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Getting outside has always been a priority for me, and something I encourage my children to do every day. Sometimes we take nature walks; sometimes I take them to a park. Often, they spend hours after school until dark playing with neighborhood children.
Wherever we go, there’s always something to find.
In our rushed, stressful 21st century life, getting outdoors may be last on the list for family time. Yet, research shows that children who play outside have lower stress levels and more active imaginations, become fitter and leaner and are more likely to become environmentally conscious in the future. Spending time outside in the sun increases our vitamin D levels, increasing our current resistance to disease and future resistance to diabetes, heart disease, and other diseases (NWF).
It’s time for all of us to get outside and experience nature, wherever we live.
The “Discover the Forest’s Get Your Community Outdoors!” Challenge presented by the U.S. Forest Service, The Wilderness Society and the Ad Council is looking for ideas on how you can inspire your friends and neighbors to escape their stress and discover the great outdoors. One Grand Prize Winner will receive $1,000 to bring their idea to life as well as a $500 Frontier Airlines voucher to escape to the forest of their choice for a vacation.
Challenge Details
- Submit an Idea from October 16, 2012 to November 13, 2012 (noon, PT).
- Include a photo or video that represents your idea. Photos should be in JPG, PNG, or GIF format, at least 570 × 345 pixels and no larger than 10MB. To include a video, use a YouTube URL.
- Write at least 3-5 sentences that explain how you would inspire your community to escape and enjoy nature.
- Only US-based organizations and individuals are eligible to apply. Applicants must be 13 years of age or older.
- Full Contest Rules: (discovertheforest.maker.good.is)
- Ideas will be posted for public voting November 14 – November 30, 2012.
- Rally your colleagues and friends to vote for your entry.
- One Grand Prize Winner will receive $1,000 to activate their idea during the months of Dec. 1, 2012-December 2013.
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Cool project! I see a difference in my entire family dynamic when we spend time outside every day- it makes everything better.
Our Muddy Boots recently posted..Giving My Daughter Her Space: Motherhood Moment #6
Outdoor time is really important in our family. It will be harder to be motivated to go out with the drizzle this winter though!
Shannon @ GrowingSlower recently posted..Tuesday Baby Link Up #4 featuring a Third Trimester Update
Yes! I keep hearing this winter will be bad. I may need to come up with inside activities for our basement if the weather is horrible.