“Passion is lifted from the earth itself by the muddy hands of the young; it travels along grass-stained sleeves to the heart. If we are going to save environmentalism and the environment, we must also save an endangered indicator species: the child in nature.”
― Richard Louv, Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder

 

At YVCS, we believe that time in nature is essential to our children’s health– physically, mentally and emotionally.  Adequate time outside has been proven to improve academic performance and focus in school, reduce the need for many medications, facilitate muscle and motor development and reduce anxiety, stress and depression.  Time outside also sparks a child’s curiosity and wonder.  Hikes provide an opportunity to tap into the scientific inquiry that naturally arises when children are allowed to explore the great outdoors.  Children mixed with nature, science, and questioning develops enthusiastic and life-long learners.