Let's Take This Outside! is a Girl Scout Gold Award Project.

​

In recent years, technology and social media have captured the attention of young people all around the world and pushed us into a new digital age. While new technological advancements have powerful benefits, they come with a serious downfall.

 

Youth mental health has taken a rapid turn for the worse as a result of an increased focus on the digital and academic spheres.

​

Studies show that social media and prolonged use of digital technology have a severe negative effect on youth mental health. In contrast, participating in outdoor recreation has consistently proven to improve both mental and physical health. However, according to the National Recreation and Park Association, children today spend less time outdoors than any other generation of children in the past despite the importance of outdoor recreation.

​​

Our goal is to encourage students to embrace local outdoor spaces through an art project and an interactive event. We hope that by creating a space to display student artwork, we can also inspire more people to appreciate the beautiful natural spaces around them!

​

An increased appreciation for the outdoors not only improves individual health, but can also help save our planet. ​More people interested in nature equals more people working to protect it!