Take It Outside Campaign – Save the Date

INFORMATIONAL LETTER: 4
POLICY CODE: IHC

TO: Superintendents of Schools, School Principals, and Teachers

FROM: Susan A. Gendron, Commissioner of Education
Patrick K. McGowan, Commissioner of Conservation

DATE: July 22, 2008

RE: Take It Outside Campaign – Save the Date

Please mark your calendar and save the date: Thursday, October 2, 2008, for Take It Outside, the Governor’s Conference on Youth and the Natural World, at the Augusta Civic Center.

The Maine Take It Outside campaign is an initiative led by Governor John E. Baldacci to encourage Maine's children and families to reconnect with nature. It exists to facilitate a statewide effort to promote public awareness around the joy and benefits of regularly being outside, getting exercise, and connecting with nature.

The State of Maine’s identity is inseparable from its natural resources and this is what makes the Take it Outside campaign so important for Maine’s children and families. Our future depends upon our ability to distinguish what makes Maine special. If the children of Maine have not experienced the natural wonders that exist in our great State, how will they value what sets Maine apart from the rest of the world? In order to retain our best and brightest, we must show them all that the State of Maine has to offer.

Moreover, being active is a vital aspect of a healthy lifestyle. It is our hope that this campaign will encourage healthy behavior by encouraging kids and their families to get out there and have fun!

We encourage you to mark your calendars for this event! For more information please contact Gale Ross of the Department of Conservation via e-mail at gale.ross@maine.gov or by phone at 207-287-5266. Information about the conference will also be available on the Take It Outside website www.take-it-outside.org in the coming months.