In an effort to encourage children to get out and enjoy nature Miss America, Caressa Cameron, has filmed a video for the USDA Forest Service and Ad Council’s Discover The Forest campaign.

In the exclusive video, Miss America shares some of the special memories she has of spending time in nature as a child.

“I loved being outdoors,” says the Virginia native. “My family and I would go to state parks where I would play a mean game of hide-and-go-seek with my brothers and all my cousins. I also went on camping trips with my youth club. As a child I loved to play baker and make mud pies. In the fall I would collect leaves and bring them to my mother and she would put them in a basket.”

Along with reminiscing, Miss America urges parents to get their kids to reconnect with nature. A staggering statistic, backed by the Institute for Social Research at the University of Michigan, claims that children in the U.S. spend 50% less time outdoors than they did 20 years ago. Additional research indicates that children who spend time outside have lower stress levels, stronger immune systems, and greater imaginations.

Parents can visit DiscoverTheForest.org with their children to access a variety of resources including a nature finder, online games, tips, and photos. The campaign can also be followed on Facebook or Twitter.

Connecting with nature makes for a healthier child—in both body and mind—so it is imperative that we, as parents, unplug the game consoles and take our kids out of the house to connect with Mother Nature. 

To view Miss America’s video visit: facebook.com/discovertheforest.


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Photo Credit: video screen capture