition were selected from more than 900 nominations on the basis of their innovation at grassroots level in “countering socio-economic and environmental issues”.

Tui Chomphusri, Director of Andaman Discoveries, observed that, “the BBC World Challenge is a chance for us to share with people the difference we are making.  Whether it’s providing income to women’s handicraft groups or training the next generation of conservationists, community-based tourism allows visitors to enjoy the traditional Thai way of life, whilst helping to preserve the unique culture of our region.”

When to watch

Andaman Discoveries’ profile will air on October 17 at 2:30 p.m. (GMT) and October 18 at 2:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. (GMT). Video profiles of all the finalists will be available during the voting period from September 28 through November 13 on the World Challenge website (www.theworldchallenge.co.uk).

How to vote

Vote online for your favourite project at the World Challenge website (www.theworldchallenge.co.uk). The winners will be announced on December 5 in an awards ceremony held at The Hague, in the Netherlands.

About Andaman Discoveries

Andaman Discoveries enables visitors and volunteers to directly support community-led development, conservation, education and cultural empowerment. It provides interactive cultural tours and homestay programs, unique volunteer projects and placements, as well as educational study tours for university and high school students.

For more information visit www.andamandiscoveries.com.

Lately, I have realized that i have been placing much emphasis on the world’s youth – a multitude of programs, initiatives and organizations are finding that the youth of the world are becoming “rallymakers” for their cause.

Today’s youth have been born into a world where there is no room for compromise; where much-needed action is crucial in the face of the harsh environmental, political and social changes we have looming over our planet in the decades to come.

Here is a quick list of past posts highlighting not only what this blooming generation is bringing to the table, but also the programs and efforts offered to help educate and guide them in the right direction.

How to inspire kids to connect with nature

The Children of the Earth Foundation has expanded its youth “Survival School” to a new location in Grass Valley, California, bringing a rather unique approach to connecting children and nature in the western United States. The non-profit is offering week-long courses for youth, teens and families in California and British Columbia as well as working with local schools and groups to create programs that meet the goals and interests of each organization.

Youth call for governments to ‘Seal the Deal!’ action against climate change

Young people from around the world have challenged world leaders to take radical, positive measures to combat the problem of climate change in preparation for the U.N. summit in Copenhagen this winter. Approximately 700 young people – ranging from 10 to 24 years old – created the largest global youth gathering on climate change in history.

Teens work with the Obama administration to “Green the White House”

The Green the White House initiative, gives teens ideas, inspiration and expertise on how to make simple green changes around their homes, and help teach the rest of the world, including The First Family, how to green theirs.

Tourists can help stop child sex tourism in Peru

Young women and girls, as well as boys, are being exploited by a commercial sex industry fueled by increasing numbers of tourists who visit Peru to engage in sex with children. Travelers are banning together to help put an end to child sex tourism, or trafficking, out of Peru with a new campaign that aims to put pressure on the Peruvian government to pass sterner laws regarding the commercialization of children.

Al Gore’s ‘Climate Project’ partners to enable youth against global warming

The Climate Project, the world’s leading climate change organization founded by former Vice President Al Gore, has teamed with Athgo International, a global non-profit, to work on initiatives designed to mobilize global youth support to protect the environment and to develop solutions that promote a more efficient use of our natural resources.

The Climate Project partners with ‘Cool the Earth’ to teach kids about global warming

Al Gore’s Grassroots Organization, “The Climate Project”, is partnering with with Bay Area non-profit, “Cool the Earth”, to educate and motivate kids K-8 to preserve the environment and reduce global warming.

New National Children’s Museum inspires children to change the world

Scheduled to open in 2013, the National Children’s Museum will be a world-class cultural and educational center dedicated to engaging children and empowering them to make a difference.

Clinton Global Initiative and others motivate kids to help save endangered gorillas

The new children’s book, “Looking for Miza”, National Education Program and Kids Gorilla Summit raise awareness and empower children to participate in global issues.

New interactive website to help children learn about the environment

The new Chuckie Goodnight Foundation website provides users with an interactive experience to learn more about the non-profit environmental organization and ways to help spread environmental awareness.

