Each week, an outdoor challenge will be posted. Complete the challenge and send a video or photo to our Instagram.
The person who completes the most challenges will earn a $300 REI gift card, In the event of a tie, winners will be selected through a random draw of names.
The goal is simple: Spend more time outdoors.
This week's challenge is to spend at least 15 minutes outside on five days this week. The longer you spend outside, the better!
In my area, the forecast calls for rain, so gear up and get out there!
Head outside and find a piece of nature. It can be anything: a rock, tree, bird, plant, the sun, or the sky! Then, sketch a picture of it.
Sketching nature can help foster a deeper connection with the natural world. As you observe details of plants, animals, landscapes, and other elements of nature, you may develop a greater appreciation for the outdoors and the environment around you.
Almost every time we head onto the forest trails during our Outdoor Explorer classes, we find some litter. We make a point of cleaning it up and discussing why it's important to do so.
See if you can find at least one piece of litter outside this week, and put it where it belongs! Every little step we take to cleaning up our planet can make a difference!
I know this one sounds a little silly. But, if you're an adult, when was the last time you skipped?
It's probably been a very long time. There are a ton of benefits to skipping, but my favorite is that it is almost impossible not to be happy when you skip.
Skipping feels carefree while being loaded with physical and mental health benefits. You. can check out this article to read more about skipping.
Get out there and have some fun!
What's that?!
Vestibular input is sensory information related to balance, spatial orientation, and movement detected by the inner ear's vestibular system. It is vital for coordination and stability.
Children tend to have a much higher threshold for vestibular input, while adults often become more sensitive.
Examples:
Rolling down a hill
Swinging
Downdog (yoga pose)
Spinning in a circle
Rocking
Vestibular input can regulate and release neurotransmitters related to relaxation. Don't overdo it, but see if you can find a form of vestibular input, that you can do outdoors, that is relaxing for you!
This week's challenge will count for two weeks!
Take pictures of 5 different types of plants/trees and identify them if possible!
Here are some plant identification apps you can use:
Plant identification fosters a sense of curiosity and a deeper connection to the natural world. It provides a basis for environmental education and encourages people to explore and appreciate their surroundings.
Natural items can be found outdoors any time of the year. This week's challenge is to collect nature items (sticks, leaves, rocks, pinecones, grass, dirt, etc) and use them to write your name.
How is this challenge good for you? Well, coming into physical contact with nature has several benefits:
1. Stress Reduction: Physical contact with natural elements can trigger the release of stress-reducing hormones.
2. Improved Mood: Being in nature and physically interacting with it has been shown to elevate mood and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression.
3. Enhanced Immune Function: Exposure to natural environments has been associated with a boost in the immune system.
4. Sensory Stimulation: Touching various textures in nature, such as leaves, rocks, or water, provides sensory stimulation. This can enhance cognitive function and sensory awareness, especially in children.
Visiting a new place can feel like a micro-adventure. Paul and I went to a local trail system we'd never visited and had a great time exploring. Maybe you'll visit a small park with just benches and a short path, or perhaps you'll discover a whole new set of trails like we did. Either way, have fun, and I hope you find something worth returning to!
On a clear night, the moon can be so incredible. Oftentimes, we don't slow down long enough to appreciate it. Take a moment, snap a picture, and spend some time marveling at the night sky.
Fun Facts About The Moon:
1. The moon doesn't produce its own light; it reflects the light from the Sun. That's why we see it shining in the night sky.
2. Phases of the Moon: The moon has different phases, like crescent, half-moon, and full moon. These changes happen because of the way the moon moves around the Earth.
3. One Side Always Faces Earth: The same side of the moon always faces the Earth. We can't see the other side from our planet. Scientists call this the "far side" or "dark side," even though it still gets sunlight.
4. A day on the moon lasts about 29.5 Earth days. During this time, there are about 14 days of sunlight followed by 14 days of darkness.
When was the last time you climbed a tree?
You (or your child) don't need to go far! Sitting or standing on a branch can be a whole new experience.
