Purpose of the Research:
This is a community-led project that explores issues that concern everyone – children’s and environmental health and wellbeing. Interviews with community leaders and extensive research have led to a series of simple “Landmark” activities for children and youth, linked to children’s needs and abilities at various ages. We are asking families and schools to try out these activities to see whether they can help children feel better, function better, and take better care of the world we share. Many regional agencies support this project, including Camp Kawartha, Peterborough Public Health, Otonabee Conservation, GreenUP, and Peterborough Child and Family Centres.

What Will We Do?
Each participating school includes some simple, age-linked activities in their regular routines. These include Landmarks such as getting to know your neighbourhood, and increasing outdoor learning-time. Each age group has its own special Landmarks. Families are encouraged to do the same activities whenever they can. The Pathway program provides workshops, engaging guests, support materials and other incentives for schools and families alike. These activities are outlined in the Pathway website pathwayproject.ca

What Will My Participation Involve?
A sample of participating classes and families will be asked to complete a simple online survey that explores your connections with the world around you. You will not be identified by name in the survey. A sample of students 8 years and older will also complete a very simple survey, with parental consent. You are free to decline to participate in any aspect of the research at any time.

How Will the Information Be Used?
Survey results will be submitted to the Ontario Trillium Foundation through Logical Outcomes Research. No one will be identified by name in any reports, and only the researchers will see your responses. The surveys will show provincial trends, and help determine whether other children might benefit from these activities. Research results may be published in educational journals or provincial educational newsletters, and be available on the Pathway Project website.

Benefits and Risks of Participation
The Pathway Project was designed to help children feel better, be more active, learn about the natural world, promote environmental health and develop skills to be engaged in their community. Based on many studies, benefits include reduced anxiety, better concentration, self-esteem, cooperation, improved problem-solving skills and better physical health. Risks are minimal, but may include occasional and normal minor bumps and scrapes from children participating in active and creative outdoor play.

Privacy and Confidentiality
Participants will remain anonymous. Individual schools may be identified in the research report, but no teachers, children, or families will be mentioned by name.

Consent from Participant

• I understand that my participation in this research is voluntary and that I may choose to withdraw at any time by contacting the researcher or supervisor, and I will be removed from the study with no adverse consequences;
• I may print and keep a copy of this consent form for my own records;
• I may access the research results by contacting my school principal or by directly contacting the researcher;
• I understand that this project has been approved by the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board’s Research Advisory Committee.