From Let’s Move: June is Great Outdoors Month!

letsmoveweblogo From the Let’s Move blog:

June is Great Outdoors Month!
Now that summer is almost here, it is the perfect time to get outside and celebrate our country’s magnificent landscapes, waterways and historical sites. In cities and towns across the country, public lands and waters provide unparalleled opportunities for affordable, family-friendly recreation. From rugged trails to urban rivers, and from sandy coastlines to rolling battlefields, these places are meant to be explored and enjoyed by all!

In celebration of Great Outdoors Month, here are a few national events to get you and your family moving outside:

  • June 1st is  National Trails Day, a celebration of America’s trail system.  There are exciting adventures such as hikes, bike rides, festivals, and paddle trips in every state! Find an event near you here.  Be sure to check out the 28 new recreational trails just designated!
  • June 1st-9th is National Fishing and Boating Week. The best way to celebrate is to get out on the water! Fun, stress-relieving activities, fishing and boating are some of the best ways to unwind. Find a fishing and boating spot near you so you can hit the water and some states even have free fishing days.  Learn to fish or improve your skills.  Lastly, check out some tips to get your family out fishing!
  • June 8th is National Get Outdoors Day, an annual event meant to encourage healthy outdoor activity.  With nearly 150 events throughout the country, each GO Day site is unique and offers outdoor activities where kids and families can climb, explore, bike, jump, garden, dance, learn, and play!
  • June 22nd is the Great American Backyard Campout. Join thousands of people across the nation and spend the night under the stars in your backyard, neighborhood, or local park.

If you don’t make it out on one of these days, there are still endless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.  Check out Nature Rocks for inspiration on everyday activities outside. See you outside!

 

Healthy Living Tips From Let’s Move

Let’s Move.gov sends monthly tips for fitness and health:

GET ACTIVE TIP OF THE WEEK

When adults participate in and enjoy physical activity, kids see that being active isn’t something you just have to do – it’s fun! Try having fun and being active by making it a family adventure. Go for a bike ride, hike at a nearby park, or let your kids make up their own game to play in your backyard.

EAT HEALTHY TIP OF THE WEEK

Now is the perfect time to go apple picking! Look for an orchard near you or take your kids to your local farmers market to taste test some apples. There are so many different types and varieties of apples, your kids are bound to like at least one (and probably several).

BLOG HIGHLIGHTS

Feeding your family nutritious meals under a tight budget doesn’t have to be a struggle. Take a look at these 10 tips to help stretch your food dollars and make providing healthy meals for your family easier.

A “State Dinner” Just for Kids

 

Calling all kid chefs: here’s your chance to share your favorite delicious and nutritious lunch recipe with First Lady Michelle Obama!

Let’s Move! is teaming up with Epicurious, the Department of Education and USDA for a Healthy Lunchtime Challenge. We’re inviting parents of kids ages 8-12 to submit an original lunch recipe, with the opportunity to be invited to attend a Kids’ “State Dinner” here at the White House in August. We’ll even be serving a selection of the winning healthy recipes.

The rules are simple: All entrants are encouraged to reference the MyPlate nutritional guidelines to ensure recipes meet healthy standards. Entries should represent each of the food groups, either in one dish or as parts of a lunch meal, including fruit, veggies, whole grains, protein and low-fat dairy foods.

You’ve got until June 17, so get cooking and submit your recipe!

Enjoy Physical Activity As A Family

This “Get Active Tip of the Week” comes from Let’s Move:

There are countless ways to enjoy physical activity together as a family. Play tag, swim, toss a ball, jump rope, hula-hoop, dance to music or even play a dancing video game. It doesn’t have to be sports — just get your family moving!

Visit the Let’s Move website for information on physical activity, nutrition, and more.

Decatur Youth Basketball Night at Decatur High School- Friday, January 20

Decatur High School vs South Atlanta

All 2011-2012 Decatur Active Living Youth Basketball Players will be allowed to attend Decatur High School’s Varsity basketball game free with one paying adult.  All players must wear their youth basketball shirt.  Participants please sit behind the goal located near the home team bench.

Girls game begins at 5:30pm

Boys game begins at 7pm

Come out and support Decatur High School Basketball.  Go Decatur!

Bike Training Begins at the 4/5 Academy at Fifth Avenue

Decatur Active Living transported 27 bikes to the 4/5 Academy at Fifth Avenue on Wednesday in preparation for the bike training that begin on yesterday.  Cheryl Burnette, Lee Williams, Virginia Atchison, Kyle Morton and City of Decatur Police staff started the training with 4 grade students.   The session will involve rules of the road, turns, scanning, changing lanes along with other bike related topics. The bike training will run from Monday, October 24- Thursday, October 27.  If you are interested in volunteering to assist Decatur fourth graders contact Cheryl Burnette at: cheryl.burnette@decaturga.com

 

International Walk to School Day Impacts Walkers and Rollers in Decatur

Decatur celebrated International Walk to School Day this morning with the City Schools of Decatur and St. Thomas More. Decatur Active Living staff arrived as early as 5am to set up seven schools as parents, walkers and riders participated in the fun filled morning.  Thanks to our school crossing guards, champions, volunteers, staff and GA Safe Routes to School for making the International Walk to School Day a success.  A few highlights:

  • SRTS expanded to Renfroe Middle School which had over 50% of there students walking or riding this morning.
  • St. Thomas More made history this morning by participating in there first Safe Routes to School event.
  • Principal Derrick Thomas lead a bike train from Harmony Park.
  • Crossing Guard Elizabeth Lindley was honored at the Pep Rally for 28 years of service by the Decatur Police Department.  
  • 4/5 Academey at Fifth Avenue made history this morning by participating with many walkers and riders at the new school.

Healthy Monday- Squash your Produce Slump

Add some healthy variety to your diet this week by enjoying fall’s bounty! Stop by your local farmer’s market and add fresh beets, squash, okra or pumpkin to your plate.  These hearty vegetables are full of fiber and make a great Meatless Monday entree.

Walk for Lunch and Be Healthy Starts Tuesday, October 4

Walk to School Pep Rally – Tuesday, October 4

The City of Decatur Active Living Department invites the community to the annual International Walk to School Pep Rally on the old courthouse  square Tuesday, October 4 from 5:30pm to 7pm.  Children will have the opportunity to win prizes and make a poster to carry on Wednesday for the Walk and Roll to School Day.  Decatur Police Department will be on hand to register your bike at the Pep Rally.

The event is a kickoff for Walk and Roll to School Day Oct. 5.  The five City of Decatur elementary schools and Renfroe Middle School participate in the Safet Routes to School program, which encourages children to walk or ride their bikes to school.  If you are interested in volunteering at the Pep Rally or want to roll with us Wednesday morning contact Gregory White at 404-377-0494 or greg.white@decaturga.com