Catamount Institute

We are dedicated to connecting kids with nature through meaningful outdoor experiences. Children learn that they have the powerful ability to protect and nurture the natural world. These young nature lovers will become tomorrow's stewards of the earth. The goal of our education programs is to address what author Richard Louv identified as “nature-deficit disorder” among our youth. Current research reveals the effectiveness of, and dynamic potential for, child-nature based programming, educational strategies, and recreational activities. Evidence indicates that children’s capacity for learning and overall physical, emotional, and psychological health are closely linked to time spent in nature. Additionally, environmental education contributes to lower rates of childhood obesity, diabetes, and anxiety disorders, as well as improved aptitude retention for children living with attention and learning deficits. Striking improvements in standardized test scores and overall grade point averages, and increased skills in problem solving, critical thinking, and decision making have all been attributed to science-based education where children spend significant time in nature, balanced with indoor classroom instruction.