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Outdoor Education Helps Students Build Confidence, Connection, and Curiosity Beyond the Classroom

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More than 11,500 students, teachers, and chaperones participated in WOLF School’s outdoor education programs in 2025, highlighting the growing demand for hands-on learning in nature.

APTOS, Calif., June 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Across California and beyond, teachers, parents, and school leaders are increasingly recognizing what outdoor educators have long known: when students spend meaningful time learning in nature, they thrive.

Web of Life Field School (WOLF School), a California outdoor science school that has connected thousands of K–12 students with the natural world since 1989, is encouraging schools and families to consider outdoor education programs and nature-based summer camps as powerful opportunities for young people to grow academically, socially, and emotionally.

In 2025 alone, WOLF School served more than 11,500 students, teachers, and chaperones from 178 public and private schools through its outdoor science, environmental education, and marine conservation programs. Operating four year-round Northern California campuses and four distinct summer camp programs, WOLF School continues to expand opportunities for young people to learn through direct experience in the natural world.

Whether exploring a redwood forest, investigating local tidepool ecosystems, or working together to solve challenges, students in outdoor education programs gain more than scientific knowledge—they build confidence, curiosity, resilience, and a stronger sense of connection to each other and the world around them.

“At WOLF School, we see young people at their best,” said Desiree Gant, WOLF Associate Director. “When students have the opportunity to learn outdoors, they become engaged, curious, collaborative, and confident. Nature creates space for discovery—not only of science concepts, but of their own strengths and potential.”

Why Outdoor Education Matters

Outdoor environmental education offers students experiences that complement and enhance traditional classroom learning through:

Hands-on, inquiry-based science learningMeaningful opportunities for teamwork and collaborationConfidence-building challenges in supportive environmentsStronger connections to nature, community, and selfExperiences that encourage curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving

Research and educator observations consistently show that experiential learning in natural settings helps students deepen their understanding of academic concepts while developing valuable life skills that support success both in and out of the classroom.

As schools continue to prioritize student engagement, social-emotional learning, and hands-on science education, outdoor learning experiences are becoming an increasingly valuable complement to classroom instruction.

Learning That Stays With Students

At WOLF School, students participate in immersive, standards-based science programs led by trained naturalist teachers. Through field investigations, environmental stewardship activities, and shared community experiences, students develop a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of life and their role within it.

The impact is reflected in the experiences of participating students and educators. Teachers frequently report that after their students attend outdoor education experiences, they:

Increased student engagementStronger classroom communitiesRenewed enthusiasm for learning

One attending teacher shared, “Students gained confidence in their own nature skills and brought that with them back to our school community. They learned and appreciated nature and had a great time!”

Students often describe their time at science camp as one of the most memorable and meaningful experiences of their school years, while adult participants consistently praise the quality of instruction and mentorship. As one chaperone noted, “We were amazed by the energy and enthusiasm of the naturalists!”

“Outdoor education gives students a chance to see themselves in a new light,” said Gant. “They discover that they can lead, contribute, solve problems, and make meaningful connections with others. Those lessons stay with them long after camp ends.”

Opportunities for Schools and Youth Groups

Outdoor education programs like WOLF School serve:

Schools seeking engaging, standards-based science learning experiencesYouth organizations and retreat groups looking for impactful group programsFamilies interested in enriching nature and science-based summer camp experiences

Programs are designed to be accessible and adaptable for a wide range of ages, abilities, and learning styles, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to learn, explore, and succeed.

Now Booking for the 2026–2027 School Year

With limited space available across multiple Northern California camp locations, teachers and administrators are encouraged to explore program options early. Reservations are often made up to a year in advance.

To learn more or reserve a program, visit www.wolfschool.org.

About WOLF School

WOLF School is an outdoor environmental education organization offering immersive, standards-based science programs for K–12 students and nature-based recreational summer camps at four Northern California campuses. Through hands-on learning in natural environments, WOLF School inspires curiosity, builds confidence, strengthens relationships, and fosters lifelong connections to the natural world.

Contact: Heather Butler, Director of WOLF School, 831-431-0669, hbutler@wolfschool.org

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/outdoor-education-helps-students-build-confidence-connection-and-curiosity-beyond-the-classroom-302809460.html

SOURCE WOLF School

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The Second Global Business Summit on BRI Infrastructure to Accelerate the SDGs Held in Singapore

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September 6, 2026

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SINGAPORE, Sept. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Second Global Business Summit on Belt and Road Infrastructure Investment to Accelerate the SDGs was held in Singapore under the theme “Connect for Better World.” The Summit was organized by the UN Global Compact’s Sustainable Infrastructure for the Belt and Road Initiative to Accelerate the SDGs Action Platform, co-organized by UN Global Compact Network Singapore.