Teen nature and wildlife adventures in Costa Rica

Wilderness Ventures is offering service programs to teens in Costa Rica’s Savegre Valley. This Costa Rican teenage community service exploration is an exciting combination of diverse adventure travel and stimulating cultural immersion in an unspoiled tropical paradise of pristine beaches, exotic wildlife, and a rainbow of colorful flowers and

JuvenesseSpa in Chicago supports PeaceJourney.com Youth Adventures

The grand opening events are now set for JuvenesseSpa, the exclusive Skincare Spa and Lifestyle Studio, opening September 21, 2008 in Chicago’s downtown River North art, culture and beauty district. September 21st, the United Nations International Day of Peace is significant to JuvenesseSpa because of the spa’s direct support of PeaceJourney.com Youth Adventures, the socially responsible program founded by Jeannette Kravitz, CEO of JuvenesseSpa and Skin Care.

Pacific Whale Foundation Offers Scholarships to Summer Ocean Discovery Camp

As part of their “No Child Left Indoors” program to make outdoor environmental education available to children of all income levels, Pacific Whale Foundation is offering two full scholarships and four partial scholarships to our Summer Ocean Discovery Camp.

Clean, green beaches are always good for family fun

As families and beach-lovers around the country prepare to flock to the shored for the July 4th weekend, the Clean Beach Council has just released its annual list of clean and healthy beaches for “National Clean Beaches Week” – highlighting family-friendly beaches that are clean, healthy and above all environmentally well-managed.

Fairmont and National Geographic create a kids ‘Explorers Camp’

Fairmont Scottsdale has just announced a new partnership with National Geographic through the creation of an all-new “Explorers Camp” for kids this summer, where eight world-renowned National Geographic explorers will share stories of their adventures with participating families.

Help stop child exploitation in the travel industry

As tourism and international travel across the globe reaches unprecedented levels, so does the need to combat child labor and sexual exploitation in the global travel industry – that is why the United Nations body for tourism is taking action now.

And that’s all, folks!

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Proceeds from card sales will be offered to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, known for granting wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses.

The card, available exclusively through AAA Carolinas, includes 24/7 roadside assistance and allows fans to save at more than 150,000 online and in-store savings partners, including a 10 percent discount at the Carolina Panthers Team Store.

“We didn’t just want a new AAA card that looked nice,” said David E. Parsons, CEO and president of AAA Carolinas. “We wanted the card to mean something more – beyond AAA and the Panthers.”

“This card is the perfect match of two organizations that care about people and have a special place for Make-A-Wish Foundation.”

The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses, sending them to theme parks, live television performances, sporting events or helping them enjoy a specially requested occasion.

For the 1.7 million AAA members in the Carolinas, the Carolina Panthers AAA card is only $5. New members joining AAA can get the Panthers AAA card for the same $5, in addition to the AAA membership they select.

AAA membership includes the protection of 24/7 roadside service for every member, as well as discounts on travel, insurance, car care and everyday purchases.

Among the 150,000 AAA savings partners is the Carolina Panthers Team Store, where AAA members save 10 percent on their purchases.

The Carolina Panthers AAA card can be purchased by visiting www.aaagameday.com.

Representing three billion of the world’s population, the group – expressed their “concern and frustration that their governments are not doing enough to combat climate change”, adding that “we now need more actions and less talking”.

The declaration was finalized and adopted by the young participants at the Tunza Children and Youth Conference in Daejeon (Republic of Korea), as part of the global UN-wide ‘Seal the Deal!’ campaign spearheaded by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to galvanize political will and public support for a comprehensive global climate agreement.

The Climate Change Statement, entitled ‘Listen to Our Voices: The Future Needs Strong Vision and Leadership’, comes just four months before the critical climate talks that will take place in Copenhagen in December this year, and just four weeks ahead of the High-Level Summit on Climate Change convened by the UN Secretary-General at the end of September in New York City.

“It is very important to include the voice of children and youth in every environmental decision. It is our request to all politicians that they please take this statement into consideration in Copenhagen,” said 13-year-old Yugratna Srivastava from India.

The Tunza Youth Strategy, adopted in February this year by UNEP’s Governing Council, is a long-term strategy to engage young people in environmental activities and in the work of UNEP. The word ‘Tunza’ means ‘to treat with care or affection’ in Kiswahili. The Tunza initiative aims to develop activities in the areas of environmental awareness and information exchange on the environment for children and youth.

The children and youth also addressed the citizens of the planet and urged them to push their governments to create a global green economy. Other recommendations included a call to pressure businesses, producers and governments to promote environmentally friendly products and eco-labeling policies.

“We are the generation of tomorrow. The decisions that are made today will define our future and the world we have to live in. So we young people of the world urge governments to commit to a strong post-Kyoto climate regime. It is our lives we are talking about,” said youth delegate, 23-year-old Anne Walraven from the Netherlands.

