Released May 15, 2009
HOT SPRINGS, Ark. - Young people who participate in outdoor activities grow up to become adults who participate in outdoor activities, says Joshua Wright, Garland County extension agent with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.
According to a report by the Outdoor Foundation, about half of Americans in 2007 participated in outdoor activities. However, there was a decrease in youth, ages 6-17, with girls showing the greatest decrease.
Why does it matter if youth spend more time indoors?
"Young people who participate in outdoor activities benefit emotionally, socially, cognitively and physically," says Wright.
You don't need to throw out your child's iPod, cell phone or video games, he says. The answer is to strike a balance.
It's important to allow young people to interact in the manner that's second nature to them - technology. "But, they also need to spend some time outside," he says. "Young people with parents, friends and family members who spend time with them outside are more likely to catch the habit of going outside for fun."
Wright says outdoor recreation reduces stress and increases confidence and creativity. It also instills in them a sense of adventure and challenge.
Spending time outdoors is also good for the economy, Wright says.
"People who participate in activities outdoors tend to be more productive at work, and that helps increase awareness of the world around you," he says.
Wright, who has worked 10 years in the outdoors industry, says he has seen young people transformed from "being afraid of things surrounding them to embracing new outdoor activities."
He says the pride and excitement of catching your first fish go a long way in removing fears of being outdoors.
For more information about getting your child involved in outdoor activities, contact your county extension agent or go to http://www.uaex.edu and select 4-H Youth Development.
-30-
http://www.uaex.edu/news/may2009/0515fitness_kids.htm
Contact: Elizabeth Fortune, (501) 671-2120, efortune@uaex.edu
