When Ginny and Josh Yurich wanted to balance their kids’ screen time with more time spent outdoors, they found their greatest memories as a family and most successful parenting moments came from time spent outside. To spread thoughts, pictures, and words of encouragement, Ginny created 1000 Hours Outside. The organization encourages families to match and surpass the average amount of screen time a child is immersed in each year with immersion in the outdoors.
Christine Elyseev, Asheville Parks & Recreation Outdoor Programs Coordinator, pitched a shorter version of the program as the department began designing its summer program guide. After an email to Josh (who’s a fan of the Asheville area), a local initiative with prizes is in full swing for those who want to track 100 hours outdoors this summer – and it’s not too late to participate.
A hallmark of 1000 Hours Outdoors are unique trackers designed by artists throughout the country. While it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the details of tracking steps, calories, and budgets, the goal of this project is to unplug and enjoy time spent outside. S
imply fill in spaces on the tracker and watch it come to life over the summer. Full details below.
Spend 100 Hours Outside and Win
- Print out your tracker at home or stop by a community center to use one of our printers.
- Complete the tracker by shading in one box for each hour spent outdoors.
- To become eligible to win prizes including a bike, hammock, and other outdoor items:
- Visit avlREC.com before August 1 to register.
- Scan or take a picture of your completed tracker and send it to outdoorprograms@ashevillenc.gov by August 14.
- Drawing for two winners will be held on August 15. Participants must be registered and a completed tracker turned in to be eligible for prizes.
Visit Asheville Parks & Recreation’s interactive Park Finder to locate outdoor spaces close to home.