“This global Youth and Children gathering under the Seal the Deal! Campaign is the largest international gathering of young people this year advocating for climate change action. Their voices will and must be heard because they will inherit the outcomes of our actions,” said United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

The children and youth are asking governments around the world to:

• Agree on a more fair, just and action oriented post-Kyoto agreement adopted and implemented by all countries
• Have strict laws and enforcement against those who pollute and degrade the environment, coupled with education and incentives to protect the environment
• Develop and implement clearly defined carbon action plans and climate response strategies, which can be monitored and reviewed by an independent multi-national climate facility
• Transition toward a green economy based on renewable energies and offer more incentives for people to buy affordable energy efficient products
• Reduce the number of vehicles and traffic density on our roads, including improved and affordable public and pedestrian transport systems
• Make engaging environmental education mandatory in schools and universities and promote community environmental awareness – an informed public is a powerful public
• Pay attention to the conflicts that have developed throughout the world and the negative impact it has had on the environment and develop conflict resolution strategies
• Make it mandatory to include carbon and ecological footprint information in products
• Implement green energy and industry, including sustainable food production
• Support youth efforts to make a change in the world

The young delegates at the conference pledged they would soon stage large rallies across 100 capitals to urge global leaders to take action on climate change under the banner of the Seal the Deal! campaign.

“In many ways this process of coming to an agreement on this final text mirrors what will take place in December in Copenhagen. This statement is the fruit of a diversity of views and voices from young people of different ages and cultures. We very much hope the spirit set by these young people will be reflected in the negotiations that will take place in December,” said Achim Steiner, Under Secretary-General and Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme.

All the worlds leaders, from President Barack Obama Chinese premier Wen Jia Bao will over the coming days receive a personal letter from representatives of the globe’s three billion young people urging them to Seal a meaningful Deal on climate change in just over 100 days time. Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and President Dmitry Medvedev of Russia were on the delegates’ mailing list, along with leaders in countries like Zimbabwe, Colombia, Venezuela, Lebanon, Haiti, Pakistan, Georgia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Mongolia, Japan and Germany.

For more information on the Tunza conference, visit: http://www.unep.org/tunza.

According to Katie Cohen, Director of Village Fundraising at Protravel, “We began this partnership to commemorate Protravel’s anniversary, but it has since taken on a more significant meaning thanks to the enthusiasm of our employees and partners. Protravel now feels that it has a mission to increase its social responsibility- a commitment which will continue to thrive even after the Protravel-FXB Village concludes.”

Protravel, a 25-year veteran in full service travel retail, is headquartered in New York City and is supported by a network of 22 locations and over 550 people. The company’s partnership with FXB, an international humanitarian organization dedicated to supporting children left in the wake of the AIDS pandemic since its founding in 1989, further commits its efforts toward human rights and socio-economic capacities of impoverished communities.

Currently, there are 65 FXB-Villages across the globe.

The success of these villages drew Protravel towards the partnership – over 85% of households live above the poverty line at the end of the program and maintain self-sufficiency thereafter. The new Village’s attainable goals will ensure that Protravel’s dedicated fundraising efforts will be met with visible results. Ms. Alexander plans to visit the Village in the fall to meet beneficiaries and observe the impact of Protravel’s fundraising efforts firsthand.

The goal of the initiative is to build a self-sufficient community in Rwanda, a country devastated by poverty, war, and AIDS. Over the next three years, the Village in Cyeza will provide 80 needy families with the tools and training necessary to help permanently lift them out of poverty. Thanks to Protravel, all families will receive health care, school support, HIV testing and treatment, improved sanitation, psychosocial support, and capital to start a small business.

For more information visit www.fxb.org or www.protravelinc.com.

A new coalition of five non-profit groups, spearheaded by Berkeley-based Ethical Traveler, has launched the campaign. Highlighting the horrible plight of children trapped in the cluthces of Peru’s sex trade, the coalition is sending hundreds of letters from concerned travelers to Peru’s Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism, Mercedes Aráoz.

The letters are all urging Ms. Aráoz to use her influence to end child sex slavery in her country.

“Child sex tourism is a threat to Peru’s status as a world-class travel destination,” says Jeff Greenwald, Ethical Traveler’s Executive Director. “If the practice is allowed to continue, travelers of conscience may be reluctant to support the government with their travel dollars.”

Peru, known mostly in the travel industry for its spectacular Machu Picchu, is chock full of fascinating cultural heritage and Incan history. However, these elements are being increasingly overshadowed by a more sinister attraction. Young women and girls, as well as boys, are being exploited by a commercial sex industry fueled by increasing numbers of tourists who visit Peru to engage in sex with children.

