IV 
111TH CONGRESS 
1ST SESSION 
H. RES. 860 
Supporting the initiatives of Chicago Wilderness and the Children’s Outdoor 
Bill of Rights. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
OCTOBER 22, 2009 
Mr. QUIGLEY (for himself, Mr. LIPINSKI, and Mr. JACKSON of Illinois) sub-
mitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on 
Education and Labor 
RESOLUTION 
Supporting the initiatives of Chicago Wilderness and the 
Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights. 
Whereas the Chicago Wilderness is an alliance of over 240 
organizations that contribute toward the biodiversity and 
the quality of life in Chicago’s metropolitan region; 
Whereas in 2007, Chicago Wilderness launched the ‘‘Leave 
No Child Inside’’ initiative with the goal to get more chil-
dren outside and to increase the amount and quality of 
time that they spend there; 
Whereas unstructured, outdoor play is important for the 
wholesome, balanced development of the cognitive, emo-
tional, social, and physical skills of children; 
Whereas research has demonstrated that outdoor play helps 
children manage stress; 
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Whereas it is shown that natural spaces stimulate children’s 
limitless imagination and foster creativity; 
Whereas children who connect with nature become more in-
ventive and better problem-solvers due to the hands-on 
learning that outdoor environments provide; 
Whereas participation in wilderness therapy programs is as-
sociated with improved functioning in the academic per-
formance, interpersonal relationships, and household be-
havior of teenagers; 
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 symp-
toms; 
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 environ-
ment when they reach adulthood; 
Whereas the Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights joint resolu-
tion 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) supports the initiatives of the ‘‘Leave No
Child Inside’’ initiative; 
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(2) encourages the President to issue a procla-
mation in support of the goals and ideals of the 
Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights; 
(3) encourages other States and territories of 
the United States to support the goals and ideals of 
the ‘‘Leave No Child Inside’’ initiative; 
(4) encourages media and press organizations 
to participate in the ‘‘No Child Left Inside Month’’; 
and 
(5) recognizes and encourages the Children’s 
Outdoor Bill of Rights commitment to fight obesity, 
physical disorders, and unawareness of natural 
amenities by promoting quality outdoor activities for 
children and adults. 
Æ 
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