The House has blessed a bill sponsored by Rep. John Sarbanes, a Maryland Democrat, that would funnel more federal funds into getting kids outdoors and learning about the environment. 

The "No Child Left Inside Act," which passed 293-109, was heavily lobbied by environmental groups, including the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.  CBF takes more than 40,000 students and teachers on state-subsidized field trips a year now, ranging from one-day boat trips to weeklong retreats at its education centers around the bay.

Advocates say federal spending on outdoor environmental education needs to be boosted because kids spend half as much time outside today as did children a generation ago, and are increasingly disconnected from nature.  Surveys have found that many youngsters put more than 40 hours a week into playing video games, watching TV or browsing the Web.   Research suggests that kids who spend significant time outdoors before they turn 11 are more likely to develop a life-long conservation ethic, they say.

The bill would create new federal grants to states to provide more "hands-on" environmental education, among other things.  Even though the measure sailed through the House, supporters are going to have to start all over again next year, because the Senate is not expected to take the bill up. 

Meanwhile, for those parents who don't want to wait, the National Wildlife Federation has some suggestions here for a "Green Hour," getting children to spend an hour outside a day.  So does the bay foundation here.   

Sept. 24-30, by the way, is national "Take A Child Outside Week," designed to get parents, grandparents and caregivers to pledge to do just that, with organized outings and activities. Check the above link for tips and events planned near you.

(Chesapeake Bay Foundation photo)