Let's Move Outside

Yesterday First Lady Michelle Obama, Majority Leader Harry Reid and Assistant Secretary Rhea Suh from DOI together launched a new Let’s Move Outside initiative at Red Rock Canyon outside of Las Vegas.  You can read Michelle Obama’s remarks here.  Let’s Move Outside will involve the Department of the Interior and the USDA Forest Service and encourages activities both on public lands and close to home.  The new website states:

“Kids need at least 60 minutes of active and vigorous play each day, and one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to meet this goal is by playing outside.  Let’s Move Outside! gives parents the tools they need to get their families moving outdoors. By linking parents to nearby parks, trails and waters – and providing tips and ideas – Let’s Move Outside! will help families become healthier and develop a more active lifestyle.”

This is very encouraging!  And, on top of that, a new national strategic partnership called the Outdoors Alliance for Kids (OAK) was launched yesterday and over the weekend President Obama proclaimed June “Great Outdoors Month” along with more than 40 Governors (and counting) – download them from the American Recreation Coalition’s site here.  

Summer is officially here, as is Great Outdoors Month, so check out some of the great opportunities coming up to get outdoors and connect with family, friends and nature!

• National Trails Day® – 6/5 – (www.americanhiking.org) 
• National Parks Fee-Free Weekends – 6/5, 6/6, 8/14, 8/15, 9/25 – (http://www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparks.htm)
• National Get Outdoors Day – 6/12 – (www.nationalgetoutdoorsday.org)
• Outdoor Nation – 6/19, 6/20 – (www.outdoornation.org)
• Great American Backyard Campout – 6/26 – (www.beoutthere.org)
• Park and Recreation Month – July – (www.nrpa.org)
• World’s Largest Campfire – 7/14 – (www.ymca.net)