Get Outdoors and Discover the Forest

This post has been updated since it first appeared in 2010.

It’s so important that we teach our children and grandchildren about the fascinating natural world around them. Not only is it good for both body and soul, but it encourages exploration and cultivates the powers of observation.

I wanted to share two excellent resources I found recently. Click the titles to get to them.

The Discover the Forest Campaign

This is a public service campaign created by the Ad Council in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service. I am thrilled to see efforts being made to get children back outside. There are resources, information, and activities for all ages and all types of weather.

The call to get outdoors is so much more than just a feel-good message. You may be familiar with the book Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv. It is a compelling wake-up call that the migration to urban and suburban living has led to a Nature deficit in our children and what this can mean.

“13 Remarkable Health Benefits of Getting Outdoors”

This excellent article by Julie Singh cites medical and psychological studies to make a compelling case for exactly how we can improve our health and happiness by getting outdoors more often. She even includes practical tips to make your outing easier and safer.

So muster your inner pioneer spirit and get yourself and your family outdoors as often as possible. Rain and moderate cold shouldn’t deter you if you have the right gear. In fact, it will be the challenging outings that your children or grandchildren will remember most happily and vividly when they have children of their own.