Kinnect — Promoting Outdoor Exploration Through Interactive Events
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Rebekah Grace Villamor
College:
Michael Graves College
Major:
Graphic Design
Faculty Research Advisor(s):
Denise Anderson
Abstract:
While the advantages of outdoor exploration are abundant, the current generation of children spends less time in outdoor activities than preceding generations. American children now dedicate 35% less time to outdoor play than their parents did in their youth. Additionally, The proportion of physically active 6-13-year-olds has declined, dropping from 26% from 2016-2017 to 24% from 2020 to 2021. This reduction is attributed to rapid urbanization, which has diminished natural green spaces and biodiversity, limiting children’s opportunities for outdoor engagement. The prevalence of screen time is another substantial factor contributing to the decline, as 2-17-year-olds spend over two hours a day on screen-related activities and school-related screen time. Lastly, parental safety concerns, particularly fears of strangers and kidnapping, have increased reluctance to permit children to spend time outdoors. This decline in outdoor exploration has resulted in reduced physical activity among children, contributing to an upswing in childhood obesity and mental health issues, including anxiety and depression. Kinnect is an organization that partners with outdoor venues to create safe spaces, educate, and encourage outdoor exploration. Its purpose is to jumpstart families’ healthy habits of outdoor exploration through fun and interactive events that parents and children can enjoy together.