The Joint Resolution Supporting All Maine Youth Outdoors (HP 1087) celebrates and recognizes the value of outdoor learning and recreation to increase students’ well-being, performance, and connection to natural resources in their communities.  This resolution commends Maine educators for their innovation in using outdoor learning to increase safety and to meet the physical and mental health needs of youth.  This bill sets Maine on a course toward more equitable access to the outdoors for all Maine youth, regardless of the resources of their school, community or family.

Leaders within the Nature Based Education Consortium co-developed this resolution with Maine House Speaker Ryan Fecteau, based on the shared vision of the network itself, as well as the momentum around outdoor learning this year, and the ways educators have used outdoor learning as a COVID-19 response.  With this resolution, the state publicly asserts that all youth deserve meaningful time spent outdoors.