National Get Outdoors Day for More Kids in the Woods fights Nature Deficit Disorder

National Get Outdoors Day is a new event to help kids connect with nature

National Get Outdoors Day is based on the idea of More Kids in the Woods, which aims to fight "Nature Deficit Disorder."

From American Recreation Coalition

"Promotion will coincide with the White House and gubernatorial proclamations of June as Great Outdoors Month."

To build on the success of More Kids in the Woods, which aims to engage children in nature based activities, the Forest Service and the American Recreation Coalition propose an inclusive, nation-wide effort focusing on a single day whereby people are inspired and motivated to get outdoors— with federal, state and local agencies and key enthusiast organizations and recreation businesses making being outdoors fun.

This day will be dedicated to reaching new and first time visitors to public lands. By offering specialized activities and opportunities, this national effort would be specially focused on non-traditional audiences to broaden appreciation for and interest in the great outdoors— and awareness of its benefits.

Objectives:

Further efforts to connect nature and kids— fighting Nature Deficit Disorder and combating serious health threats

Create special interpretive opportunities and use new technologies to appeal to youth and non-traditional users

Highlight the benefits of outdoor activities, and the action the agencies are taking to address alarming health trends resulting from physical inactivity

Recruit and coordinate with a media partner to cover key events

Have so much fun that "first timers" are eager to come back for more!

Planning Approach:

Promotion will coincide with the White House and gubernatorial proclamations of Great Outdoors Month (June). At least 100 sites across the nation will be highlighted (including many within the National Forest System) where partners will introduce visitors to at least one activity and build awareness of near-by recreation options. ARC will make Get Outdoors Day a signature component of its Get Outdoors USA! campaign, which has already begun to get significant media attention with its special events (WOW on the Road at the Connecticut State Capitol) and its seasonal "tipsheets" for fun outdoor activities, designed especially for busy moms and dads. A prominent national spokesperson has been identified and will be confirmed shortly.

Key foundations such as the National Forest Foundation, The National Park Foundation, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, leading enthusiasts groups including IMBA and Good Sam, recreation businesses and others will be invited to serve on a steering committee for this national day and will employ existing campaigns, efforts and websites to promote the day's opportunities.

Partners:

Forest Service, American Recreation Coalition, other federal land management agencies, others.

Contacts: Jacqueline Emanuel 202 205-0860

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Updated February 17, 2008