Be Out There With The National Wildlife Federation

I received this cool idea yesterday in my e-mail in-box that I thought I would share. The National Wildlife Federation (NWF) is launching their Be Out There campaign, a national movement to return to the nation’s children what they don’t even know they’ve lost - The great outdoors!

I know I have MANY fond memories of camping, hiking and just playing outside in the fort behind my parents garage - Heck, for many of us, childhood memories are synonymous with outdoor moments like climbing trees, skipping stones, or cloud gazing. But today’s kids spend twice as much time indoors as their parents and grandparents did, missing out on the simple pleasures and lasting mental and physical health benefits of daily outdoor time.

Studies show children who spend time in nature are healthier, happier, and become better stewards of the environment.

That's why the NWF has teamed up with the movie Where The Wild Things Are to formally launch Be Out There. Where The Wild Things Are is based on a favorite children's book - The movie is a collaborative effort between innovative director Spike Jonze and celebrated author Maurice Sendak that tells the story of a rambunctious and sensitive boy who feels misunderstood at home and escapes to the island of the Wild Things.

Celebrate with NWF and organize your own Wild Rumpus Day - download the Where The Wild Things Are Kids' Activity Guide. Get together, head outside and try a few activities like flying a kite, playing tag, riding a bike, walking through one of the many local Ann Arbor parks or building a fort on the patio - The only key is, to remember to have tons of family outdoor fun!