In the News - May 2009
Outdoor activity for youth helps build productive adults
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 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 www.uaex.edu
and select 4-H Youth Development.
The Cooperative extension Service is part of the U of A Division of
Agriculture.
May 15, 2009
Media Contact: Elizabeth Fortune
Extension Communications Specialist
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2120
efortune@uaex.edu
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