A Squamish-based summer camp is trying to curb children's screen time.
Canadian children spend close to eight hours a day in front of computers or televisions, Nicola Hill, the executive director of the B.C. chapter of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, said in a statement.
"This leads to a whole range of issues for our youth including obesity and mental illness and a lack of appreciation for the outdoors."
This month 30 youth from across the country came to Squamish to attend the third annual Get Outside B.C. Leadership Summit. For five days the group spent time at the North Vancouver Outdoor School in Paradise Valley and at Alice Lake Provincial Park.
The camp focused on teaching leadership and outdoor skills while camping, hiking and bonding as a team of natural leaders, Hill stated.
Summit participants were given homework. Tasked with creating an outdoor event or project in their communities to inspire other youth to get outside, the group's members will reunite throughout the year to share experiences and plan different ways to get people engaged.
The program is always looking for financial support. To donate to the camp text "outside" to contribute $10, with 100 per cent the money going to the camp.
