nrg Outdoors Challenge Implementation Guide

nrg Outdoors Challenge Implementation Guide

It’s that time of year…when the return of warm sunshine allows us to enjoy being healthy
outdoors! An important part of being healthy – indoors and out – is achieving energy
balance: eating and drinking (energy in) to provide the right amount of fuel our bodies need
for healthy growth, everyday living and physical activity (energy out).

The Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital w i t h sponsorship by the PA Department of
Conservation and Natural Resour ces, is pleased to offer the nrg Outdoors Challenge. The
t w o-week, t u r n-key program features school wide lessons and activities designed to teach
s t u d e n t s the five behaviors for achieving energy balance and promote active outdoor
recreation. The five behaviors are part of a health education message promoted by the
Children’s Hospital and include:

1 or more hours of physical activity each day
B e a c t i v e o u t d o o r s

2 or less hours of screen time each day
Find alternatives to screen time and conserve electricity

3 balanced meals each day
Pack balanced meals or snacks for outdoor adventures

4 or more cups of water or low/no-calorie beverages each day
Drink plenty of water and conserve it too

5 or more servings of fruits and veggies each day
Eat local fruits and veggies

The following provides a description of materials and resources provided in the nrg Outdoors
Challenge Kit. This overview is designed t o assist your school in the devel opment and
implementation of the nrg Outdoors Challenge.

NRG OUTDOORS CHALLENGE

NRG OUTDOORS CHALLENGE

The nrg Outdoors Challenge is a two-week activity that equips youth with the skills needed to engage in outdoor recreation activities and learn five important behaviors for maintaining good health.

During week one of the curriculum, a classroom teacher instructs youth on ways to achieve each of five daily behaviors: one hour of physical activity – emphasizing outdoor activity; limiting non-educational screen time to less than two hours and conserving electricity; eating three balanced meals and nutritious snacks; drinking at least four cups of water to stay hydrated throughout the day; and buying local fruits and vegetables to get the recommended five servings per day.

The second week, students are “challenged” to act one or more of the behaviors with a friend or family member outside of the classroom.

Bring the nrg Outdoors Challenge to your school. Download the following materials to get started: