Description
“Nobody wants to be in the last generation that remembers when it was considered normal and expected for children to go outside and play. Nobody.” -Richard Louv
“Simply” put, this badge is about being intentional with your time and challenging yourself and your family to spend 1,000 outdoors over the course of a year. Your year can begin whenever you like- 12 months, 1,000 hours and lives changed.
Why Invest in This Badge?
It is estimated that the average American child spends 1,200 hours a year on screens and only minutes a day in outdoor play. 1,000 hours outdoors is an attempt to even out these numbers and give children the opportunity to experience time in nature to aid in their emotional, mental and physical development.
The challenge was created by Michigan mom of 5, Ginny Yurich. You can read about her and the story behind her passion for getting her children outdoors here.
Resources For Your Journey
- Download and print your trackers here!
- This great, short TED TALK by Angela Hanscom will no doubt inspire you to get your children moving!
- All things, 1,000 hours outside are located here!
Requirements
Your Challenge, If You Choose to Accept It
Level One of the 1,000 Hours Outside Badge
- Spend 1,000 hours outdoors over the course of 12 months.
- Take some time to explore these blog posts over the course of the year.
- Write, journal or compose a short video reflecting on what this challenge has meant to you and your family.
Going Deeper
Level Two: Digging Into the Importance of Outdoor/Free Play
Complete two of the six options below and make a few notes about the things that most stand out to you:
- Read “There’s No Such Thing as Bad Weather” by Linda Akeson McGurk. (Can also be checked out of our Acton Parent Library)
- Read “Balanced and Barefoot” by Angela Hanscom. (Can also be checked out of our Acton Parent Library)
- Read “Free to Learn” by Peter Gray. (Can also be checked out of our Acton Parent Library)
- Read “1,000 Hours Outside…” by Ginny Yurich.
- Listen to this Podcast, “The Loss of Middle Childhood (Ages 6-11)”
- Listen to this Podcast, “When School Wasn’t Such a Big Deal”.