"We have such a brief opportunity to pass on to our children our love for this Earth, and to tell our stories. These are the moments when the world is made whole. In my children's memories, the adventures we've had together in nature will always exist.” ― Richard Louv, Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder
Started in 2012 as an initiative with the Blue Cross of Idaho, Unplug and Be Outside is a week-long event series with the goal of getting children and their families into the outdoors and interacting with their communities.
“Originally it was to get kids away from the TV screen and off the couch,” shared Renee White, event coordinator for the Meridian Parks and Recreation Department. She laughs, “But now there's definitely a lot more things to unplug from!”
Unplug and Be Outside kicks off Saturday, May 11 this year at Kleiner Park in Meridian. The event is completely free and helps reduce some of the barriers to entry for recreational activities like fishing, birdwatching, soccer, juggling, cycling, and more.
“There are so many benefits to unplugging from technology for a while,” White explains. “These devices are designed to be incredibly addictive.” Hundreds of studies all agree that reducing the amount of time spent on our cell phones or watching television can decrease levels of anxiety, stress, and feelings of inadequacy.
Unplug and Be Outside is geared towards fostering social connectedness and finding interests and hobbies that are meaningful. “This event is one where people can try anything! The idea is just to get connected to something that is active and to put people in touch with the resources in our community. There really is so much to do in Idaho! Much of which is free or low cost.”
The list of offerings for Unplug and Be Outside Week continues to grow.
Kids can learn how to double Dutch jump rope, play tennis, go fishing, or take a beginning golf lesson. Adults may enjoy the Nordic walking club, bird watching, or an arboretum tour. Families can take a juggling lesson, try disc golf, and bring their bicycles to the park for free tire slime.
And this year, Meridian Parks and Recreation will be teaming up with the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation’s RecFest event, bringing the two events together in one place!
“We encourage people to get outside and get active! And to also be brave enough to try something new, and to maybe not be great at something right away. And everyone is challenged to take one day and stay unplugged! We dare you!”
For more information about the Unplug and Be Outside Initiative, visit meridiancity.org/unplug