Sex tourism is a flourishing industry in Peru, where tourists have easy access to vulnerable children. The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child estimated that there are up to 500,000 child victims of sexual exploitation and violence in Peru. But the Peruvian government’s efforts to eradicate the sex slave trade have been stalled by corruption, insufficient law enforcement, and apathy.

Peru is a participant in international organizations such as the Organization of American States and the United Nations.

“Tourism is a major economic force in Peru, and inbound tourism is increasing by 10% every year,” says Greenwald. “This means that more children will fall victim to sex slavery, unless we take action now. By joining our voices, travelers can convince Peru to protect these children.”

Child sex tourism, or trafficking, is a criminal multi-billion-dollar industry that effects and victimizes around 2 million across the globe. More and more, governments are establishing heavy-handed laws to prosecute citizens for child abuse that occurs outside their home country, even if it is not against the law in the country where the child abuse took place.

Ethical Traveler’s campaign against child sex trafficking in Peru is being waged in partnership with Global Exchange, Not for Sale–Peru, Generación and Peruvian Net Against Child Pornography.

For more on this campaign, or to sign and send a letter to the Peruvian Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism, please visit www.ethicaltraveler.org.

This will be a key opportunity for the more than 800 participants from over 100 countries to demand that their governments reach a scientifically-credible and far-reaching new climate agreement in Copenhagen.

By staking their claim to a low-carbon, resource-efficient, environmentally-sustainable future, the generation that will inherit the planet will also remind the world that they have the greatest stake in the creation of the green economy of tomorrow.

“The Tunza Children and Youth Conference is an important gathering of young people and an opportunity for them to discuss and to prepare their positions surrounding Copenhagen and climate change, but it is more than that,” said Achim Steiner, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of the UN Environment Program (UNEP). “It is a gathering of the generation that will inherit the outcome of the decisions taken in December and beyond.”

The Children and Youth Conference is part of the global UN-wide ‘Seal the Deal!’ campaign being spearheaded by the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to galvanize political will and public support for reaching a comprehensive global climate agreement. Over the coming months, the ‘Seal the Deal!’ campaign will mobilize over one million young people to march across one hundred capitals and deliver to global leaders their declaration of priorities on climate change as agreed at the Tunza Conference.

“For it will be in the lifetime of the three billion children and young people alive today that the glaciers of the Himalayas will either persist or melt away; that the sea levels will stabilize or rise, swamping a third of Africa’s coastal infrastructure; that the Amazon will remain the lungs of the planet or become an increasingly dried-out and disappearing ecosystem, and the polar bear will continue as the iconic species of the Arctic or, like the Dodo and the dinosaurs, merely an artifact in the world’s natural history museums,” he added.

Highlights of the Tunza Children and Youth Conference:

• A Global Town Hall will use state-of-the-art technology to link the gathering to hundreds of other young environmental leaders who will be meeting around the globe – from Nairobi to Sao Paulo and from Stockholm to Bangkok – to agree on a message to deliver to world leaders.
• The Seal the Deal! Global Debate will bring together high-level figures from politics and green activism, including Korean Prime Minister Han Seung-soo, Maldives Environment Minister Mohamed Aslam, Cameroon Environment Minister Hele Pierre, UNEP Executive Director Achim Steiner and prominent environmentalists such as David de Rothschild (who will sail to the Pacific Garbage Patch in a boat made of reclaimed plastic bottles), Roz Savage (who has rowed across the ocean to raise green awareness), and Luo Hong (who raises green awareness through photography) along with young activists.
• The Daejeon conference will also see the launch of a social network platform for youth on climate change – my.uniteforclimate.org – and a Google/YouTube Global Youth Debate on climate change that will continue online until the Copenhagen meeting in December.

The conference will also feature the global Awards Ceremony for the winners of the UNEP 2009 International Children’s Painting Competition on the Environment .

The participants were selected from thousands of applicants based on their outstanding green achievements on their home turf – and the impressive range of initiatives illustrate just how much today’s children and youth understand and want to commit to the environment.

Creative avenues for opportunity

Some of the striking and creative projects started by young Tunza participants include an award-winning original rap video by two Canadian teenagers on how to reduce your environmental footprint, a drive to distribute 500 low-energy lightbulbs in Nepal, a carpooling initiative in Samoa, the creation of a ‘Navajo Green Economy Fund’ to generate green jobs for Navajo youth, a recycling project in Sierra Leone and a river clean-up in Russia, among many other examples.

