Beyond Four Walls: Reclaiming Recreation Through Nature | Amber Collins | TEDxNormal
What if the path to self-discovery, joy, and balance started on a basketball court? In this vibrant and reflective talk, recreation and kinesiology expert Amber Collins shares how a childhood moment of play sparked a lifelong passion for movement, nature, and community. Exploring the science of biophilia and the importance of “third spaces,” they challenge our culture of hyper-productivity and burnout, and invite us to reclaim our connection to nature and each other. Whether designing spaces, hosting community events, or simply stepping outside, this talk reminds us that play is powerful—and that joy, curiosity, and rest are essential acts of resistance. Amber is a passionate advocate for the transformative power of recreation. With a Master’s in Kinesiology & Recreation, she is passionate about creating meaningful opportunities for youth to explore diverse recreational experiences through nature, art, and literature—sharing her research through writing to make academic insights more accessible. Her work highlights recreation as a pathway to rest, growth, and social change. This passion also led her to found Recreate, an initiative dedicated to expanding recreational access for youth. She is also a published author in the National Recreation and Park Association Magazine This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
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