About Our Initiative

Grow Outdoors South Carolina was launched in 2020 to build on the success of the Preventing Obesity by Design (POD) strategy, initiated by the Natural Learning Initiative (NLI) in 2007. This program enhances outdoor play and learning environments at licensed childcare facilities to promote healthy habits in young children. The goal is to increase physical activity, encourage healthy eating, and support social-emotional development through nature-based outdoor spaces.

A key aspect of Grow Outdoors SC is its focus on landscape design, professional development, and rigorous evaluation. In partnership with the National Wildlife Federation’s (NWF) Early Childhood Health Outdoors (ECHO) program, the initiative ensures outdoor environments are designed and maintained to foster children’s physical, mental, and emotional growth. Collaborative efforts with designers, childcare staff, and community members help create spaces that encourage play-based learning and healthy behaviors.

This joint initiative of the South Carolina Departments of Social Services (DSS) and Public Health (DPH) continues to transform early childhood outdoor spaces into diverse, naturalized environments that promote active play, learning, and long-term health.