Wild Birds Unlimited Helps Connect Underserved Children With
Nature
CARMEL, Ind., March 25, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today’s children are
spending an average of seven hours a day on electronic devices,
depriving themselves of the emotional and physical benefits that come
from bonding with nature. For this reason, Wild Birds Unlimited, the
original and largest franchise system of backyard bird feeding and
nature specialty stores, and the National Audubon Society, one of the
nation’s leading conservation organizations, are teaming up to offer
scholarships for children to attend a week of summer camp. Wild Birds
Unlimited and Audubon share a belief that when children spend quality
time outside, it can have a lasting, positive impact on their personal
lives and the future of our great natural heritage.
The Wild Birds Unlimited Pathways to Nature for Kids initiative has
granted $260,000 to the National Audubon Society for scholarships since
2007, helping more than 1,400 kids attend summer camp. With this year’s
grant, at least 125 underserved children will have the opportunity to
connect with nature and learn more about their environment. Parents and
caregivers should apply now to give their children the opportunity to
attend one of these camps.
“Today’s youth spend less time outside than any previous generation,”
said Jim Carpenter, CEO and Founder of Wild Birds Unlimited. “With
these scholarships, we are helping underserved children spend part of
their summer having fun by exploring nature.”
Wild Birds Unlimited began partnering with Audubon in 2007 when the
idea to offer camp scholarships came from a book written by Richard
Louv entitled, Last Child in the Woods. In this book, Louv explains the
Nature-Deficit Disorder(TM) among our nation’s all too wired youth.
“What I liked about Audubon Camp is that it feels so good to be outside
and play in the dirt,” said Xavier who attended the Aullwood Audubon
Center and Farm camp last year. “It was a chance to learn new things
and meet new people. On the last day, we even got to feed a Red-tailed
Hawk.”
Scholarship eligibility is determined by each Audubon Center. For more
information about general registration, camp programs and scholarships,
visit the Audubon website
(http://education.audubon.org/programs/audubon-camps).
ABOUT WILD BIRDS UNLIMITED
Wild Birds Unlimited is the original and largest franchise system of
backyard bird feeding and nature specialty stores with more than 275
locations throughout the United States and Canada. Wild Birds Unlimited
specializes in bringing people and nature together with bird feeding
and nature products, expert advice and educational events. Visit our
Web site and shop online at www.wbu.com. To learn how you can open your
own Wild Birds Unlimited, visit www.wbufranchise.com.
ABOUT NATIONAL AUDUBON SOCIETY
Now in its second century, Audubon connects people with birds, nature
and the environment that supports us all. Our national network of
community-based nature centers, chapters, scientific, education, and
advocacy programs engage millions of people from all walks of life in
conservation action to protect and restore the natural world. Visit
Audubon online at www.audubon.org.
