An assistant professor at the University of British Columbia says her research shows that the great majority of people who played outside as children are interested in environmental issues as adults. “Developing positive experiences in nature at a young age can influence our attitudes and behaviors towards nature as adults,” says researcher Catherine Broom in a UBC release.
Her study, based on a survey of 50 college students, suggested that “providing positive childhood experiences in nature, such as outdoor school programs, may help to develop care for the environment in adults,” said Broom. Programs such as Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts may help develop environmental awareness, she said.