Warmer days offer us an invitation to go outside and escape the cabin fever we all feel this time of year. It is no secret that sunshine gives our bodies much needed vitamin D and it can put a smile on our sad, pale, winter faces. There is more to it than just ‘a sunshiny day.’ There are benefits from fresh air encounters and healthful outdoor experiences that go beyond the sunlight.

An issue is emerging on the outdoor health horizon. According to the US Fish and Wildlife Service, "Research shows that children who feel connected to nature have better physical, mental and emotional health." The USFWS also states, "Nature improves student learning. And sharing the outdoors together can build strong family bonds and create lifelong memories."

Research does show there is a vital connection between time spent in the outdoors and development of a child in every aspect of their life. Children need the motor skills and physical endurance that they acquire in outdoor activities. Problem solving skills, learning to relate to their environment and interaction with others in organized outdoor sports all contribute to the well being of a child.

Because active family participation in the outdoors has diminished, researchers believe childhood ailments and medical problems have vastly increased.

There have been several studies and articles written in recent years about pursuing moderate outdoor recreation and seeking a continued regimen of low impact outdoor activity to lessen the severity of chronic pain, chronic depression and chronic illness in adults.

It stands to reason the benefit that children can glean from repeated healthy outdoor activity would be to their advantage physically, emotionally, spiritually and even mentally. Sensible, outdoor conditioning builds vigor and self esteem. Finding a hands-on love and respect for nature produces healthy conservation minded people. Maybe that outdoor venue of fresh air and exercise is where the term ‘well-rounded childhood’ originated.

The USFWS ‘Let’s Go Outside’ initiative hopes to do more than offer an invitation to Americans’ to go outdoors. They are encouraging families to connect with nature and ensure the future of conservation through outdoor experiences. It all works together to promote well being and support human health. With the support of health professionals and land managers a 2007 summit brought this issue to the table along with others for the purpose of pursuing and promoting continued healthy outdoor awareness, interest and participation. Information is available on the USFWS website.

The US Fish and Wildlife Service wants to promote outdoor activities such as: ". . .hunting, fishing, observing and photographing wildlife, or simply exploring and discovering nature on refuges or creating schoolyard habitats to bring nature to children." A list of a few other simple suggestions from the USFWS includes the following activities:

Starting with your own backyard the discoveries are endless. Enjoying the day playing with others at the local park or observing birds at a local wildlife preserve might open the door to new outdoor opportunities. The indoor repelling classes like the indoor rock wall in Independence, MO (at the BassPro Shop) might be just the ticket to develop new skills for the warmer months climbing an outdoor rock face. Annual water aerobics classes offered in Windsor, MO (at the city pool) for those who are looking to get into shape, are not only productive and healthy but, offer opportunities to meet others and share the enjoyment of similar interest in the outdoors. There are really no limits to the natural exercise opportunities like bowhunting, walking, swimming, climbing, or otherwise sporting outdoor activities that are accessible to everyone.

Many local schools, Windsor High School is no exception, have the advantage of cooperative outdoor classrooms created through Missouri Department of Conservation and other partners. This program not only creates protected habitat for wildlife to thrive in, it also provides a much needed outdoor teaching environment where students observe and relate to their natural surroundings. This unique opportunity to see animals in their outdoor habitat shows the student how fragile wildlife is and how these living creatures adapt to their environment. Respect for the living things we encounter in the outdoors must begin with how our mentors teach us.

A world of outdoor adventure is waiting beneath every rock. Whether you pick up that rock and put it in your pocket or climb to the top of it; getting outdoors with family and friends is the best way to begin that adventure.