National Parks Association of Queensland Inc.’s Post

A few weeks ago, I shared the post below. Today, I received a response from my Senator with reassurance that she was fighting for this bill which its currently sitting with the US Senate. It reminded me yet again how amazing the REI Cooperative Action Network is in driving meaningful change. In less than 1 min, the form allowed me to submit a response to my local representatives to fight for a bill that I am passionate about-- access to green space at school for children. Her follow up today was reassuring to me that our local reps are paying attention on the other end and that my voice matters. (+ it's true: brands can be a vessel for action!) Original post: For many kids, the nearest outdoor space is at school. Yet, in many cases, there is little to no green space at school, leaving children little to no access to nature. Many schools across the country have become cement playgrounds. The Living School Yards Act, if passed, will provide grants to schools and districts to transform schoolyards into dynamic outdoor learning environments. The benefit for children is profound: 1. Growing healthy foods, trees and plants 2. Conserving water, creating wildlife habitat 3. Providing children with opportunities to observe and immerse in nature  4. Improving mental health with more time outside 5. Improving shade coverage for weather changes 6. Creating safer space to play, create, imagine, be Access to green space is a privilege and it shouldn't be. REI's Cooperative Action Network makes it easy for you to have a voice. It takes 30 seconds to help pass this bill by signing you name. Join me.

Winter will be over before we know it, so don't lose track of your summer camp planning! Here are eight tips on preparing for the season: https://hubs.la/Q02hJwsZ0

As the winter months approach, it's time to start thinking about keeping your campus safe and accessible. Our latest article dives into why gritting your school or university is so important and how it can make all the difference during the colder season. Whether you're dealing with icy walkways, slippery car parks, or snow-covered paths, we've got you covered with practical tips and insights tailored just for educational institutions. From preventing accidents to minimising disruptions, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to keep your students, staff, and visitors safe this winter. Check out the full article and let’s make sure your campus is winter-ready! https://lnkd.in/ewHJjd9Z #GrittingServices #WinterSafety #Midlands #EastMidlands #Gritting

YES! Join me tomorrow for my webinar where we discuss how to find unmet meets in order to promote growth! Raising Tomorrow's Leaders: Nurturing Academic, Social & Emotional Growth: https://lnkd.in/e4QMT-b3

Starfish mid-semester progress surveys are still open until Wednesday, March 20. ⚠️ During this period, all #PennState instructors and teaching assistants formally listed as instructors of record for full-semester undergraduate courses in LionPATH will receive an email prompt to share information about students’ course progress using to-dos, flags, and kudos. 💬 Academic advisers are encouraged to discuss concerns with students and to close the loop with instructors by letting them know the result of their efforts. 🔗📓 Students should contact their instructors or academic advisers if they receive a flag or to-do and need help in improving their coursework. They can also seek tutoring or use resources and services suggested in progress survey emails such as learning support, disability services, basic needs support, or personal support through University Health Services or Counseling and Psychological Services. Read more on the mid-semester progress survey at https://lnkd.in/e2aT5twB.

On Wednesday, in a conversation with the clinicians at Cornerstone Day School, we discussed the concept of “holding space”. To moms and dads, your children will be more healthy and more securely attached when you simply Show Up and hold space for them. Hold space means create a home environment where they ALWAYS feel safe. To teachers and others in the educational system, holding space means creating sanctuary. Sanctuary is in your presence, always being welcomed and respected; a place where students desire to be. Holding sacred space for all of our babies. What does that mean to you, and what do you personally do to hold space?

Fantastic expansion of Maslow's concept through a trauma responsive lens. I often reference the need to 'Maslow' become students or indeed anyone, can 'Bloom'. This diagram illustrates it in much more depth and detail. #maslow #safety #emotionalregulation #restorativepractice #mentalhealth #wellbeing

In a recent commentary on CNA, Dr Cynthia Lim from the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) explores the issue of overscheduling children during school holidays in Singapore. She argues that while parents often enroll their children in various structured activities to help them learn important skills, this can be counterproductive. Excessive structured activities may hinder children's self-direction, executive functions, and overall well-being. Instead, Dr. Lim advocates for allowing children to engage in free, unstructured play, which fosters creativity, self-reliance, and healthy brain development. How can parents nurture these play-full opportunities? Her suggestions will resonate strongly: 🧘🏻 Allow for downtime activities Activities like listening to music, reading a book, blowing bubbles, or quiet time with yoga poses allow time for reflection and mindfulness. 💡 Hold space for curiosity and imagination  Parents can join their children to look for bugs outdoors, see patterns in the clouds, or use recycled cardboard boxes to build a fort or anything they fancy. 💬 Offer encouragement and ask questions to show interest This keeps children motivated to continue creating, building, and coming up with stories using open-ended materials. 🤲 Embrace being unproductive together Spending time together purely to have joy in each other's company signals to the child that he or she is loved, appreciated, and "good enough". "We want the best for our children and for them to become well-adjusted, resilient, creative, and thriving adults. Let us give them permission, time, space, and freedom to play." How are you spending time with your child this holiday? Read the full writing here: https://lnkd.in/gXxbT5Yd #PlayOurEveryday #APlayfulSingapore #SUSSsg

This! This important & what my doctoral work is about: equitable access to the outdoors because all kids need it! Please consider filling out the form