What could be more fun than spending time together as a family and heading outdoors! Unfortunately, recent studies show that today's children are becoming more and more disconnected to nature and the outdoors. What's the result? Soaring rates of obesity, diabetes, depression, attention deficit disorders, and more, in today's youth.*

What's the cure for this "nature deficit disorder"?  Head outside and enjoy outdoor activity!  Outdoor activity inspires children to be more active both physically and mentally. And when children become engaged with nature at an early age, they're more likely to continue and embrace the outdoors as an adult.

A new statewide initiative was formed to help empower Idahoans to lead healthy lives by developing a sense of place and belonging in Idaho's outdoors. Its mission is to "connect children with nature in Idaho, from backyard to mountaintops."

So, how can your family get involved? Just head out the door and be outside! "Be Outside, Idaho Children in Nature" is the initiative to inspire kids (with their parents in tow) to care about nature and be active outdoors.

Need some ideas and tips to get your family going? Check out the Network's fun and interactive website, www.beoutsideidaho.org, for ideas, activities, news, events, and resources, or call 378-5796 to find out how you can get involved. (You can also check out treasurevalleyfamily.com for the Magazine's archived Family Day Trip ideas and our monthly Family Event Calendar!).

Instead of "Go to your room," how about go and ‘Be Outside.'" Let's help our children connect with nature. 

* Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature Deficit Disorder, written by Richard Louv (Algonquin Books, 2005).

OUTDOORS IN IDAHO
Go to www.treasurevalleyfamily.com/resources for a full and complete list, and link directly to "Outdoors in Idaho" for local parks & recreation departments and agencies.

Boise National Forest
373-4100
http://fs.fed.us

Idaho Dept. of Commerce,

Idaho Travel Council
334-2470
www.visitid.org 

Idaho Fish & Game
334-3700
http://fishandgame.idaho.gov

Idaho Parks & Recreation
334-4199
www.idahoparks.org