Marin Mommies is pleased to present a guest article by Ally Kushin, Camp Director for Coastal Camp at Headlands Institute. She discusses the increasing problem of nature deficit disorder and highlights local opportunities to connect children to the natural world. Ally has worked in the field of environmental education for the past 9 years as a naturalist, park ranger, and camp director.

In 2005 the book Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv popularized the term “nature deficit disorder.” In it, he refers to the trend of children spending less time outdoors, resulting in a wide range of behavioral, social, and medical problems. Louv claims that causes for the phenomenon include parental fears, restricted access to natural areas, and the “lure of the screen,” referring to increasing electronic media consumption.

Children who spend more time in nature are known to develop increased concentration, memory, and self discipline. The latest research has established amazing connections between the amount of time spent in nature to everything from better grades to increased immunity to germs to stronger bones.

Are you still not quite sure which summer camps are right for your kids? Do you have lots of questions, but don’t have the time to contact each camp? Then don’t miss the free Marin Summer Camp Fair on Thursday, March 31, 2011 from 4:30–7:30 pm at Dominican University of California. Over 100 of the top local summer day camps for preschool, elementary, middle, and high school students will be on hand to present their offerings and answer your questions.

Some of this year’s participating camps include Camp Doodles, Camp Galileo, Studio 4 Art, Marin Theatre Company, Marin Treks, Tutu, and TGA of the North Bay. There will also be several popular residential (sleep-away) camps represented, too. The Marin Camp Fair is a community event managed by the Dominican University Athletic Department as a service to Marin County families and camps.