Plan to get Outside this Memorial Day Weekend….
Get out! It’s good for you.
As the days begin to stretch longer, and snow melt brings leaves and buds surging forward, we all itch to get out in the warmer weather. Now, more than ever, we need the ability to leave the house and to get outside for the sake of our mental and physical health.
The good news is that we still can get outside under the circumstances, keeping a few easy recommendations in mind. We’re navigating this “new” normal in the outdoors with you. We’ve been reading the research, staying up-to-date as guidelines change, and developing plans for how best to help you get outside. One excellent blog post, from the Outdoor Alliance, details several of the guidelines that we mention below. Building community through outdoor sport certainly looks different these days, but here’s what we’ve come up with.
* We are not doctors, scientists, or medical professionals – we are educators sharing simple ways to help facilitate outdoor adventures amid the Covid-19 outbreak.
Stay Current-- Covid 19 Restrictions for Outdoor Recreation Change Quickly
First, we recommend that you stay current with all local, state, and federal guidelines. At this time, the CDC is saying no organized sports and activities, but regulations vary by federal, state, and local government. As we progress in this pandemic timeline, recommendations are bound to change frequently, so it’s good to check in on the most up-to-date rules. Many wilderness areas including state parks, national forests, trailheads, and outdoor centers have limited access or restricted volume. Please be respectful of all closures and check the status of the recreation area before you go.
Use Common Sense
This pandemic has forced us all to think about our responsibilities within our community. Most importantly, we want to protect the health and safety of ourselves and those around us. This means being responsible every time you leave your house. Do not venture out if you are sick, or have been in contact with someone who is sick. Abide by social distancing advice when moving around people outside of your household. Wash your hands! Be a good role model for those around you by following guidelines.
Seek Out Local Adventures
Although it may be appealing to hop in the car and head for a beloved destination an hour away, try to stay as local as possible for your outdoor adventures. This limits exposure to gas stations and other travel related pit-stops. Also, if possible, use the bathroom before you leave home so that you can minimize use of public rest rooms or porta potties along the way. It’s a great time to explore your backyard and stay close to home while still enjoying the outdoors. Many towns and cities are closing roads to vehicles to provide more accessible and safe cycling and recreation opportunities. The New York Times mentions that New York, Minneapolis, Oakland, and Boston are all cities that have taken this step to encourage social distancing while recreating. Check out more about outdoor Covid risk, especially in more densely populated areas, in this great article “What We Know About Your Chances of Catching the Virus Outdoors.”
Choose Familiar Destinations
We all have our go-to hikes and watering holes – usually chosen dependent on our time frame and the weather. To this end, pick destinations that you are familiar with. Many search and rescue operations are shuttered during this pandemic, and the last thing you want to do is get lost or injured. Not only does this jeopardize your own well-being but the well-being of others. Emergency resources across the country are stretched thin, and we do not want to add any additional burden. Stick to areas you know. This is not the time to be pushing your limits or testing your endurance. Get out within your comfort zone in areas that you have been before. Keep it familiar.
Breathe
Okay, so this is seeming pretty heavy. We’ve all been reading too many news headlines and trying our best to understand what’s the right way to recreate. The truth is that we can and should get outdoors. Go for a long walk or a quiet canoe. Venture out with family members to hear the spring rush of bird voices and the summertime waking up around us. Pack a lunch and enjoy your local outdoor options. Get the bikes out of the garage and check the tires. You will feel better for having made the effort to leave home (mud season or not) and embrace the change of scenery. Just make a responsible plan before you go. In addition, beginning a mindfulness routine to help cope with stressful situations can help as well. Check out this OSI blog post on Mindfulness that details easy practices that include washing your hands and taking a walk.
Coordinators, Take Heart!
Community leaders around the country are faced with a new dilemma – how do we put outdoor programming on hold? It’s hard to have planned for enriching group activities this summer only to be faced with a long list of cancellations. The best we can do is to view this as an opportunity to hone our skills so we are ready when we can go back to being program leaders, coaches, guides, and community volunteers. One proactive step to take right now, if you haven’t already, is to join the OSI Community Coaches Network. It is free to join and will grant you access to a community of passionate adults who are working to grow an active, outdoor culture where they live. Get involved with this network to find resources, ideas, programs, and to stay connected to a group facing similar challenges.
Brush Up on Skills
This is also a good time to brush up on skills or acquire new information in your field of expertise (or better yet-- an area you are interested in learning more about). There are numerous online courses, discussion boards, communities, and other resources that you are able to access virtually. Perhaps start with a few more blog posts from OSI to keep you engaged during this time of isolation. A great place to start if you are planning for the reopening of outdoor activities is Taking A Facilitator First Approach. This post focuses on how to best structure learning experiences for outdoor sport.
Takeaway
The takeaway is that we can and should get outdoors. It’s good for us as individuals, as an outdoor community, and as local leaders. It’s an effective way to cope with stress and help manage mental and physical health. So, get going, have fun, and continue to be role models in our outdoor communities.
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