Youths Urged to Unplug and Be Outside

Youths today spend as much as 30 hours a week dialed into video games, computers, mobile devices and other technology. We can improve the physical, mental and emotional health of our children by getting them off the couch. From April 21-28, you are invited to "Unplug and Be Outside" by participating in more than 100 free or low-cost activities offered in Boise, Nampa, Meridian and Caldwell. "Unplug and Be Outside" is sponsored by Be Outside, Idaho! and the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health. Be Outside, Idaho! is a statewide coalition of agencies and businesses founded in 2008 to "connect Idaho's youth from backyards to mountaintops." Partners also include Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Boise Parks & Recreation, Let's Move Boise, Idaho Foundation for Parks & Lands, National Park Service, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Idaho Department of Education, Meridian and Nampa Parks and Recreation Departments. Our media partner is KTVB Newschannel 7. Activities include birdwatching, fly tying, rock climbing, geocaching, art classes, tennis and golf lessons, preschool storytimes, bike rides, ice skating, gardening, swimming and many more programs designed to get children and adults moving. Children will receive passport cards. Those who participate in three or more activities will be entered into a drawing to win great prizes, including fishing rods, backpacks, Idaho State Parks pass, water bottles and more. For a complete schedule of events, see www.unplugandbeoutside.com. Media contacts: Kendra Witt-Doyle, Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health, 208-286-3461 Victoria Runnoe, Idaho Department of Fish & Game, 208-287-2874