No Child Left Inside Principles

February 07, 2012

Encourage Outdoor Fitness

Numerous public and private initiatives have sprung up supporting outdoor activities as a way to, among other goals, slow or reverse the rise in childhood obesity. It’s one of the most worthwhile government and nonprofit ambitions in years — it not only gets kids moving today, but helps them gain an appreciation for the outdoors. Several studies demonstrate this is a key to healthy weight: the more time people spend outdoors, the less likely they are to become overweight.

Some examples across the US follow:

• No Child Left Inside promotes the recreational resources and outdoor activities that Connecticut has to offer. The program centers on The Great Park Pursuit challenge to visit different state parks and forests over 8 weeks as part of a Connecticut family adventure.
• American Recreation Association fosters the belief that outdoor recreation and the environment play an important, positive role in American culture. Inner-city youths, ages 8-12, experience an overnight campout in the heart of their community to open their eyes to healthy outdoor fun.
• Get Outside by the National Wildlife Federation features fun suggestions for family outdoor activities.
• Children & Nature Network is a widespread movement to connect children, families, and communities with nature — offering news, research, and ideas for exploring the great outdoors.
• Junior Ranger Programs at many national parks let young visitors join the National Park Service as Junior Rangers. Interested students complete a series of activities, share their answers with a park ranger, and receive an official badge or patch and certificate.

A parent’s health practices seem to influence kids right up through junior high. So promoting an active lifestyle can be more effective if you build in the responsibility angle. Some examples:

 

• Incentive programs. Conduct a fitness campaign with outdoor activities requiring a son or daughter to do their part along with dad or mom to receive the prize.
• Take Your Kid to the Park Day. Plan a day (possibly on a school holiday) where working parents can take kids to a local park on company time. Consider sponsoring events such as a walk/run, orienteering, Ultimate Frisbee™, or others that aren’t overly competitive.
• Children’s hours. If you have outdoor recreation facilities at work, designate nonpeak hours on weekends for parents and kids to exercise. Be sure it’s clear you’re not offering a childcare service, but an opportunity for parents to exercise with their kids.
• Outdoor sports clinics. Many parents don’t have the time or expertise to coach a team, but they would play in the back yard if they knew a bit more about the sport. Invite local coaches to show parents the ropes so they can be involved and have some fun.
• Active vacations. Encourage active vacations through your organization newsletter. Local travel agents can assist, or check out the many online resources such as www.backroads.com.
• Homework assignments. Give parents a sheet where they have to log outdoor activity for a month and have their kids sign it at the end of each week, just as parents sign a child’s homework assignment sheets.

You get the idea. By encouraging parents to be role models for an active outdoor lifestyle, they’re more likely to do what’s good for them and their kids. For more family wellness ideas, download our free white paper: Promoting Wellness on the Home Front — The Business Case for Targeting Family Well-Being.