National Wildlife Federation - Making a Difference

There is no doubt that the children of today are a techno generation. The world is nothing like it was in our grandparents or even our parent's day. Prior to the Internet and PS3, families spent more quality time together enjoying nature and engaging in outdoor activities. These days we've become overwhelmed, both at work and at home, with technology of every kind.

We have become so accustomed to the convenience of this technology that we have forgotten the importance, as well as the wondrous beauty of nature. As a direct result, our physical health and our environment have become subjected to a variety of debilitating affects. Seemingly, not a day goes by that we don't hear or read about global warming, endangered species, new forms of cancer, or childhood obesity. It might feel like these global ailments are impossible to conquer, but really there are very simple ways to make drastic changes to both our environment and our health.

Of course many of these issues cannot be resolved overnight, but with little more than determination and perseverance, we can turn these disasters around. For the future of our children we must do something, and a good place to start is right in our own backyards.

This year let nothing stop you from enjoying a memorable outdoor adventure with your friends, family, neighbors, or even your colleagues. With the help of National Wildlife Federation (NWF) you can join the Great American Backyard Campout on Saturday, June 26, in your backyard, parks, campgrounds or even your balcony! No site is too big or too small to spend a night sleeping under the stars.

National Wildlife Federation is America's largest conservation organization. They work with more than 4 million members, partners and supporters in communities across the country to protect wildlife and reconnect people with nature. Their award winning magazines, Wild Animal Baby®, Your Big Backyard® and Ranger Rick® introduce children of all ages to the wonders of the natural world around them.

Their mission is simple: to inspire Americans to protect wildlife for our children's future. With simple strategic goals such as: connecting people with nature, protecting and restoring wildlife habitats, and confronting global warming; NWF has been successful in helping to keep families connected to the outdoors in order to raise healthier kids and inspire a life-long appreciation of wildlife and nature.

We owe it to our own children and all the children across our great nation to bring back our passion for the outdoors. The Great American Backyard Campout promotes just that while at the same time, building communities and promoting family activities. It encourages families to seek outdoor experiences and create lasting memories, and educates children about our local habitats and wildlife.

It's quick and easy to register (http://online.nwf.org/site/TR/GABC/gabc2010_internal?fr_id=1030&pg=entry). Participants have the option to fundraise and earn great incentive prizes such as; T-shirts, fleece blankets, gift cards and much more... This is a unique and low-cost way to enjoy a family vacation on any type of budget.

The campout is a nationwide, one night event. Whether you are an experienced camper or a first time camper, the NWF website has tons of tips and resources to help you have a successful evening under the stars. You even have the option to "join an existing campsite", for those of you that would like to join an officially registered campsite. There are no fees to register for the campout, the NWF simply wants to encourage each of us to get outdoors and appreciate the natural beauty surrounding us.

It might comfort you to know that National Wildlife Federation uses 80 cents of every dollar raised for the Great American Backyard Campout to support programs that address the problem of America's indoor childhood and its associated health risks. If you would like to help support NWF in their ongoing efforts, there are a number of options available: the easiest and most affordable way to contribute is to shop online through www.shop4wildlife.org.

So what are you waiting for? Get registered, get geared up, and get out there! For more information regarding The Great American Backyard Campout and National Wildlife Federation, visit the NWF website at www.nwf.org


National Wildlife Federation

DID YOU KNOW?

  • Children today spend twice as much time indoors than our generation did.
  • For most children, the only unstructured play time they spend outdoors is on the playground during recess at school.
  • There is a direct correlation between a child's weight and the number of hours the child spends watching television. As TV viewing has risen over the past three decades, so has the average weight of American children.
  • The average child or teen watches 3-4 hours of television per day, and this does not include time spent utilizing other media outlets such as: internet, video games, or cell phone usage.

The tolls of an indoor childhood have detrimental effects on both the physical and mental well-being of a child's development. As a society we have seen a considerable decline in our children's creativity, concentration, and social skills. There is a quadrupled rate of childhood obesity and an ALARMING increase in prescribed antidepressants as well as psychiatric medications.

WHY CAMP AND SPEND MORE TIME OUTDOORS?

  • Outdoor play is more likely to engage imaginations, inventions, and creativity.
  • Healthy bodies and minds that come with outdoor play increase cognitive focus in school, resulting in measurably better grades.
  • Recent studies find that kids who get outdoor time have less nearsightedness and need for eyeglasses.
  • Today's "indoor kids" don't get enough sun and are becoming vitamin D deficient, causing health risks such as cancer and fragile bones.
  • Doctors estimate that sedentary and obese children lose 3-5 years from their life expectancy.
  • An hour a day of outdoor play is what doctors say is a basic tool in the effort to ward off obesity and diabetes.
  • Children playing together outdoors relate directly with one another, create games together, choose sides and improve their "people" skills by learning the tools needed for compromise, negotiation and making friends.

WAYS TO PARTICIPATE:

  • Camp! - Invite your friends or family members to join you for a sleepover under the stars.
  • Camp With Your Neighborhood - Backyard too small to host everyone? Invite your friends, neighbors and their kids to a common area in your neighborhood.
  • Camp With Your Co-Workers - Gather your co-workers, their friends and families to a local campground or the boss's big backyard!
  • Organize a Community Campout - Make it a community event. Register as a Community Partner Team Captain and NWF will provide the help you'll need to pull off a great event.
  • Help Spread the Word - Help spread the word about Campout by connecting with NWF online.
  • Share Your Photos and Stories - Add your stories and photos to the NWF Flickr photo group or become a fan of Great American Backyard Campout on Facebook.

Don't have the proper camping equipment? Gear up at The North Face and earmark 6% of your total purchase price to support NWF.

In conjunction with the Great American Backyard Campout, The North Face is offering FREE SHIPPING on all orders over $125 for the ENTIRE month of JUNE. Whether you're a first time explorer or a professional thrill seeker, The North Face has something for everyone.

Oh, and one last thing, while the 'official' campout takes place on June 26, don't feel limited by that one specific date if it doesn't fit your schedule. Make a campout plan that works for YOU!

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