Thanks to our BEN Bulletin
sponsor:
The Bird Education Network (BEN) was
created following the February 2007 National Gathering, hosted
by CEE. BEN is a CEE initiative that seeks to connect and
support a network of bird education
professionals.
The building and strengthening of
such a network must overcome seemingly unconnected outcomes in
bird education and conservation. This can be accomplished when
the efforts are seen as hopeful, creative, and, most
importantly, cumulative.
A BEN Committee has been
established to provide advice and guidance for this important
initiative, to advance "bird conservation through
education."
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 New
Resource for Educators of Young
Children
The Council for
Environmental Education has
just launched an early childhood
initiative designed to help educators and
caregivers engage young children, ages 3-7, in
activities connected to nature.
Growing Up WILD is an early
childhood education program that builds on children's
sense of wonder about nature and invites them to
explore wildlife and the world around them. Through a
wide range of activities and experiences, Growing Up
WILD provides an early foundation for developing
positive impressions about nature and lifelong social
and cognitive skills.
Growing Up WILD features a host of
activities that can aid bird educators featuring fun
crafts, art projects, conservation
activities, reading and math connections and much
more. Activities include "Bird Beak Buffet,"
where children learn about the special functions of
bird beaks; "Terrific Turkeys," where children
learn about wild turkeys; and "Owl Pellets," where
children dissect an owl pellet and learn what owls eat.
For more information about Growing Up
WILD: Exploring Nature with Young Children,
including how to get the guide, visit www.projectwild.org/GrowingUpWILD.htm.
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Birding: Doctor's
Orders?
By Kate Mowbray  Obesity.
You read about it on the Internet; it's there when you
open the newspaper or when you turn on the television.
Obesity can affect anyone! It doesn't discriminate
against race, age, or gender. With obesity on the
rise, a string of complications, including diabetes,
follow. People are becoming more aware of this
trend, but they don't know what to do about it.
Doctors could turn to an unexpected group for help; time
to call out the birders! Birding may be the next
best cure for obesity because it is fun, challenging,
and keeps you active in your search for new birds and
new experiences. Children need to learn
good habitats of exercise and eating healthy while they
are young, so that they continue those good practices as
adults. As adults, we know getting into that
healthy mindset and regime takes great effort. As
stated in one article, "For youth, 'fun' is by far the
most common motivation for participating in outdoor
activities. Other motivators include discovery,
exploration, new experiences, and exercise." (see
As Childhood
Obesity Rates Rise, Youth Outdoor Participation
Declines) Our youth are not the only
ones that feel this way. Why would anyone waste free
time on activities that don't provide fun and
entertainment? That's where birders come into the
picture. The not-yet-bird-enthusiasts do not know
what they are missing. It is up to us to introduce them
to an activity that gets them up, out and active!
As birders, it is important to introduce everyone -
young and old - to this active pastime. It exercises not
only your body as you climb hills or paddle through
swamps in search of that next bird on your list; it also
exercises your brain. Trying to remember whose song you
just heard, or recognizing the pattern of flight of the
bird you saw is great for the old thinker! There
are no limitations to birding; anyone can participate!
As Chris Fanning, executive director of
The Outdoor Foundation states "Teaching... the benefits
of a healthy active outdoor lifestyle will ensure
healthier children, healthier communities, and healthier
businesses." It is time to share our enthusiasm
for birds, nature, and adventure which will lead others
to discover that exercise can be fun and exciting.
Who knows, birding may be just what the doctor
orders!
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BEN
Bulletin Hits 3,000 Subscribers!
In just one year the BEN Bulletin has
established itself as a major resource for the bird
education community and now reaches over 3,000
subscribers representing more than 300 organizations.
With news, articles, announcements and more, the BEN
Bulletin continues to advance the goals of bird
educators alike everywhere!
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