Take the Vitamin N Challenge for a summer of nature-filled fun!

Content from our partners at the Children & Nature Network

Summer is meant to be spent outdoors, but even with time off from school, it can be hard to make time for nature. That’s where the Vitamin N Challenge comes in, connecting you to ideas, inspiration and a community of people who are committed to spending quality time outdoors with the kids they care about. And, setting and committing to a goal will help you get more Vitamin N this summer, whether you are working toward a day, a week, or months of more time in nature.

The challenge was inspired by our co-founder Richard Louv’s book, “Vitamin N: The Essential Guide to a Nature-Rich Life.” In it, you’ll find 500 fun, practical ideas that will help you design a challenge that fits your lifestyle and schedule – or you can share your own ideas to inspire others. Most of all, the challenge should help you make the most of your summer – and make outdoor memories that will last a lifetime.

How to take the Vitamin N Challenge:

1. Choose Your Challenge

Vitamin N Challenges come in all shapes and sizes. Yours may be a single outing or experience. It may be a lifestyle change over the course of a week or a month. Maybe your challenge means designating one day each week during July and August as family nature days, planned and organized with your kids. Or perhaps you’d like to spend 30 minutes each day, for 30 days, participating in an outdoor activity. You could even lead your community in a habitat restoration project. Whatever you choose, get the children in your life involved in planning the challenge – and like other vitamins, don’t skip your Vitamin N!

2. Make A Plan

Take the Vitamin N Challenge Pledge, designate Vitamin N time on your calendar, print out a Challenge Tracker (see Resources below), and collect any materials you may need (snacks and water bottles are always recommended!) Talk about the challenge with your family, get excited – and have fun!

3. Share Your Experience

Tell us about your Vitamin N Challenge. How did you get your dose of Vitamin N? What worked and what didn’t? How has your family or your life changed as a result of the challenge?

There are many ways to be part of the Vitamin N community:

• SHARE your tips, photos and videos on Instagram. Use the hashtag #vitaminN2022

• WRITE a short summary (750 words or less) about your challenge, include at least one awesome photo, and email it to us at info@childrenandnature.org.

• JOIN The Trailhead, our free online community to let us know how your challenge is going – and to cheer on fellow Vitamin N Challenge takers!