Recommendations and Best Practices for Youth Environmental Education Programs

Research shows that youth who interact with natural environments are physically, mentally, behaviorally, and socially healthier (Zhang et al., 2018). Environmental educators, youth professionals, and organizations can implement simple strategies and practices to foster youth interaction with the environment in youth education and programming. This publication is based on research conducted in 2024 focused on environmental education at a 4-H camp in Florida (Gariton, 2024). Written by Colleen E. Gariton, Matt Benge, Sadie Hundemer, Meredith S. Berry, and T. Grady Roberts, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, January 2026.