The Summit convened over 300 senior leaders and representatives of international organizations, global and regional enterprises, civil society organizations, academics and think tanks, launching a dozen of Sustainability-driven joint actions and innovative partnerships led by private sector with a view to unlock opportunities of BRI infrastructure cooperation to advance the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The Summit adopted a declaration setting out business priorities for sustainable infrastructure, responsible AI, just energy transition, global supply chains resilience, sustainable finance, women and youth empowerment in digital era and international cooperation in traditional medicine. The Summit launched expert groups on sustainable energy and sustainable digital infrastructure, alongside 12 SDG-driven outcomes covering green mining, electricity carbon-footprint standards, biodiversity conservation, ocean protection, sustainable transport, women’s microenterprise growth and inclusive global development, led by private sector pioneers.

UN Assistant Secretary general, CEO of UN Global Compact Ms. Sanda Ojiambo noted resilient infrastructure is key to long-term sustainable development. She emphasized: “the initiatives being launched today – from new expert groups on sustainable energy and digital infrastructure to new guidance on biodiversity, green minerals, and responsible AI – demonstrate that meaningful progress depends on collaboration across borders, sectors, and value chains.” Through the BRI for SDGs Action Platform, she added, “companies are joining forces to develop practical guidance, share expertise, and collaborate on solutions that can be applied across industries and regions.”

Mr. Selwin Hart, UN Secretary-General’s Special Adviser on Climate Action and Just Transition said: “Through the Belt and Road Initiative, Chinese businesses and financial institutions can help connect China’s extraordinary clean energy capabilities with the enormous growth opportunities across the developing world. The next chapter of the energy transition must show what cooperation at scale can achieve. Because in a divided world, our greatest opportunities will come not from retreating behind borders, but from building bridges — connecting markets, mobilizing investment, sharing solutions and creating prosperity together.“

2026 kicks start the UN Decade of Sustainable Transport, UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Road Safety Mr. Jean Todt noted the Belt and Road Initiative is one of the world’s largest infrastructure and connectivity efforts. Its scale must be matched by an equally strong commitment to safety. Mr. Li Junhua, Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs of United Nations concluded the Summit by appealing “No single country can tackle today’s complex connectivity challenges in isolation. Cooperation, between governments, international organizations, financial institutions and the private sector, is crucial for keeping us connected. The Belt and Road Initiative stands as a prime example of cross-border connectivity in action.“

Ms. Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, Executive Secretary of UNESCAP, Mr. Stephen Jackson, UN resident coordinator in China and Mr. Nikolas Myint, UN resident coordinator in Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei Darussalam highlighted importance role of the Summit to foster cross-border collaboration while noted China, Singapore and ASEAN region’s contribution to regional stability and global progress towards the SDGs.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-second-global-business-summit-on-bri-infrastructure-to-accelerate-the-sdgs-held-in-singapore-302870873.html

SOURCE UN Global Compact

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TCL Showcases AI Inspired Life at IFA 2026 Through Its Screen Universe

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September 6, 2026

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From next-generation displays and AI-powered smart home experiences to sports-inspired moments, TCL presents an immersive vision of everyday life in the AI era.

BERLIN, Sept. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — TCL today unveiled its vision for an AI Inspired Life at IFA 2026 through the “Inspiration Habitat,” an immersive smart-living environment that brings together next-generation displays, AI-powered smart home experiences and sustainable energy solutions. Built around TCL’s Screen Universe, the exhibition shows how screens across forms and applications are evolving into intelligent interfaces connecting people with content, services and the physical world.

With the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 taking place in Berlin during IFA, TCL is extending this vision from the exhibition floor to sports-inspired fan experiences, showing how display innovation and AI-enabled living can bring the energy of the court closer to everyday life.

“At IFA 2026, TCL is showing how AI and display innovation can create more intuitive, immersive and human-centered experiences,” said Daniel Sun, CTO of TCL Industries. “Through our Screen Universe, TCL is turning advanced display technologies and AI capabilities into tangible home experiences.”

TCL’s Screen Universe Turns Display Innovation into Everyday Intelligence

At IFA 2026, TCL brought together voices from technology, entertainment and creative industries to examine how larger screens, improved picture quality and intelligent interaction are shaping immersive home entertainment.

A key highlight is the TCL X11L SQD-Mini LED TV, which delivers up to 100% BT.2020 All-Scene Wide Color Gamut, precise dimming and up to HDR 10,000 nits peak brightness through next-generation display technologies. TCL also introduced RayNeo GT Max AR Glasses, the world’s first Dolby Vision-certified AR glasses, extending premium viewing beyond the living room into personal, mobile scenarios.

