Indiana Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights
It is our goal to encourage Indiana’s children to participate in outdoor activities and discover their heritage. Numerous studies have shown that children who participate in outdoor activities are healthier, do better in school, have better social skills, a stronger self-image and lead more fulfilled lives.
We believe that all Indiana children are entitled to experience these activities in the outdoors, regardless of ability:
- Explore and play outdoors in a safe place.
- Follow a trail and discover native plants, wildlife and history.
- Experience traditional outdoor activities like fishing or hunting.
- Discover and celebrate Indiana’s past.
- Camp under the stars.
- Climb a tree.
- Visit a farm.
- Plant a seed or tree and watch it grow.
- Splash and play in streams, lakes and ponds.
- Enjoy the outdoors using all the senses.
- Ask questions, find answers and share nature with a friend.
The creation of the Indiana Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights will:
- Result in more Indiana youth and families benefiting from outdoor recreation experiences.
- Create a uniting message regarding youth and families in the outdoors for federal, state, county, municipal, non-profit, and for profit agencies.
- Result in more informal collaborations and formal partnerships between all involved agencies and organizations.
- Promote an increase in family health and wellness.
- Increase future stewardship of outdoor resources on public and private lands.
- Increase the overall quality of life for Indiana’s youth and families.
- Highlight the abundant natural resources and recreation opportunities available in Indiana.
- Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights Poster (pdf document)
- DNR Kids Page
- DNR Interpretive Services Page
Current Supporters
Allen County Parks
Amos W. Butler Audubon Society
Central Indiana Land Trust
City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department
Crossroads Boy Scout Council, Boy Scouts of America
Department of Recreation Park & Tourism Studies, Indiana University
DuBois County 4H Shooting Sports
DuBois County Sportsmen’s Club
Environmental Education Association of Indiana
Eppley Institute for Parks and Public Lands Hoosier Chapter, Soil and Water Conservation Society
Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts
Indiana Bass Federation Nation
Indiana Department of Natural Resources
Indiana Hunter Education Association
Indiana Izaak Walton League of America
Indiana National Resources Foundation
Indiana Native Plant and Wildflower Society
Indiana Park and Recreation Association
Indiana Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever
Indianapolis Admirals
Indiana Sportsmen’s Roundtable
Indiana Urban Forest Council
Indiana Wildlife Federation
INShape Indiana/Division of Nutrition and Physical Activity
National Association for Interpretation, Region 4 (Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Ontario)
National Audubon Society Indiana Office
National Muzzleloading Rifle Association
Red-tail Conservancy, Inc.
The Nature Conservancy Indiana Field Office
South Bend-Elkhart Audobon Society
St. Anthony Conservation Club
St. Joseph County Parks
Sycamore Land Trust
Sycamore Trails Resource Conservation and Development Council
Wild Birds Unlimited, Inc.
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