JACKSON, Wyo. — In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, Coombs Outdoors launched the Outdoor Challenge to encourage kids to get off their devices and use this time to build healthy habits while continuing to engage with peers and mentors in a safe way.
Participants earn points for outdoor activities like going for walks or daily workouts, creative tasks like weekly coloring challenges or daily journal prompts and social engagement like helping around the house, writing letters or video chats with peers. A common group platform (Snapchat) allows Participants to interact and inspire each other to try new things and stay active and engaged. There is an Elementary, Middle, and High School Challenge, based on the abilities and interests of each age range.
While Coombs Outdoors is still preparing for a normal, active summer, the Outdoor Challenge is a way to maintain communication with participants, encourage time spent outside, and maintain a support network for kids and families in need.
“Our primary objective during this extraordinary time is to serve the Coombs families in the most effective and helpful ways possible,” said Mary Erickson, Executive Director, Coombs Outdoors. “It was a challenge to come up with creative ways to keep our kids active and engaged while following our community social distancing guidelines. We are really excited to roll out these age-appropriate challenges and look forward to continuing to connect with the kids in the weeks ahead.”
Although Coombs programs traditionally take a break during the spring, the staff felt it was important to support kids and families during this difficult time, and provide ideas and opportunities to keep moving and engage with their families and peers in creative ways that comply with social distancing guidelines.
The Outdoor Challenge launched in April, and will continue with a new challenge each month until normal programs can resume.
Visit the Coombs Outdoors website for program information for Elementary, Middle, and High School Challenges.
