Wicksteed Leisure Ltd’s Post

EVENT UPDATE Our event is on Saturday, April 5th, 11AM - 5PM at Wiscasset Middle High School. So far, we have 14 schools attending and 35 volunteers committed to introducing kids to 23 outdoor passions.  Kids browse passions, select the ones they're interested in,  receive introductions right then and there, and afterwards we connect them to the various communities surrounding the passion.  This opens up a lifetime of opportunities to experience the activities - oftentimes for free.  We also introduce kids to careers in the outdoors, while experts in nature-based learning educate parents, teachers & staff on the pitfalls of social media, the benefits of nature, and how to implement healthier lifestyles. We call this event "Together," as it's all about bringing people and organizations together to better the lives of all all our citizens. What we are doing is more than decreasing screen time; it is more than introducing kids to outdoor passions; it is more than getting kids hooked on the outdoors. We’re not just battling the screens epidemic, the indoors epidemic; we’re not just fighting all the bad stuff that comes with it - increased rates of childhood obesity, anxiety, depression, suicide. We are fostering and cultivating outdoor mentorship, empowering people to make a difference. And we're doing this at a point in history where bringing people together, embracing our differences, celebrating life - celebrating our differences - couldn't be more needed. Let me know if you'd like to volunteer! We'll have a dozen "floor volunteers" helping to engage kids with the presenters, so you can do that, OR, you can come introduce the kids to something you're passionate about. Thanks, George, aka Allagash

Encouraging kids to stay active and enjoy the outdoors is so important! 🌳🚴♂️ From nature walks to fun sports, creating opportunities for movement helps support their overall well-being. How do you keep your child active? Share your ideas below! 👇💚 #Parentipity #ActiveKids #ParentingTips

‘Elevate’ Initiative to Engage Outdoor Businesses Pennsylvania Director of Outdoor Recreation Nathan Reigner announced the launch of Elevate, a new business engagement initiative designed to strengthen Pennsylvania's outdoor recreation industry by engaging directly with the businesses that drive it. The Elevate initiative will connect with outdoor recreation businesses across the Commonwealth to identify barriers to growth, develop workforce solutions, and highlight Pennsylvania as a premier destination for outdoor recreation and a place where related businesses can thrive. https://lnkd.in/e2JdwEQn

Inclusive pickleball events are revolutionizing community engagement and accessibility in Texas! 🌟 The "Pickleball for All" program is breaking barriers, welcoming participants of all abilities to enjoy this fast-growing sport. Once a month at Chicken n Pickle, individuals with disabilities can join in a relaxed, judgment-free environment and discover the joys of pickleball. The benefits are profound: - **Physical Health**: Playing pickleball is gentle on the joints and an excellent cardiovascular workout. - **Social Connections**: These events are a hub for forging new friendships and building community. - **Mental Well-being**: Engaging in sports can be a great stress reliever, offering fun and camaraderie that rivals therapy. How exciting is it to see sports becoming more inclusive and accessible? Do you know of similar initiatives in your area? It’s a movement worth celebrating, and there’s a spot for everyone on the court. Mark your calendars for the next event and consider volunteering to support this incredible initiative! #Pickleball #Inclusivity #Community #Accessibility #SportsForAll #HealthAndWellness

🏊♂️🏊♂️ In the spring of 2024, University of Arizona Campus Recreation Department collaborated with the African American Museum of Southern Arizona to combat the disparity in drowning rates in black youth. Drowning death rates for Black people under age 30 are 1.5 times higher than the rates for White people. Disparities are highest among Black children ages 5-9 (rates 2.6 times higher) and ages 10-14 (rates 3.6 times higher). Swim lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by up to 88% for children ages 1–4. The African American Museum of Southern Arizona, with support from the OneAZ grant, initated a powerful step forward by working with the Aquatics program in offering free swim lessons to Black youth in the Tucson community. For decades, Black communities have been systemically denied access to pools, reinforcing segregation and creating generational disparities in water competency. Many institutions, including the Univeristy of Arizona, used to require a swim competency to graduate while actively restricting black students access to the pool. Swimming is more than just a recreational activity; it’s a critical life skill that promotes safety, health, and confidence. This initiative not only builds essential skills but also uplifts and empowers families by addressing barriers rooted in systemic inequity. Campus Recreation is dedicated in supporting impactful interventions and remains committed to creating spaces that are welcoming, inclusive, and focused on the wellbeing of our community. Partnerships like this allow us to address inequities with purpose and ensure the community thrives through inclusive and quality programs, collaborations and facilities. We’re excited to continue this meaningful partnership into the spring of 2025 and beyond, working together to build stronger, healthier, and more equitable community! #EquityInAction #CommunityWellbeing #CampusRecreation #Collaboration #IntentionalProgramming #highereducation #swimming #swimlessons

New Book: Introduction to Adaptive Sport and Recreation

How do you improve recreational activities for everyone? Have you got 10 mins to answer this survey for a Masters' student about improving social, mental, and physical well-being through generating easier access to outdoor recreation and adventure...

The #HYIS findings revealed that 6 in 10 youth experienced high availability of #leisure and recreation opportunities in their #communities! Join us in sharing more about this topic #LowOrNoBarriers #InclusionRecreation https://lnkd.in/gqfg6sTZ

Adaptive sports and recreation can be life-changing for #DisabledVets. But did you know the #VA provides benefits and supports for #DisabledVeterans looking to engage in #AdaptiveSports? Learn about them here. https://hubs.ly/Q02nbxzL0

Commissioner Helen Connolly (seen here) attending the NSC | IAKS 2024 in Melbourne recently, joined with other global leaders to discuss key issues relating to the importance of sport and recreation for Australia’s children and young people.    During her keynote session, the Commissioner discussed the importance of play in the lives of children and young people, including playing sport and participating in other physical activities such as dancing, cycling, skateboarding, etc. “Play is critical to young people’s health and wellbeing. Young people have a developmental need to play. They also have a right to play, and as the adults in their lives we are required to uphold this right by addressing any barriers to play that they face.” South Australian children have told their Commissioner they feel happiest when they’re able to play their favourite sports within their local community. A lack of school sporting/exercise programs and high fees can be barriers to participation that will cause children to disengage from sporting and other physical activities when they’re young, ultimately impacting negatively on their long term health and wellbeing.   Which is why as a society, we must make change at the systemic level to ensure children and young people are encouraged and able to participate in exercise and sporting activities they enjoy. By supporting them to adopt a healthy lifestyle with plenty of opportunities for play we create a child friendly environment in our neighbourhoods. Find out more about what young people told their Commissioner about play in her Press Play report, which examines the importance of play in young people’s lives, and looks at strategies that can be devised to address barriers to play at the individual, community, cultural and systemic levels. Read the Press Play report here: https://bit.ly/3WzWKPC