November 2009 - Parks & Recreation - 61

IN DU STRY

Connecting to Nature
Formal Partnership Established
to Support Children's Health

123rf.xcom

T

his past September , the National Recreation and Park Association, the National Association
of State Park Directors and the National Park Service
(NPS) announced a historic partnership to develop and promote
programs and policies in parks and other areas that connect children with nature.
" The way children understand and experience their natural
world has changed radically over the past several decades, " said
Lois Finkelman, chair of the NRPA Board of Trustees. " Our three
groups will work together to expand recreational opportunities
and natural resource education for children and families. In addition, we hope to engage other federal, state, local, tribal, and nongovernment partners in the effort. "
" Numerous studies conclude that time spent in outdoor settings
decreases stress, inspires creativity, promotes social development
and encourages physical fitness, " said NPS Director Jon Jarvis.
Leaders of the
three organizations
signed a partnership declaration,
which contains
an action plan
to increase public awareness
of the value of
connecting
children with
nat u re , join
together in a
continuing
dialogue to discuss issues and implement solutions
to create a system of services representing all units of
government, share information and knowledge on developing
and expanding natural resource education and recreation opportunities for children and families, engage other partners in shared
technology and interactive programs and problem-solving activities, and promote a national campaign for the initiative.
The partnership has also launched a website, which contains
a searchable database of approximately 450 outdoor activities
compiled from hundreds of national, state, and local parks and
program offices. " Nature is an amazing classroom, and these creative programs make it fun for children to learn about and connect with the world around them, " said Greg Butts, President of
the National Association of State Park Directors.
For more information, go to www.nps.gov/ChildrenInNature/
BestPractices. 
R

	

NRPA Introduces an
Online Application for
the CPRP Certification

N

RPA is pleased to announce a
new, more convenient method of applying for
your Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) certification through an online certification
application.
■■  Have you considered applying to take the
CPRP
examination?
■■  Would you like
to demonstrate
your dedication to the field
of parks and
recreation?
■■  Are you interested in joining
an elite group of
professionals who
have obtained their professional certification?
■■  Are you looking for an advantage over your competitors when applying for jobs?
Demonstrate your professional confidence, value, and
recognition by becoming a CPRP. The CPRP certification program serves as a standard of excellence that is
proof you have the credentials that separate you from
others in the field. This certification gives you an edge
when seeking certain positions in today's challenging
climate, especially when many park and recreation agencies require CPRP certification.
Moreover, CPRP certification is the path to professional growth and higher income within the industry.
For students and recent graduates, CPRP certification
tells prospective employers that, in addition to your new
degree, you have been tested on a wide range of practical
knowledge that will allow you to " hit the ground running " as you enter the profession.
Visit www.nrpa.org /certification to access the online
application today.
w w w. NRPA .ORG

November 2009

Parks & Recreation	 59
November 2009 - Parks & Recreation

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