Did you know that today's average North American child spends upward of 30 hours a week watching television, playing video games or on the computer? If you believe that is too much screen time and not enough green time then you're in the right place!

The Young Naturalists' Club of British Columbia formed in 2000 to encourage and assist young people to develop a love of nature and a feeling of respect and responsibility for the unique ecosystems, flora and fauna of British Columbia. We do this through the activities of our network of family-oriented nature clubs and (new for 2008) school nature clubs located around BC.

We have volunteer-led family nature clubs in the many BC communities. If you'd like to help your kids get more green time - join the YNC! If you'd like to find out more about starting a club in your region send an email to: coordinator@ync.ca

Nature Clubs in Schools

Over the years, many schools have enquired about the Young Naturalists' Club and wondered if we supported school-based nature clubs. NEW for 2008 is our Nature Clubs in Schools Program available to all Elementary Schools in BC.

The core of Nature Clubs in Schools is a collaborative online venue – the Virtual Clubhouse- where nature clubs around the province can access resources (ideas for activities, events to participate in), and share ideas and successes about their clubs.

Nature Clubs in Schools is for both existing school nature/environment clubs and for schools who are thinking of starting a new nature club.  By joining existing clubs become part of a growing network of school-based clubs and access on-going support, such as e-bulletins, NatureWILD magazine, Action Award Contests and more.  For a full list of membership benefits or to join click here.

Family Nature Clubs
Through our community-based family nature clubs children 5 – 14 years old can learn about nearby-nature by

• participating in Explorer Days (family field trips to discover and study nearby ecosystems, and other hands-on programs led by naturalists, scientists and other experts in the field)
• working toward Action Awards for nature study and environmental action
• receiving NatureWild (the only children's quarterly magazine that focuses on nature and the environment in B.C.).