We have no shortage of outdoor options here in Charleston so celebrating National Get Outdoors Day shouldn’t be a problem. This fifth annual event is all about encouraging healthy, active outdoor fun. Spearheaded by the U.S. Forest Service and American Recreation Coalition, part of the event’s mission is to encourage use of public lands and reconnecting children and families to outdoor spaces.
Events and celebrations are being hosted all over the country on GO Day. Fort Sumter National Monument is hosting a free celebration from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 9 at Liberty Square in downtown Charleston. There will be information and activity centers, including historic games and toys, displays from area organizations about outdoor recreational opportunities and healthy living.
The National Get Outdoors Day Campaign offers 10 reasons why getting outdoors is important:
- A smaller and smaller portion of the nation is deriving physical, mental and spiritual benefits from time on their lands.
- Today’s American kids are less connected to the outdoors than any previous generation.
- America’s youth tell us that we are not reaching them with invitations to be active outdoors because we are not using the communications channels they utilize most.
- Americans are overwhelmed with information over the Internet.
- Americans who volunteer are also likely to be healthier.
- America’s public lands and water agencies and the recreation community need to work as a team to compete for the hearts and minds of 21st Century Americans.
- The future of America’s public lands will be determined by the extent to which Americans care about the Great Outdoors.
- Americans have a growing problem that can be addressed with more physical activity – an increase in the percentage of Americans who are overweight and obese.
- Combating stress: Recreation is a powerful antidote to stress.
- American families, American communities and the nation need the connectivity and unity that results from family and friends enjoying time in the outdoors.
Let us know how you plan to get outdoors this summer and enjoy some of our great public lands and green spaces!