August 2023
The 1000 Hours Outside Challenge- By Alice Finen
The 1000 hours outside challenge was started by Ginny Yurich, mother and author. The movement is a growing initiative that aims to encourage families to spend more time outdoors, connecting with nature and reaping the physical, mental, and emotional benefits of spending time in the natural world. The concept behind the movement is simple: challenge yourself and your family to spend 1000 hours outside over the course of a year.
The idea of spending time outside is not new. However, with the rise of technology and the busy schedules of modern-day life, it has become increasingly difficult for families to make time for nature. The 1000 Hours Outside movement aims to change that, by encouraging families to prioritize outdoor time and make it a regular part of their routine. Mistwood encourages outdoor time at school with an average of two hours of built in play time a day and other classes that take place outside.
Why 1000 Hours?
The 1000 Hours Outside movement is inspired by research that suggests that children should spend at least three hours a day outside to promote healthy development. This translates to around 1000 hours of outdoor time over the course of a year. However, the movement is not just about hitting a specific number of hours. It's about creating a culture of outdoor play, exploration, and adventure, and making nature a regular part of family life.
Benefits of Spending Time Outside
There are many benefits to spending time outside, especially for children. Here are just a few:
Physical Health: Spending time outside can help children develop stronger muscles, improve balance and coordination, and increase their overall fitness levels. It can also help reduce the risk of childhood obesity and related health issues.
Mental Health: Spending time outside has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety levels, improve mood, and boost overall well-being. It can also help children develop resilience and coping skills.
Cognitive Development: Spending time outside can stimulate the senses and encourage curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving skills. It can also improve focus and attention span.
Environmental Awareness: Spending time outside can help children develop an appreciation for the natural world and a sense of responsibility for protecting the environment.
Tips for Making the Most of Outdoor Time
Here are some tips for families looking to make the most of their 1000 hours outside:
Start Small: If spending 1000 hours outside seems overwhelming, start with smaller goals, such as spending an hour outside each day or going for a family walk after dinner.
Get Creative: There are endless possibilities for outdoor activities, from hiking and biking to gardening and birdwatching. Be creative and try new things to keep things interesting.
Make it a Habit: Make outdoor time a regular part of your routine, such as scheduling a weekly family hike or setting aside time for backyard play.
Embrace All Weather: Don't let a little rain or snow deter you from outdoor time. Embrace all weather conditions and use them as an opportunity to explore and learn.
Connect with Nature: Use outdoor time as an opportunity to connect with the natural world. Take time to observe wildlife, explore different environments, and learn about the plants and animals in your area.
Keep it Fun: Outdoor time should be fun and enjoyable for everyone. Don't worry too much about schedules or goals – simply enjoy the time together as a family.
We are so lucky living here in Humboldt County to have so many options for outdoor family fun!
Explore the Redwoods: Humboldt County is home to some of the tallest and oldest trees on the planet, and there are many parks and preserves where visitors can explore these majestic forests. Some popular spots include Redwood National and State Parks, Humboldt Redwoods State Park, and Avenue of the Giants. Some popular hiking trails include the Lost Coast Trail, Fern Canyon Trail, and the Headwaters Forest Reserve.
Beaches: Humboldt County has some beautiful beaches, including Trinidad State Beach, Moonstone Beach, and Patrick's Point State Park. These beaches offer opportunities for swimming, tidepooling, and exploring the coastline.
Attend Festivals and Events: Humboldt County hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the summer, including the Humboldt County Fair, Arcata Fairy Festival and the Arcata Bay Oyster Festival, just to name a few!
Farmer's Markets: Humboldt County has several farmer's markets throughout the week. It's a great opportunity to get local and fresh produce, as well as enjoy live music, food, and community.
Zoo: The Sequoia Park Zoo is a great place to visit with kids. They have a wide variety of animals, and offer educational programs, activities and the redwood sky walk.
Red Pandas at the Sequoia Zoo
How to Track Your 1000 Hours Outside
Tracking your outdoor time can help you stay motivated and see progress over time. Here are some ways to track your 1000 hours outside:
Use a Spreadsheet: Create a spreadsheet to track the number of hours spent outside each day or week. You can also include notes about the activities you did and any observations or reflections from your time outside.
Use an App: There are several apps available that can help you track your outdoor time, such as the Nature Passport app or the Hike it Baby app.
Keep a Journal: Keep a journal to record your time outside. Or use one of these fun coloring sheet tracker!
We at Mistwood challenge each of our family to try and get 1000 hours outside by this time next year!