Sponsor Organization:  United Way
Campaign Website:  www.bornlearning.org
Volunteer Agency:  McCann Erickson New York

Learning starts long before school does. Children start learning the day they’re born, and the trajectory of their future success is shaped by their experiences in the first few years.

But too many parents, grandparents and caregivers don’t know how to support early learning. They need to understand that children are learning during everyday moments – doing everyday activities. As a child’s first and most important teacher, parents can easily turn everyday moments into fun, engaging learning opportunities – and by doing so they give their child the best start possible.

By the time children enter kindergarten, there’s a gap between those with quality early learning experiences and those without. That turns into an achievement gap by 3rd grade. Most children never catch up. But research shows that children with high-quality early learning in the first few years are more likely to finish school, become part of a productive workforce, and contribute to society and the economy.

Brought to you in part by the Ad Council and your friends at the Dance Radio Network.

Sponsor Organization: US Forest Service
Campaign Website: www.DiscoverTheForest.org
Volunteer Agency: Turbine Boost, DreamWorks Animation, BYU Ad Lab, Euro RSCG

The time U.S. children spend outdoors has declined 50% in the past 20 years. Barriers like population shifts to urban/sub-urban environments, an increase in children indoor activities, and a lack of awareness of or access to nearby nature locations have driven this trend.

However, research shows there are many benefits to kids spending time in nature. This time spent outdoors gives children the ability to explore, use their imaginations, discover new wildlife and engage in unstructured and adventurous play.

Children are encouraged to ask their parents to bring them to nature locations and allow them to explore. The website DiscoverTheForest.org helps facilitate this by providing a zip code search of forests and parks, powered by Nature Find™ and Google Maps, as well as downloadable activities to take with them.

Brought to you in part by the Ad Council and your friends at the Dance Radio Network.