In August, the Kids in Nature European Conference on Nature Education Through Hunting was held at the Brahetrolleborg Castle in Faaborg, Denmark. The conference was held during the Brahetrolleborg Game Fair, the largest hunting and outdoor event in Denmark, making this a unique and exciting backdrop for both the conference and the games. SCI Kingdom of Denmark chapter led the charge on the conference setup, including coordinating the event. Their energy and passion made this possible because of their commitment to ensure they are part of a solution for getting kids outdoors. The Denmark population is deeply ingrained in experiencing nature through their culture and education, including outdoor activities that incorporate hunting and fishing into their schools and nature field trips.
Conferences like this are extremely important as recent studies show that youth spend 90% of their time indoors, even though research has shown that getting outdoors has both mental and physical health benefits. Supporting data shows that youth are spending anywhere from 4-7+ hours per day on digital screens. This coincides with the fact that in 2010, the smart phone was introduced. Childhood is now being rewired from rigorous outside play to screen/phone based activities. Additionally, around 2012, an alarming trend indicated changes regarding teen mental health across multiple countries. After more than a decade of stability, rates of depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicide began rising sharply, more than doubling by many measures. But in the midst of increased screen time amongst our youth, something else — something more hopeful — has arisen, the recognition that kids need a connection to nature.
The conference was a huge success. All of the participants left the conference feeling inspired and committed to the idea that with collaboration, transparency, and measurable results as guiding principles, securing meaningful, long-term impact for children, families, and societies is possible. The participants are already continuing the conversation, formulating plans, and generating next steps.
We would like to thank the following donors who contributed towards bringing the conference to fruition: SCI Foundation, Hunters Legacy Fund, SCI Europe, Brahetrolleborg Estate, Leica, Swarovski, Blaser, Global Trophy Logistics, and Bygma. At the conference, 43 participants representing 15 countries gathered to learn from one another and strategize on how to get kids outdoors and spend less time on screens. Sables President, Irene Dudley Hanlon and SCIF Board Member, Steve Skold and his wife Sue Skold showed their support by attending the event. Twelve speakers who were passionate about getting youth outdoors presented on a variety of topics, including Laurine Wolf, SCIF’s Deputy Director of Education and Humanitarian Services.
To learn more about the Kids in Nature Conference visit:
If you are interested in supporting getting kids outdoors you, your Chapter, or your organization can help become part of the solution in nature education through hunting and other activities by contacting Laurine Wolf, SCIF Deputy Director of Education and Humanitarian Services at [email protected]; 210-512-8148.
