Why Not Get Outside? In an appropriate socially distanced way, of course :)

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By Aaron E. Ziebarth, Executive Director

Last summer I listened to a challenging podcast to get outside. It was during the peak of summer camp and I was already spending a lot of time outside. So, I made a note to myself to listen to it again in April. As Stephanie and I have walked the neighborhoods recently, we have seen many more children outside.

Here are some insights I gleaned: (Read or listen to the whole podcast.)

If we fail to go outdoors, if we fail to experience and engage in God’s creation, our faith could suffer.

Nearly every book of the Bible is bursting with references to creation.

It’s hard to see how someone who never spends time outside could fully grasp the things Scripture wants us to understand.

Last May, the Washington Post reported that children today spend less time in unstructured outdoor play than any prior generation, which, research indicates, results in worse school performance, less creativity, higher levels of obesity, fewer friends, and increased rates of depression and hyperactivity.

There is a simple solution: go outside!

Opportunities to experience the majesty of God’s creation are everywhere.

And when we do one of these things, the Scripture asks us to be intentional and think about God and His created intention. Not only will it lead us to a greater sense of awe about God and His world, we’ll better understand His Word, as well.

One of the best places to do this is at a Christian Summer Camp and Retreat Center in Pennsylvania, where we are intentional about helping campers connect with their creator through His creation.