The Great Outdoors
The weather is finally starting to warm up here in the Northeast, and we couldn’t be more excited. This has been the winter that never ends, and the thought of summer camp has never been more welcoming. We can’t wait for everyone to return to their summer home and get moving in the great outdoors. Though it may have been an ideal winter to get out and enjoy the ski slopes and winter activities, the constant cold weather has also increased the amount of time we spent indoors and being less active.
There is nothing quite like warm summer days spent outdoors in the fresh air, surrounded by nature, and moving our bodies to feel happy and healthy. Research shows that exercising in natural environments, referred to as green exercise, is better for you both physically and mentally than indoor activity. It’s the perfect way to change your scenery and stay motivated. Being outdoors is a great way to boost your immune system and get a burst of Vitamin D, which is proven to create a positive mental attitude. It’s also a natural way to reduce stress, increase self-confidence and muscle strength, and improve mood, concentration, and overall well-being.
The camp setting is the perfect place for kids to reap the benefits of time spent outdoors. Days and nights at camp focus on staying active in a natural setting. From “wake-up” to “lights out”, campers are surrounded by acres of beautiful nature and participate in activities that keep them moving and challenged. Campers are swimming in the pool, playing in the aqua playground, climbing to new heights at Outdoor Adventure, learning new skills on the sports fields, and so much more. They are having fun with friends and discovering new ways to stay physically fit. And even when the physical activity slows down, the time spent outdoors boosts focus, creativity, mood and self-esteem for all the other great indoor moments at camp.
This generation of campers, who spend more time indoors playing video games and on their iPhones, are in need more than ever to have a summer camp experience of healthy physical activity in a natural outdoor setting. Campers not only connect to nature, but they connect to one another and develop genuine friendships and improved communication skills. Campers are face to face, playing, laughing, and enjoying their time together. They benefit from friendships that last a lifetime, and a true appreciation for the great outdoors.
Enjoy the warmer days, that are hopefully here to stay, and get out there as often as you can. No need to wait for camp to start to benefit from time spent in the great outdoors. Grab the family for a bike ride, a hike, or a walk with the dog. Being outdoors allows everyone to enjoy the fresh air and develop healthy habits that provide endless physical and emotional benefits.