April 21, 2010
Most kids these days suffer from Nature Deficit Disorder.
The only way to cure this is to get them deeply immersed in nature.
Since we tend to fear what we do not know, and we destroy that which we fear, the introduction to nature has to be done in a safe environment to gain the child's trust, as well as an environment where the child gains a burning desire to learn.
Not only does this improve the life of the child, but it helps reduce the destruction of the environment since they now are aware that they are connected with the earth, and destroying it is destroying themselves.
COTEF does a wonderful job of creating this environment so that anybody can meet Nature as a friend, and in the process teaches many skills usable in daily life as well as emergency situations.
I have been teaching youth groups about nature and wilderness skills for about 12 years now, but when I took the training workshop (in 2008?) and then helped at a class , it changed my outlook and methods of teaching these skills!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Countless city kids "seeing" nature for the first time
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Stay the course!
More feedback
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
Helping countless city kids "see" nature for the first time! Working with the great staff and volunteers has been pretty good too.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Real, down to earth, caring, trustworthy.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Change the world 1 kid at a time! (who would then change their parents, and then their friends, and so on) It could also offer more Teacher Training Workshops at a cost more teachers could afford. The skills they use to teach are just as lacking.
Ways to make it better...
They were able to run more camps and give scholarships to more kids.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
Funding, trained help
One thing I'd also say is that...
Support them with your time, money and prayers, they are doing a great work!
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About once a year
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
MY ROLE:
Volunteer & Attended a Teacher Training class to add to my skills, and then volunteered for Family Camp/Teen Scout class.
Review from Guidestar