Get out and play kids! It's good for you. That's what Kara Hay of Penquis has to say. Kara joined Jim Morris on TV5 News at 5 to talk about that and how Penquis has landed some extra money to make playing outside even better.

Head Start Body Start National Center for Physical Development and Outdoor Play awarded grants to seven of our Penquis Child Development Centers for enhancements to the outdoor play spaces. Items purchased for the play spaces included bicycle paths, natural elements, such as sitting stumps and stacking blocks, and outdoor musical instruments. We know that getting children outside is critical and we are thankful that these grants have brought new learning experiences, physical activities and adventure for children attending Penquis centers.

As adults, a lot of us have fond memories of climbing trees, picking berries, digging holes, catching frogs, and camping on the lake. We spent a lot of time enjoying the outdoors as our playground. Children today spend less time playing outdoors than any previous generation. A new Nielson Company Report indicates that children ages two-five years old now spend more than 32 hours a week on average in front of a TV screen and less than 30 minutes a week engaged in unstructured play outside. Encouraging children to get outside, get moving, and connect with the natural world are all ways to help children to be happier, healthier, and stronger! Research shows us that children who play outside regularly are more physically fit, have stronger immune systems, have more active imaginations, have lower stress levels and play more creatively. It is critical that children get outside and get active!

For more information: 973-3500 or penquis.org

Print this Story