Over the last two decades, kids have been spending less time outdoors are now spend more than seven hours per day in front of electronic media. The American Academy of Pediatrics cautions parents to limit their kids' screen time and studies indicate that time spent outdoors enables children to increase physical fitness, improve creativity, increase attention spans and enhance classroom performance.
Families are encouraged to enjoy outdoor time together in their own backyard during the 8th annual Great American Backyard Campout on June 23. Participating families camp in their own backyard or at one of the organized campouts across the county. The event is organized by the National Wildlife Federation and is part of their Be Out There program. National sponsors of the event are Coleman and REI.
Participating families can register their campout at www.backyardcampout.org to get helpful, fun resources such as campfire songs and games, nature guides and activities, recipes and more. Families interested in fundraising for NWF may also be eligible for prizes like hats and shirts.
For those families interested in venturing out to a larger event, there are organized campouts across the county. For example, each Virginia State Park will be hosting a campout.
Enjoy a night out under the stars in your own backyard!