Vision Boys Academy in rural Missouri realizes that nature has the power to make young boys healthier, happier and smarter.
But over the last few generations, childhood has moved indoors, leaving kids disconnected from the natural world. This worldwide trend has profound implications for children’s healthy development—and the future of our planet. Nature Deficit Disorder is a description of the human costs of alienation from nature–and it is not meant to be a medical diagnosis.
Although human beings have been urbanizing, and then moving indoors, since the introduction of agriculture, social and technological changes in the past three decades have accelerated that change. Among the reasons: the proliferation of electronic communications; poor urban planning and disappearing open space; increased street traffic; diminished importance of the natural world in public and private education; and parental fear magnified by news and entertainment media.
An expanding body of scientific evidence suggests that nature-deficit disorder contributes to a diminished use of the senses, attention difficulties, conditions of obesity, and higher rates of emotional and physical illnesses. Research also suggests that the nature-deficit weakens ecological literacy and stewardship of the natural world. These problems are linked more broadly to what health care experts call the “epidemic of inactivity,” and to a devaluing of independent play.
We Help Young Boys Overcome Nature Deficit Disorder.
Nonetheless, we believe that society’s nature-deficit disorder can be reversed. Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods says, “The quality of the nature experience depends on how direct the experience with nature is. Are kids getting their hands wet and their feet muddy? These types of activities can help kids learn to have confidence in themselves and power to make independent decisions.”
“One reason for this is the risk-taking inherent in outdoor play, which plays an important role in child development. Without independent play, the critical cognitive skill called executive function is at risk. Executive function is a complex process, but at its core is the ability to exert self-control, to control and direct emotion and behavior. Children develop executive function in large part through make-believe play. The function is aptly named: When you make up your own world, you’re the executive. A child’s executive function, as it turns out, is a better predictor of success in school than IQ.”
“Any green space will provide some benefit to mental and physical well-being. Connection to nature should be an everyday occurrence. Programs that infuse education with direct experience, especially in nature, have the greatest impact [on connection to nature.]”
At Vision Boys Academy, we focus on quality nature experiences away from electronics, television, and other stationery indoor activities, allowing our students to get their hands in the dirt to heal from their past.
Pre-teen boys at Vision Boys Academy enjoy outdoor activities on our 27-acre campus that includes a fishing pond, basketball court, and weight-lifting area. Boys live in a comfortable dorm, able to house 12-15 boys in a safe, caring environment monitored by staff 24/7. Students and staff enjoy healthy meals together every day in our family-style cafeteria. Boys attend classes, Monday through Friday, in our newly updated schoolhouse. Vision staff and their families also live on-campus in housing attached to the school.
We Want to Help Your Struggling Young Boy
At Vision Boys Academy, we believe that a program of consistent daily living can help your struggling young boy learn how to make the right decisions. Some boys simply need to learn the love of Christ. Some need a more concentrated effort to catch up in school. Some need to learn the importance of respecting others–and themselves. And some just need a change of environment, and get back into nature!
Vision Boys Academy focuses on providing a nurturing learning environment for struggling young boys, in a safe, daily structured program that promotes personal, emotional, spiritual and academic growth.
Leading at-risk boys, ages 8-12, to be Godly and upright young men–that’s our purpose!
We want to help your pre-teen boy at our boarding school in scenic rural Missouri.
Call us today to see if we are the right fit for your family’s needs.(888)500-4090