Friends of Five Rivers

Enjoy the Outdoors this Summer!

School’s out for the summer! 🥳

Looking for things to keep the tweens and teens in your life busy this summer? The Get Offline, Get Outside Challenge encourages New York State’s kids and families to put down their devices, take a break from social media, enjoy recreation and outdoor social gatherings, and put their mental and physical health first. New Yorkers aged 12-18 are challenged to complete all 50 activities before the age of 19.

Many of the challenge activities can take be done at or near home. Here are a few examples:
🛼 Walk, run, or roll a mile.
🪴 Grow something from a seed.
🧺 Have a picnic outside with family or friends.
🪱 Learn how to compost.
🖍️ Draw something from nature.
🐦 Go birding.
📖 Read a book under a tree.
💫 Stay out for a lunar eclipse or meteor shower.
🌱 Plant a tree.
🚴 Go for a bike ride.
📓 Start a nature journal.
🌅 Watch a sunrise or sunset.

To find a full list of activities, browse our toolkit for helpful tips on completing the challenge, and to view materials in different languages, visit the link in the comments section below. 👇

Limited space still available for the popular ADULT NATURE CAMP!

Tap into your inner child by joining a group of like-minded adults to explore pond, stream, forest, and field habitats while engaging in nature-friendly crafts, games, and activities. Connection and relaxation through daily poetry selections followed by quiet walks and water painting will be encouraged.

Two sessions available to chose from: July 21-23 and August 18-20

Learn more: https://friendsoffiverivers.org/adult-summer-camp/

This program is partially underwritten through the generosity of William Haaf in memory of his wife, Linda, who loved nature.

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS to the 2026 Photography Exhibition.

Read the below requirements.