American Girl’s 2011 Girl of the Year, Kanani, is a wonderful example of how kids are protecting wildlife in their own communities.

In her introductory book, Aloha, Kanani, Kanani courageously helps rescue a baby monk seal that is caught in a net, and her efforts make the front page of her local newspaper, the Daily Breeze.

This Hawaiian girl lives by the tradition of the “Aloha Spirit,” a desire to welcome and care for others with an open heart, including endangered species like the monk seal.

The Hawaiian monk seal is the most endangered seal in the U.S. with only about 1,200 remaining.

National Wildlife Federation is proud of kids like Kanani who work to protect the wildlife and wild places.

You can make a difference too! For every Kanani plush monk seal sold, American Girl will donate $1 to help National Wildlife Federation inspire people to protect America’s wildlife.

Related Links:

– More about Kanani and NWF
– More about Hawaiian monk seals
– Official Kanani Girl of the Year website

The Great American Backyard Campout (GABC) is right around the corner! This weekend, families across the country will celebrate the annual event.

In the same outdoor spirit as their 2010 Girl of the Year Lanie, American Girl is serving as the national sponsor for the GABC to encourage kids everywhere to enjoy the outdoors.

The GABC is a great opportunity for kids and adults to get outside and experience nature, while creating lasting memories with family and friends. Connecting with the outdoors benefits children’s health and inspires their sense of adventure.

By participating in this Saturday’s Great American Backyard Campout, we hope to encourage kids to view the outdoors as their favorite play space—where they can explore, imagine, discover, and daydream, just like Lanie!

– Kate McDonald

Visit beoutthere.org to learn more about NWF’s Be Out There movement.