Get Ready! #screenfree

Next week we are gearing up for the biggest event we have ever hosted to date here at Tales of a Mountain Mama.  We are thrilled to see the hours of hard work finally coming together in what we are sure will be an informative (and lucky!) week for you, as readers.  We hope you will join us in what we are calling "Gearing up Families to go Screen Free" for inspiration, tips, introductions to some incredible writers and outdoor enthusiasts, and plenty of opportunities to win free gear.

WHY is this SUCH a big deal?

Kids these days are absolutely bombarded by screens, technology and the lure of sedentary activities.  Obesity rates are up, ADD is more of a “common” issue than ever before, and kids simply aren’t spending time outdoors and moving. 

Thankfully, the awareness on the issue is spreading like wildfire and people (and companies) across the country are fighting against what Richard Louv has dubbed, “Nature-Deficit Disorder.”  Our blog, Tales of a Mountain Mama, was started in an attempt to inspire families with young children (who are more apt to stay inside because of convenience) to get out there and make outdoor adventures a normal part of their lives while their family is still young.  

The Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood has put together a yearly event encouraging children, families, schools and communities to go Screen Free and make changes towards a more active and outdoor lifestyle.  This year the event will happen from April 30 – May 6^th. 

Over at Tales of a Mountain Mama we are working hard to help spread the word about such a worthwhile cause.  While we certainly believe technology is a wonderful and valuable resource, we also believe in turning off and letting nature be our greatest teacher. 

Because the blog obviously uses computers (and therefore screens) as the way to get the word out there, we decided to do our big event the week BEFORE (because we are turning off too** and want to do everything we can to encourage others to follow that lead!)  

Earlier this week, I posted an article over at Seattle Backpackers Magazine (GREAT publication if you haven't checked it out before!) with a little more information about the event and, more importantly, some ideas on how Screen Free can be adapted for your own family needs.

We know that it can be impossible to turn off for an entire week (and I mean more than just a battle of self-control!)  We just want the word to be out there and people to be thinking!

What this event Means for YOU:

- Daily inspiration and tips on how to get outside with your family safely throughout Screen Free Week.

- Link-ups to a number of hand-picked incredible bloggers who are also on-board and are sharing their own insights.

- Gear Giveaways daily (please bare with me on this one - there will be LOTS in an attempt to really gear up a BUNCH of different people!)  They will last ONLY 24 hours so check-in daily!
- Exclusive #extragear giveaways only offered on Facebook and Twitter (so be sure to follow!)

- A chance to gear up and be involved in a really great cause!

Want to Help??

- PLEASE feel free to jump in!  I will happily tweet/Facebook out links to your own blog posts about Screen Free (and ideas on what to do with all that extra time.)  This is a collaboration!

- If you DO tweet, please use hash tag #screenfree 

- If you are a company wanting to join in with hooking up some people with gear or you just have some more questions, email me at mountainmamatales(at)gmail(dot)com

- Spread the word!
Thank you!

Screen Free For a Week?!?!  We DARE you!

**We will be turning off screens completely except for a very short window (like 5-10 minutes) every day to check and respond to emails just so we don't leave anyone hanging.  So, if you need me, know that I WILL see your emails and will get back to you as soon as I can.**