October is Children in Nature Month! Motivate your kids to get out there and get moving by printing out these Delaware nature prescription cards. There are chances to win prizes AND it’s oh so good for their health! (Not to mention yours, if you’re out there with them.)
Did you know…
- only 21% of kids regularly play outside. For their parents’ generation, that was more like 71%.
- one in three kids is overweight. One in six is considered obese.
- research shows that spending 30 minutes or more in nature can help lower blood pressure, fight ADHD symptoms, and reduce anxiety and depression. (More on the physical and mental health benefits of being outdoors here.)
The Delaware Children in Nature Coalition promotes meaningful, educational experiences outdoors for Delaware’s kids. Their latest initiative is the “Children in Nature Prescription for Health.”
Over 3,000 “Prescription for Health” cards for kids have been distributed in schools, doctors’ offices and other organizations and businesses, but you can print your own here. These cards list free, healthy outdoor activities being offered in the state. Kids can participate in the activities, check them off on their cards, turn them in to the program presenter, and then be eligible to win prizes in a monthly drawing.
The prescription cards aren’t just for Children in Nature month: they’ll continue to be available once October ends. And remember, even though our kids’ health is paramount, your health, your parents’ health, your friends’ health and your pets’ health count too. Get everybody outside!
What are your favorite ways to spend time outside in Delaware? Let us know!