Get outside and get dirty with the kids this summer!

8th December 2015

Get outside and get dirty with the kids this summer!

By the Manawatu Family Microadventurers

Wondering how you’re going to fill the long school holidays this year? We double dare you to complete the Palmy Dirty 30 challenge. Are you tough enough?

The Dirty 30 challenge consists of thirty fun free things to do in the great outdoors around and about Palmerston North. Don’t be sad if you don’t live in Palmy though, there is also a cleverly named “Not Palmy” version that can be completed anywhere. There is no age limit and the founders truly believe that growing older is no excuse for growing up. The list includes rolling down hills, searching for butterflies and swinging in old tyres.

If you’ve never done some of the things on the list, it’s time to get outside and get exploring. There are lots of amazing wild areas right on our doorstep here in New Zealand and there is no time like the present to discover them.

The challenge is aimed at encouraging families to get outdoors and have fun, though there are a number of serious messages behind it.

Kids playing outside with other kids has been the Kiwi-way for generations. But along the way something has changed, kids started spending increasing amounts of time inside. A recent study, led by Dr Scott Duncan at the Auckland University of Technology, shows the current State of Play in New Zealand . Childhood has changed significantly since many of today’s parents grew up in the 1970’s and 80’s. It is not just happening here in Aotearoa; it is happening throughout the Western world.

A growing number of governments, educators and environmental organisations are very worried about this trend. Unstructured, outdoor play is important for both children’s development and the future of the environment. By getting our children outdoors, they have fun, take risks and exercise without even noticing it. Additionally, the hope is that they develop a sense of adventure and a love of nature and exploring. The next generation has significant environmental issues to address. If they grow up feeling connected to nature, they may just have the passion and drive to tackle these problems successfully.

Don’t let the Palmy kids have all the dirty fun. Find the Palmy Dirty 30 on facebook, twitter and instagram. Print off a challenge sheet, head outside and don’t forget to close the door behind you!

ENDS

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