Bill Text: NJ AR18 | 2012-2013 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Proposes Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights.
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Democrat 7-3)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2012-01-10 - Introduced, Referred to Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee [AR18 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2012-AR18-Introduced.html
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
215th LEGISLATURE
PRE-FILED FOR INTRODUCTION IN THE 2012 SESSION
Sponsored by:
Assemblyman PETER J. BARNES, III
District 18 (Middlesex)
Assemblyman SCOTT RUDDER
District 8 (Atlantic, Burlington and Camden)
Assemblyman REED GUSCIORA
District 15 (Hunterdon and Mercer)
Co-Sponsored by:
Assemblymen Egan, Greenwald, Assemblywoman Lampitt, Assemblymen McKeon, Diegnan and Assemblywoman N.Munoz
SYNOPSIS
Proposes Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
Introduced Pending Technical Review by Legislative Counsel
An Assembly Resolution expressing support for a Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights.
Whereas, Children are spending less time outdoors exploring, discovering and observing our natural world and playing and creating in open spaces; and
Whereas, Not participating in these types of activities has been shown to have adverse health, social and emotional consequences; and
Whereas, Spending time in the outdoors with frequent access to nature experiences and lessons provides a foundation upon which to build physical strength and environmental awareness; and
Whereas, Learning about the environment and other subjects in an outdoor setting, an outdoor classroom or garden, and through field studies and outdoor lab activities, is known to help increase student performance in class, increase student interest in learning, reduce disciplinary problems, and increase student ownership of work being done; and
Whereas, The future quality, quantity and use of New Jersey's natural resources will lie in the hands of children; and
Whereas, Children will need to understand natural systems and the interrelationships between natural and human-built systems, in order to make decisions and take actions that will maintain a high quality of life; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. This House proposes that every child has the right and should have opportunities to:
· Explore the woods; climb a tree
· Run through a field; build a fort
· Splash in the water; catch a fish
· Explore a city park; turn over a log
· Sleep out in a tent; gaze at stars
· Follow a trail; listen to bird song
· Play in the mud; hold a frog
· Plant a garden; eat locally grown food
· Play in the rain; follow animal tracks
· Be alone in nature; share it with a friend; and
· Celebrate New Jersey's habitats; embrace New Jersey's natural heritage.
2. Duly authenticated copies of this resolution, signed by the Speaker of the General Assembly and attested by the Clerk thereof, shall be transmitted to the Governor, the Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection, and the Commissioner of the Department of Children and Families.
STATEMENT
This resolution expresses support for and strongly encourages a "Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights," which highlights for children the many benefits of participating in and enjoying outdoor activities, especially during the summer vacation.
