Great Outdoors Month

Did you know that June is Great Outdoors Month? Neither did I until I found the Great American Backyard Campout website. In case you can't make it out to an event for National Get Outdoors Day then maybe there is a campout near you on June 27th for the Great American Backyard Campout. If not then take a hint from the title of the day and set up a tent in your backyard, it's the ultimate staycation.

You can pick up a tent for about $100.00 at Walmart or for something a little more substantial check out your local sporting goods store, either way all you need to do is set it up in your backyard bring out you pillow and a blanket and have a great time. Kids love it and you will too. And for all of you out there who don't have kids at home let me tell you sleeping under the stars with the one I love is right near the top of my romantic things list.

If money is tight and you don't already have a tent then grab a couple sturdy sticks, a pack of hotdogs and a bag of marshmellows. Then build a small fire in the backyard. You can make a firering from some unused bricks or cenderblocks or if none of those are around dig a little trench around where you plan to guild your fire to make a barrier between the fire and the rest of the ground. Bring the loved ones outside for dinner over an open fire. It will be a great experience you won't soon forget.


After the Great American Backyard Campout is over keep up the great tradition of getting outside with Green Hour. Whose message is : Time spent in nature is part of a healthy childhood. The thought that by giving our children a "Green Hour" a day -- a bit of time for unstructured play and interaction with the natural world -- we can set them on the path toward physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

National Get Outdoors Day

National Get Outdoors Day is in it's second year and will hold events all over the country on June 13th.

"Participants from federal agencies, nonprofit organizations and the recreation industry are again teaming up to host the second annual National Get Outdoors Day (GO Day) to encourage healthy, active outdoor fun at sites across the nation. On Saturday, June 13, these diverse partners will offer opportunities for American families to experience traditional and non-traditional types of outdoor activities. Prime goals of the day are reaching currently under-served populations and first-time visitors to public lands, and reconnecting our youth to the great outdoors."
People are so disconnected from the natural world around them, even the nature around them everyday. The saying Take time to stop and smell the roses" couldn't be more important in today's world. Next time you are walking from your car to the entrance of the grocery store pay attention to how much nature you see around you. I bet if people took the time to do this more often they would be happier, calmer and more appreciative people. That is why I am so happy for an event like this.

There will be an event here in New Orleans at the Bonnet Carre Spillway, you can find an event near you by checking out the National Get Outdoors Day website.