Kids Outdoors Launched in Notts

Research has shown that 89% of young people between the ages of 7-18 in Notts spend far less time engaged in physical activity per week than the minimum of 1 hour per day recommended by the Department of Health. To address this Nottinghamshire Scouts have teamed up with local and national organisations and on Saturday 26th July transformed the Old Market Square into an outdoors activity centre for a one day extravaganza specially for young people to try new activities like climbing, outdoor crafts, water activities, bouldering and first aid.

The day was very successful and in addition to the many young people who joined in the activities over 100 adults also expressed an interest in helping in various ways.

Peter Duncan, the Chief Scout, joined in the activities and said: "Nottingham is a great place to be - it is a thriving city with plenty to do and loads of places to visit.

"Families should be making the most of the school holidays. With places like Sherwood Forest and Wollaton Park on the doorstep there really is no excuse for not visiting."

Matt Rooney, campaign manager of Kids Outdoors in Notts, said: "Young people have told us they would like to take part in positive outdoor activities in a safe environment.

"We want to help them do this by running events, working with other organisations such as youth clubs and schools, lobbying local councils and improving communication directly with young people and parents." The campaign is supported by the British Heart Foundation, Outward Bound – who run adventure-based education programmes - the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme and children's charity NCH.

There are five objectives: To get 50,000 youngsters in Notts involved in extra outdoor activities, to stop the loss of outdoor space for physical activity, to provide more information about what's going on, to get more adults volunteering to help young people and to raise money for better facilities.

See the following links for articles which have appeared in the Nottingham Evening Post about the event:

Give Children a taste of adventure

Paddle a canoe in Old Market Square