Ideas for Celebrating National Get Outdoors Day While Social Distancing
In Colorado, we are used to being kept indoors by inclement weather. But the temperatures are rising and the days are getting sunnier and many of us are still stuck inside thanks to COVID-19.
The lockdown has already canceled or postponed many activities, events, and festivals. But one that you can still celebrate is National Get Outdoors Day. At a time when many of us are eager to get outdoors and enjoy the warm weather, it is still important to modify this celebration with some simple changes thanks to social distancing guidelines.
What is National Get Outdoors Day?
June is already designated as National Great Outdoors Month, encouraging people to explore the wildlife refuges and parks in the U.S. to appreciate the natural beauty around us. Since 2008, Colorado has gone a step further with Get Outdoors Colorado Day.
This event is held on the second Saturday of June and is a free, family-friendly event meant to promote access to safe outdoor spaces and nature exploration. Generally, activities have included biking, boating, climbing, fishing, hiking, and swimming. Although the COVID-19 lockdown is definitely going to put a damper on the event, it is not going to completely end it.
Outdoor Social Distancing Guidelines
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there are 3 major guidelines that would affect Get Outdoors Colorado Day. First, the CDC encourages you, when in public, to stay at least 6 feet from other people. They also stress not gathering in groups and staying away from mass gatherings and crowded places. Ultimately, this means that you don’t want to be in close contact with anyone outside of your family or household.
How to Get Outdoors While Staying Safe
Just because you have to practice social distancing doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the great outdoors. First, you can enjoy the outdoors just by going into your backyard and doing a little gardening. But if you do want to venture outside into parks and wildlife preserves, there are still several activities you can take part in while social distancing.
Boating and kayaking can easily be enjoyed while maintaining a safe distance from other people. Fishing has long been a more solitary activity as too many people in one area can scare off the fish. Or, if you want, just go for a hike in the woods and make sure that you steer clear of other hikers by at least six feet. As long as you aren’t clumped up in one area, you will still be following the CDC guidelines.
Just because you have to practice social distancing doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy Get Outdoors Day. This annual event is the perfect opportunity to shake off that cabin fever and get some fresh air while still staying safe.
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