All the initiatives will be put to a popular vote during the conference to determine the best one out of the several hundred on display.

The participants will also take part in a host of activities from the practical to the far-reaching, from making natural soap to sharing ideas on how to mobilize mass youth action for the environment. Through workshops on key issues including water, sustainable lifestyles and endangered species, they will have a chance to debate, discuss and share tips on how to make the world a greener place and take charge of their environmental future. Other activities in the packed weeklong schedule include sessions on green jobs, a workshop on making a solar energy car, the painting of a mural and a concert of instruments made from recycled material, among many others.

For more information, visit www.unep.org.

Located in Ontario’s Kawartha Lakes region on the shores of Stoney Lake, Pine Vista Resort is an award winning cottage resort for nature lovers of all ages, perfect for any family summer vacation, fishing weekend, romantic couples retreat or girls getaway.

With ecotoursim being one of the fastest growing sectors of the tourism industry, the resort’s new construction aims to develop a better understanding of the natural environment and developing a moment to protect it. Teeming with life, the resort’s wetlands boast diverse and abundant species of animals and fauna, including dozens of different species of birds.

Guests are invited to spend a few hours observing the wildlife on display and share their experiences and sightings with others via a trailside log book. A log book is available trailside so that guests may share with others their experiences and sightings.

Connecting kids to nature

During the summer, the boardwalk will be used in Pine Vista’s Kids Klub program – a place for kids to learn about the various components of our natural environment in a way that they can understand and that is fun for them.

Under the guidance of program leaders, the children will be using the information collected in the boardwalk sighting log to learn about the significance of wetlands, and their importance to the health and sustainability of the planet.

“Through our interpretative programs it is our goal to promote interest by developing an understanding of our role as humans to share, respect and care for natural systems that all creatures call home,” said Pine Vista Resort owner Bonnie Hamilton.

Nature-oriented tourism “makes sense”

Out-door recreation and environmentally sustainable tourism is building in popularity among Canadians. More and more people are participating in outdoor recreation due to greater awareness of the importance of health and fitness.

A number of outdoor, nature-based, non-consumptive recreation activities have experienced significant growth, while bird watching is rapidly becoming one of the most popular nature-based activities in Canada, followed by hiking and back-packing.

“Preserving our wetlands just makes sense,” added Hamilton. “Not only because it is the right thing to do but also because protected wildlife areas can make a significant economic contribution to communities. Rapidly growing activities like bird watching directly benefit areas that depend on tourism. Bird watchers and other eco tourists visit areas that actively protect the environment. We are pleased that Pine Vista Resort can play a part in protecting the environment and sustaining eco-friendly tourism.”

For more information, visit www.pinevista.com.

The New Jersey-based non-profit organization is offering week-long courses for youth, teens and families in California and British Columbia as well as working with local schools and groups to create programs that meet the goals and interests of each organization.

In a time when young people are so inundated with electronics, non-stop communication and a real disconnect from the natural world, families and groups are looking for opportunities to show them an alternative. The Children of the Earth Foundation provides this opportunity through half day to week-long programs that truly impact young lives.

Founded in 1999 by author and outdoorsman, Tom Brown Jr., the organization provides courses in survival, tracking and nature awareness to youth, teens and families.

As one teen participant shared; “This experience is amazing. It brings you out of the new and into the old. Nature’s beauty consumes you as it helps you learn new skills”.

Until now, operations have taken place from a New Jersey home base which allowed opportunities for area schools, scout troops, indigenous populations and other groups to have customized programs. Because of the cost of travel, programs offered in California and other western states were severely limited.

Youth interest in nature growing in leaps and bounds

With the opening of the new California branch this Spring, response has been very positive as homeschool groups, area tribes, schools and scout troops have discovered The Children of the Earth Foundation’s distinctive approach to the outdoors.

In Children of the Earth programs, children and teens are introduced to traditional skills used by indigenous peoples from around the world.

Participants learn outdoor survival skills like how to make shelters, make fire without matches using bow drill and hand drill methods, learn to find and purify water and find wild edibles. They also learn the ancient skills of making stone tools, tanning hides to make buckskin, making bows and arrows, baskets, pottery and other skills that have been lost from modern society.

Woven within the curriculum are lessons in respect for the Earth and understanding how it sustains our lives. The end result: participants exit the program with confidence, a sense of responsibility and a meaningful relationship with the natural world.

For more information, visit http://cotef.org.