January 1st, 2021 our family began a 1000 hour outdoor challenge.
My goal? Have the boys spend 1000 hours outside over the course of the entire year. Whether engaged in free play, structured, or helping with chores. I thought for sure we would have this challenge down easily.
As we are closing 2021, we have come to count roughly 800 hours of outdoor time – and I’m happy with that amount!
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Why Encourage Outdoor Time
The effects of prolonged screen time in our children is quite apparent. Our own generation has suffered. We are the reason WHO recognizes video gaming as an addiction and a physiological disorder. Children are lacking in social skills, muscle function, and self awareness.
Nature and free play allows children to test limits for themselves and to organically create situations in which their own critical thinking comes into play. Supervised, of course, but by being present with your children and allowing them to take (calculated) risks you will really see their self awareness grow.
What Did the Year Look Like?
I found over the course of this year, that we do not spend nearly as much time outside as I thought. Granted, with moving and having a newborn we had quite a year of distraction. I came to accept that we might not meet the goal by August; however, we still tried to encourage as much outdoor time as we were able.
Some days were a real challenge to get the boys outside. They didn’t always want to go outside and play, but even when they begrudgingly pulled on their rain boots, they could be found creating adventures shortly afterwards. Wading through waters in search of alligators, running over fields to battle dragons, or climbing a mountain (usually our mulch pile) to claim victory – they always end up weaving epic tales.
Other days, I could barely get them inside for naps or bed times. (We gifted the boys hammocks for their birthday to allow for fresh air naps).
Part of getting ourselves outside in all forms of weather helps us to appreciate what each season has to offer. The clean, fresh snow of winter, the budding life of spring, the warmth and abundance of summer, and the slow, restful days of fall.
Will We Try Again
Absolutely!
I will try to keep better track of our hours outside this upcoming year. At some point during our move, my tracking sheet was lost and we were never able to find it.
There were a few things that made going outside in any weather (aside from high winds and thunderstorms). They definitely aren’t necessary, but again, they did make things easier.
Harvest baskets
It never fails, the boys will find something they treasure and insist on taking it home with them. Sometimes we find things we forage for medicine or to eat, but usually it’s a special rock, stick, or feather. We love the small Bolga baskets for their size. The boys can each carry their own basket (and if their baskets get too heavy with treasures, then they know they have to empty some back into the woods).
I will say, a good pair of Carhart overalls has been very helpful when walking through the woods to protect them from surprise thorns and sharp sticks.
Insect kits
Boy, did I underestimate the fascination of boys and bugs. (I’m sure it’s simply children and bugs, not just boys.)
We spend hours and hours looking for insects, collecting worms, studying them, investigating their habitat. There are some fun insect kits you can find online, but honestly a glass jar with a lid, a magnifying glass, and a net will have you all set.
The boys were gifted a handheld, lighted microscope recently that I am so excited to use! We’ve been studying snow flakes so far, but I know it will be much used as the seasons change!
Reference books
Whenever we go to the woods or to a new park, the boys enjoy identifying various trees, plants, and mushrooms. I usually carry Mushrooms of the Upper Midwest and the Peterson Field Guide to Medicinal Plants & Herbs. Someday soon, we will probably add books to help us identify different birds, as well.
Mud suits and boots
A good quality mud suit/wet suit is vital to preserving the season’s clothing for longer periods of time (and to save my sanity on laundry). We have tried a few other styles that were less expensive, and worked well for a time but unfortunately the seams and zippers did not last. I’ve found investing a little more allows them to last longer for our boys. Sturdy rain boots go hand in hand with these suits.
Although, if the weather is warm enough, a hose to clean the boys off works just fine.
Warm clothes
Wool. I can’t express how much I have learned to adore wool. There’s a common misconception that all wool is horribly itchy; but if you find a 100% merino it is butter soft and silky smooth. I love wool as a base layer, and have found using a more coarse (and less expensive wool) overtop can provide some fabulous insulation. I usually thrift our wool clothing or repurpose adult sweaters for the boys, but always make sure we have new wool socks on hand!
Join Us!
We hope that our attempts last year will encourage other’s to join us this year! Remember there are no failures, and any amount of time outside is precious for your children!
