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n his book Biophilia, Edward O. Wilson, a Harvard University entomologist, suggests that there is an instinctive bond between human beings and other living systems. Likewise, without the resources to exercise that bond, as is the case with inner city youth, community health is jeopardized. Concrete Safaris addresses what activist Richard Louv calls “nature-deficit disorder,” the concept that youth are lacking the one major ingredient that completes the health circle–a connection with nature.
It is widely accepted that regular exercise improves both physical and mental health and can reduce the risk and/or severity of diabetes, “syndrome x,” cardiac disease, depression, and premature death. In fact, the American Heart Association reports that type II diabetes risk factors can be reduced by 58% through lifestyle change alone. Additionally, Jules Pretty OBE, the head of Biological Sciences at University of Essex, has co-authored several studies indicating the added mental health benefits of exercising outdoors. A 2006 Outdoor Industry Foundation study also revealed that 79% of people who began participating in outdoor human powered activities between the ages of 5-18 are now proactive about their health. Particularly in impoverished neighborhoods, youth need a positive outlet for the high levels of stress related to financial pressures, unemployment, isolation, pollution, violence, noise, and lack of safety. Participating in activities at local parks or wilderness areas, along the rivers, or even on tree-lined streets satiates the thirst for calm that children crave.
Concrete Safaris recognizes that social change and public health strategies, in particular, take a considerable amount of time to institute and stick. That is why Concrete Safaris Explorers learn how to be healthy leaders by leading our community to healthier lifestyle choices and greater connections with nature through extended-term, community-based service-learning projects. Practicing good health habits over time and in a leadership role reinforces young people’s desire to stay healthy, which in turn gives youth the confidence to be proactive, responsible community members who take care of themselves, our community, and the environment.
At Concrete Safaris, children (ages 7 -11) decide how they want to improve their health, and create that change through year-round, experiential education based green exercise programs. Most youth in East Harlem do not have the experience, opportunity, exposure, or education to tackle pressing issues in their neighborhood. There is a particularly high need for healthier food and activities as well as for diversity in the environmental and health fields. The children have so far addressed these needs by transforming the urban environment at Washington Houses, designing and installing gardens that beautify and nourish on the public housing property where they live. Concrete Safaris recognizes that public health strategies, in particular, take a considerable amount of time to institute and stick. Practicing good health habits over time and in leadership roles reinforces young people’s desires to stay healthy, which in turn gives the children the confidence to be proactive, responsible citizens who take care of themselves, the community, and the environment.
