Newswise — What: Great American Backyard Campout
The economy may be keeping people closer to home this summer. Instead of packing up and hitting the road, here's an idea for family fun, no further than your backdoor. The National Wildlife Federation encourages parents and kids alike to trade their website for a campsite and screen time for green time.
Turn off computers, TVs, iPods, Wiis, MP3 players, cell phones and all things high tech, to experience a night with Mother Nature, listen for nocturnal wildlife (maybe even see a few), star-gaze, cook outdoors, tell stories about Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster, and explore a whole other world right in their own backyard.
Last year thousands of people from around the country participated in the Great American Backyard Campout. You don't need to go to Yosemite National Park to experience the great outdoors and the wonders it has to offer. Just open up your backdoor! June has been officially designated Great Outdoors Month by the White House and more than half of America's governors and what better way to celebrate.
Where: Backyards across America
When: Saturday night, June 27, 2009
Who: Families, friends, neighbors, and communities
Why: This initiative is part of the National Wildlife Federation's "Be Out There" campaign that encourages young and old alike to get outside and connect with the natural world. It's especially important for children because for the first time in our country's history; we have an entire generation that is growing up disconnected from nature.
This can lead to a weaker immune system, increased childhood obesity, greater dependency on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) drugs, lost creativity, less self-sufficiency, and lack of interest in maintaining the wildlife legacy they have inherited. To say nothing of the good old fashioned fun they are missing.
Getting Started:
The National Wildlife Federation is providing everything you need to head out into the great outdoors called your backyard. Or you can check out to see if a local group is planning a large family Campout near where you live. NWF's web site has packing lists, recipes, nocturnal wildlife guides, exploration activities, nature guides and more. Check it out at www.backyardcampout.org. (Note to editors: web site doesn't go live until February)
The National Wildlife Federation inspires Americans to protect wildlife for our children's future.
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