[Congressional Bills 111th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 860 Engrossed in House (EH)]

H. Res. 860

                In the House of Representatives, U. S.,

                                                      January 13, 2010.
Whereas in 2007, the Chicago Wilderness, an alliance of over 240 organizations 
        contributing to the quality of life in Chicago, launched the ``Leave No 
        Child Inside'' initiative with the goal to get more children outside and 
        to increase the amount and quality of time they spend there;
Whereas unstructured, outdoor play is important for the wholesome, balanced 
        development of the cognitive, emotional, social, and physical skills of 
        children;
Whereas research has demonstrated that outdoor play helps children manage 
        stress;
Whereas it is shown that natural spaces stimulate children's limitless 
        imagination and foster creativity;
Whereas children who connect with nature become more inventive and better 
        problem-solvers due to the hands-on learning that outdoor environments 
        provide;
Whereas participation in summer camp has been shown to increase the self-esteem 
        scores of children from low-income areas;
Whereas hiking and walking activities have been shown to lower high blood 
        pressure, decrease anxiety, and combat obesity;
Whereas being active in outdoor activities, such as fishing, is correlated with 
        reduced Attention-Deficit Disorder symptoms;
Whereas the presence of natural amenities near the homes of low-income urban 
        children is associated with higher levels of cognitive functioning;
Whereas children who grow up spending time in nature are also more likely to be 
        strong advocates for the environment when they reach adulthood;
Whereas the Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights joint resolution passed the State 
        of Illinois; and
Whereas the Illinois General Assembly proclaimed June as ``No Child Left Inside 
        Month'': Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) recognizes and encourages the Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights 
        commitment to ``Leave No Child Inside'' and fight obesity, physical 
        disorders, and unawareness of natural amenities by promoting quality 
        outdoor activities for children and adults; and
            (2) encourages the President to issue a proclamation in support of 
        the goals and ideals of the Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.