AI Inspired Life: Intelligence That Lives in Everyday Moments

Through the latest NXTHOME™ ecosystem, TCL presents a future-oriented approach to connected living, where smart displays, connected home appliances, AI experiences, interior design and sustainable living create a home environment that adapts to people’s needs.

The AiMe Family Companion Robot brings intelligent technology to life through natural multimodal interaction and lifelike motion control. TCL’s AI-powered appliances, including the FreshIN 3.0 Ultra Air Conditioner, TCL Free Built-in Refrigerator and TCL AI SuperDrum Laundry Tower P9 Ultra, translate AI capabilities into practical experiences across air care, food storage and laundry care.

Inspire Your Passion: Bringing the Thrill of Sport Beyond the Court

From the Olympic Games to the world’s top arenas, TCL continues to use sport as a powerful way to connect people through shared moments of passion, performance and possibility that Inspire Greatness in everyday life.

With IFA 2026 and the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 both taking place in Berlin, TCL is bringing the energy of women’s basketball into its Inspiration Habitat through basketball-inspired experiences and fan interactions. TCL is embedding the spirit of #TCLforHer across its activations and global communications, celebrating the confidence, resilience and ambition represented by women’s basketball.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/tcl-showcases-ai-inspired-life-at-ifa-2026-through-its-screen-universe-302870862.html

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VITG Unveils Modern Managed Services and Managed Detection & Response as Part of a Broader AI and Cybersecurity Transformation across ANZ

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September 6, 2026

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SYDNEY, Sept. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As organisations across Australia and New Zealand navigate the accelerating impact of artificial intelligence, increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, and growing governance requirements, Virtual IT Group   (VITG) has announced the launch of Modern Managed Services  (MMS)  and Managed Detection & Response  (MDR) , that are next-generation managed services and managed security offerings designed to help organisations remain secure, resilient and ready for what’s next.

Modern Managed Services delivers a Modern Defensible Architecture framework for managed IT operations, ensuring security controls, governance frameworks and operational best practices are embedded and continuously maintained. Complementing this, Managed Detection & Response provides organisations with 24×7 Security Operations Centre (SOC) capability, actively monitoring, investigating and responding to threats using advanced security analytics and response technologies.

Jeremy Nees , Chief Product Officer, VITG , said:

“Too often, organisations purchase managed services only to discover they do not have the standard level of security they need. As businesses adopt AI, the old-world IT solutions that Managed Service Providers (MSP) are selling are simply not going to cut it. We’ve baked common security requirements into the MMS service from day one, applying the key principles of Modern Defensible Architecture: Secure-by-Design, Defense in Depth, and Zero Trust.

MDR and ZDR   can be layered on top or are available independently if you have your own IT service or team. The push to adopt AI is leaving security gaps across the ANZ mid-market. Our goal is to provide customers with technology that is secure, resilient, and ready for what’s next.”

The launch marks VITG’s second major solution release of the year, following the introduction of its Zero Trust Consulting Practice  and Zero Trust Detection & Response  (ZDR)  offering earlier in 2026. It is also the Group’s first launch since acquiring cybersecurity outfit Security Centric , building on the addition of Auckland based The Instillery  in 2025 and further strengthening VITG’s capabilities across managed services, cloud, cybersecurity, data and AI. VITG is also advancing a dedicated Data & AI Practice and Momentum, a continuous improvement framework currently being piloted with customers ahead of a market launch later this year.

Since joining VITG  at the start of the year, Maurice McCarthy , Chief Executive Officer , is committed to moving at pace to meet the demand that has been created off the back of the market’s rapid adoption of AI.   

McCarthy said, “The traditional managed services model was built for a different era. Today’s organisations need partners that can help them unlock the value of data and AI while strengthening cybersecurity, managing risk, and continuously evolving their technology environment.

Through the acquisition of Security Centric and The Instillery we have brought together market-leading expertise across managed services, data and AI, and cybersecurity. This launch is the first of several innovations we will introduce as we help organisations accelerate transformation and realise greater value from AI.”

Sash Vasilevski , Chief Security Officer, VITG , said:

“The technology businesses are using to unlock the value of AI, integrate systems, and build strong data foundations, is rapidly introducing new risks and attack surfaces.

As business leaders accelerate their adoption of AI, the gap between the threats they face and the security capabilities they have in place is growing faster than many businesses realise.”

Modern Managed Services and Managed Detection & Response are available immediately.

For more information, visit:

Modern Managed Services (MMS)

Managed Detection & Response (MDR)

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SOURCE Virtual IT Group

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