New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
As parents, we’re all navigating a world where screens compete for our teens’ attention—and where mental health challenges are rising at an alarming rate. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but sometimes the most powerful support we can offer is simple: fresh air, movement, and meaningful time offline. Encouraging teens to step outside, explore nature, and connect with their surroundings can spark joy, build resilience, and nurture emotional wellbeing.
Get Offline, Get Outside Challenge: A Fresh Invitation to Youth Wellness
New York State’s new “Get Offline, Get Outside Challenge” is part of a broader initiative to support youth mental health by encouraging teens to unplug and explore the outdoors. Backed by the Governor’s “Get Offline, Get Outside” campaign, the challenge invites kids and families to step away from screens, take a break from social media, and prioritize their physical and emotional well-being through outdoor recreation and community connection.
What the Challenge Involves
Youth ages 12–18 are invited to complete 50 outdoor activities before their 19th birthday. Designed to be accessible and engaging for all, the challenge encourages participants to try new experiences and discover parks, forests, wildlife areas, and other natural spaces across New York State. Activities range from birding and biking to starting a nature journal, identifying tree species, fishing, and learning about hunting safety.
Kickoff and Community Engagement
The challenge launched at the 25th annual Fall Festival at Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve & Environmental Education Center on September 20. Over 150 youth participated in a mini version of the challenge, while nearly 2,000 attendees enjoyed the festival’s nature-themed activities.
Recognition and Rewards
Participants who complete all 50 activities before turning 19 will receive a commemorative sticker, certificate, and prizes to celebrate their achievement.
To complete the challenge, youth ages 12-18 should complete all 50 activities before turning 19. Participants are then eligible to receive a commemorative sticker, certificate, and prizes to celebrate their accomplishment. Examples of activities on the challenge list:
- Walk, run or roll a mile
- Learn to cast a fishing rod
- Set up a tent
- Identify an animal by their tracks
- Grow something from a seed
- Have a picnic outside with family or friends
- Try a new hiking trail or nature walk
- Visit a pond, lake, stream, river, waterfall or the ocean
- Draw something from nature
- Roast marshmallows or cook food over a fire
Click here for the complete list in English
Click here for the complete list in Spanish
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