Amador County –Amador County this week is following the lead of other in trying to help youths connect with nature. The “Amador Children in Nature Movement” group holds its first meeting Thursday, said Liz MacLeod, of the Amador County Recreation Agency. Experts say because children have fewer opportunities for “unstructured, outdoor play, they are at a greater risk for health and social problems,” MacLeod said. “Amador Children in Nature Movement” advocates the importance of outdoor play for children’s health and well-being. The group formed after an April showing of PBS’s “Where Do the Children Play?,” attended by more than 50 parents, educators and leaders. Sybil Griffith, an Ione instructional assistant, said “the stigma that if your child is hanging around, they are doing something wrong” can be a barrier to getting children outside. Ione Elementary Principal Laurie Amick said: “I will really try to get my staff to focus on play and access to play.” Children In Nature’s main purposes are: To address health, education, policy and the environment; and be a hub for sharing information in getting children to experience nature through play. MacLeod said: “The only prerequisite is having an interest in connecting our community’s youths to the outdoors.” The movement is a collaboration between ACRA, First 5 Amador, Amador Child Care Council and The Resource Connection. For information, call First 5 Amador or ACRA.. Story by Jim Reece