Tree climbing is beneficial as it promotes physical exercise, motor skills development, and spatial awareness. It encourages risk assessment, decision-making, overcoming challenges, and fostering resilience and confidence. Climbing trees connects us with nature, stimulates creativity, and regulates emotions.
**Safety should always be prioritized with supervision and clear guidelines.
This can be ANY game!
You can play:
The list is endless! Sometimes, we tend to avoid the outdoors during the winter, but bundling up and playing a game outside can give us the fresh air and mental boost we need!
Depending on where you live, it might be getting dark very early. Where I am, it's dark by 5:15. Grab a flashlight, a headlamp, or nothing at all, and see what adventure you can find!
An everyday activity you do during the day outside can feel extra special in the dark.
You can:
What can you come up with?
Look around, and you'll find spirals, stripes, colors, and shapes creating nature patterns.
What are some different types of patterns you can search for? Below are just a few examples of nature patterns to help get you started, but there are so many more waiting for you to discover!
Appreciating autumn, or any season for that matter, has several important benefits, both for individuals and the environment:
Appreciating autumn goes beyond enjoying the season's aesthetics; it's about fostering a deeper connection to nature, promoting well-being, understanding environmental changes, and embracing cultural traditions. It encourages a holistic perspective that considers the natural world and our place within it.
Connection with Nature: Watching the sunrise or sunset allows you to connect with the natural world and appreciate the beauty of the Earth. It's a reminder of the wonders of our planet and the cycle of life.
Tranquility and Serenity: Sunrise or sunset is often a peaceful and quiet time of day. It can provide a sense of tranquility and serenity, offering a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Health Benefits: Exposure to natural light in the morning, like during sunrise, can help regulate your circadian rhythm and improve your sleep patterns. It also provides a dose of vitamin D, which is essential for overall health.
Mindfulness and Appreciation: Taking the time to watch the sunrise encourages mindfulness and the practice of being present in the moment. It's an opportunity to appreciate the simple joys of life.
Inspiration and Creativity: It can stimulate creativity and provide a fresh perspective.
Watching the sunrise or sunset can be a deeply rewarding experience that offers a moment of reflection, beauty, and connection with the world around you.
Insects are essential for the ecosystem! They play crucial roles in pollination decomposition and serve as a food source for various organisms.
Looking for insects can foster a sense of curiosity, encourage outdoor exploration, promote an understanding of nature's intricacies, and inspire a lifelong appreciation for the environment and biodiversity.
Things To Talk About and Notice:
Reading is a fantastic activity for every age group. It's also an extremely portable activity. So whether you're reading the next best novel or a picture book to a child, take it outdoors this week.
Why read outside?
Reading outside, in natural settings like parks, gardens, or the great outdoors, offers unique benefits and can enhance your overall reading experience. Here are some reasons why reading outside is good for you
Improved mood: Many people find that being in nature has a positive impact on their mood. Reading in an outdoor setting can lift your spirits and boost your overall sense of well-being.
Stress reduction: Reading can help reduce stress, as it provides a mental break from everyday worries and allows you to relax and unwind.
Enhanced focus and concentration: Nature's calming influence can improve your ability to concentrate on what you're reading. The absence of distractions like screens and noise from indoor environments can make it easier to immerse yourself in a book.
Fresh air and vitamin D: Spending time outdoors exposes you to fresh air and sunlight, which are essential for your physical well-being. Sunlight provides vitamin D, which is important for bone health and overall immunity.
Creativity and inspiration: Natural settings can inspire creativity and imaginative thinking. The beauty of the outdoors can stimulate your mind and encourage fresh perspectives, which can be particularly beneficial for writers and artists.
Variety of settings: Outdoor reading offers a wide variety of settings, from serene forests to bustling city parks, allowing you to choose an environment that suits your preferences and mood.
One of my favorite things to do is to walk after dinner. For the purpose of this challenge, it doesn't matter how far you go, but try and aim for at least a 10 - 15 minute walk.
Why walk after dinner?
YOU MUST KEEP TRACK OF CHALLENGES YOU COMPLETE. IN ORDER TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE GIFT CARD, AT THE END OF 52 WEEKS, PROOF OF COMPELTED CHALLENGES IS REQUIRED.
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