Generation Wild, Colorado’s leader in the youth-and-outdoors movement created by Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO), has launched its latest summer campaign, Share This Wonder-Full World. The goal is to reach parents across Colorado and remind them that they are their children’s most important role models and motivate them to set their kids up for a lifelong love of the outdoors.
A study from the National Library of Medicine found that parents can help improve their children’s health by increasing their own healthy lifestyle behaviors. Another study from the University of Minnesota found that kids of active dads were 3.5 times more likely to be active and 2.5 times more likely if they had an active mom.
“This summer, we’re reminding parents that where they go, their children will follow. And couldn’t we all use a breath of fresh air?” said GOCO Executive Director Jackie Miller. “The more families explore the great outdoors together, the more they’ll find, so we’re providing inspiration to help families make memories together outside, from the backyard to the backcountry.”
Embrace the Power of Awe
A sense of awe can be found just about anywhere, from vast landscapes to the tiniest, vibrantly-colored flower in your neighbor’s garden. A UC Berkeley study found that regularly experiencing awe can improve both physical and mental health, perhaps even lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes, clinical depression, heart disease, and arthritis.
“As you walk outside, take time to notice — really notice — the sights, sounds, smells, and other sensations you’re experiencing,” said Miller. “Point them out and encourage your kids to do the same. Find awe as you play in the dirt, climb up a tree, or race through a field. Slowing down and being present in the moment can be amazingly rewarding.”
Look for the Billboards
As part of its Share This Wonder-Full World campaign, Generation Wild has created spectacular billboards to appear across the Denver metro area. The billboards integrate natural, awe-inspiring elements.
One billboard incorporates shadows. As the sun moves across the sky, the shadow of a family playing outdoors will move across the board.
Another is designed to attract real birds, created with the support of local nature shop, Wild Birds Unlimited.
Meet Wilder
This summer, Generation Wild will provide Wonder-Full moments to connect kids with nature at various cultural events across Colorado, including:
- Juneteenth Festival in Denver’s Five Points neighborhood, June 17–18
- The Dragon Boat Festival at Sloan’s Lake, July 22–23
Wilder, Generation Wild’s popular part goat, part yeti, and all-friend spokescreature, will make appearances, and Generation Wild will set up games and hand out swag, including posters and stickers made by local Colorado artists.
Join the Fun on the First Day of Summer
On Wednesday, June 21, all Coloradans are invited to take part in Generation Wild Day. GOCO’s partners, including Generation Wild coalitions, are scattering hopscotch courses across the state.
Parents can keep an eye on social media to see where the tracks will be or can grab some chalk and build their own close to home, tagging @GenerationWildColorado on Facebook or Instagram to share photos and videos. After all, our community did recently achieve the world record for the world’s longest hopscotch.
Additionally, Generation Wild’s 100 Things To Do Before You're 12 list is a great resource for accessible outdoor play ideas.
ABOUT GENERATION WILD
Generation Wild was created by Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) to reconnect kids with nature by increasing the amount of time they spend outside in unstructured play — the kind of play that used to be way more common. The program is an integrated, statewide effort supported by a network of non-profit, public, and private partner organizations. In 12 Colorado communities, diverse, locally-based Generation Wild coalitions are creating equitable access to the outdoors with new places to play, outdoor programs, and pathways to leadership opportunities and jobs in the outdoors. For more information, follow Generation Wild on Facebook and Instagram. #GenerationWild #WonderFullWorld
ABOUT GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO
Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) invests a portion of Colorado Lottery proceeds to help preserve and enhance the state’s parks, trails, wildlife, rivers, and open spaces. GOCO’s independent board awards competitive grants to local governments and land trusts and makes investments through Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Created when voters approved a Constitutional Amendment in 1992, GOCO has since funded more than 5,500 projects in urban and rural areas in all 64 counties without any tax dollar support. Visit GOCO.org for more information.
