FRIDAY, June 27 (HealthDay News) -- A simple campout in the
backyard may be just what the doctor ordered to help break your
kids from an endless cycle of TV, computers and video games.
That's one of the ways the National Wildlife Federation is
promoting the evening of June 28 as the Great American Backyard
Campout.
Children spend an average of 44 hours a week staring at
electronic screens, according to research cited by the federation,
and this disconnection from nature can contribute to a weaker
immune system, greater dependency on attention-deficit
hyperactivity disorder drugs, lost creativity and less
self-sufficiency.
By experiencing one night with Mother Nature, even if it is only
just beyond one's back door, the federation hopes to bring back
inexpensive family fun and instill an interest in one's
surroundings.
The Great American Backyard Campout helps celebrate June being
designated "Great Outdoors Month" by President George Bush and more
than half of America's governors. More than 42,000 people from
around the nation took part in the 2007 event.
The irony is the National Wildlife Federation recommends
checking its Web site, www.backyardcampout.org, before heading out.
The site contains packing lists, recipes, nocturnal wildlife
guides, exploration activities and nature guides. Online, you can
even sign up and share your campout plans and experiences with
others.
More information
The National Wildlife Federation has more about the
Great
American Backyard Campout.
