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When you were a kid it was easy to spend time in nature. Today it can seem hard to break free and get out there to share that same experience with your kids. But it’s worth it — and nature is closer than you think.
The US Forest Service’s campaign “Discover the Forest” wants to encourage you to enjoy the great outdoors on National Get Outdoors Day on Saturday, June 11th and all summer long.
National Get Outdoors Day will include a series of events offering traditional and nontraditional outdoor activities across the nation. Events may include special guests like Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl and free admissions to our national forests so families can experience activities like fishing, canoeing, kayaking, rock climbing, hiking, biking, horseback riding and archery.
The Discover the Forest Campaign aims to encourage parents and caregivers to take their families out to the forest to experience and re-connect with nature and also engender a love for nature in kids by fostering a connection with urban and national forests, ultimately creating a lifelong interest and a legacy of stewardship through first-hand experience.
- Join #ForestChat with @DiscoverForest on Friday, June 10th at 1pm ET to spread the word about National Get Outdoors Day, using #ForestFriday and #DiscovertheForest.
- Participate in our Discover the Forest Photo Scavenger Hunt. Starting Saturday, June 11th and running for several weeks, Discover the Forest will post a creative photo of the forest and ask followers to replicate the photo with their family and participate using #Getoutdoors16. Promote on your social channels by posting the attached social graphics and even participate yourself!
- Participate in #ForestFotog on Instagram: Share your beautiful forest photos and nature quotes on social media. If you share with the hashtag #ForestFotog, we will share your content with our communities as well.
Nature is closer than you think. Every neighborhood has a #Naturehood. To find a neighborhood park or green space near you, visit DiscoverTheForest.org. These “naturehoods” are just a short-drive away, making it easy for families to unplug from the daily routine and reconnect with nature.
Populations have shifted away from rural settings to metropolitan areas, with over 80% of Americans living in cities, and with fewer connections than ever to natural areas. The campaign highlighted that urban forests offer many of the same benefits as national forests, but they’re right in the neighborhood. Beyond the swings, slides and clearings, there are trails, trees, wildlife and water just waiting for the urban dweller.
Research has shown that children who play outside have lower stress levels and more active imaginations, become fitter and leaner, develop stronger immune systems and are more likely to become environmentally conscious in the future. According to campaign research done by Euro RSCG, 88 percent of children today say they like being in nature, and 79 percent wish they could spend more time there.
DiscoverTheForest.org features an interactive map tool that enables users to search for nearby forests and parks, and filter by zip code and desired activities. Free outdoor activities are also available for download and printing, which you can take the next time you visit.
ABOUT DISCOVER THE FOREST:
Discover the Forest is a public service campaign created by the U.S. Forest Service and the Ad Council with the primary goal of inspiring kids and their parents to re-connect with nature. The campaign brings to life the joy and excitement kids have when they discover the wonders of nature, helping create lasting memories, interest in their environment and a lifelong relationship with it. The campaign website, www.DiscoverTheForest.org, includes an interactive tool that enables users to search for nearby forests and parks, as well as downloadable activities for them to print and take with them when they visit. The campaign also features online communities on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest.
https://www.pinterest.com/discoverforest/
https://www.instagram.com/discovertheforest/
This sounds like a great way to get kids outdoors and participate in activities this summer! We love to go camping and walk around in the forest during the Summer Months!