Step away from the electronics and Get Outdoors!
A how-to guide for kids of all ages who want to spend more time outdoors
About Get Outdoors
Have Some Adventures!
Is your family spending too much time indoors using electronics? Unplug everyone and try some outdoor adventures like hiking, camping, backpacking, games, and more. Uncertain about how to start out? Let Rosie be your guide as she teaches you the basics of how to safely begin hiking and expand your adventures as you gain confidence.
Learn How To:
Camp in a campground or backcountry
Hike a short trail or a tall mountain
Cook dinner over a campfire
Survive a night in the woods
Play fun outdoor games
Set up a tree house, hammock or slackline
Take a Peek
"I was seven years old when my family decided to take on the challenge of climbing Mount Washington in the winter...It is often called “the home of the world’s worst weather” because of the frequency of high winds and dangerous conditions."
"A while later, we reached a patch of rocks called a talus slope, and climbed up to the top of it where we stopped for some food and a break while we had a nice view. After a few minutes sitting there, we noticed the sky was starting to get dark."
"Tree houses are the classic form of outdoor entertainment for kids. They are really fun to design, build, customize, and play in. There are an infinite number of ways to build a tree house, so don’t be afraid to try out a new idea!"
"Also, some trails are more challenging than others for various
reasons. If you are a beginner, I recommend choosing a longer and
less steep option if there is one available, making sure you will be able
to handle the distance."
About the Author
Writing for Kids and Families
Rosie McQuilkin is the author of Get Outdoors: Memories of a Childhood Spent in the Woods, a compilation of anecdotes and instructional passages from a childhood spent unplugged. Rosie began adventuring at age three and after more than a decade spent playing in the woods, she brings a unique perspective to children’s environmental education. A New Hampshire native, Rosie has summited all 100 of New England's highest peaks, including the 67 New England four-thousand-foot mountains. She is currently completing the Winter White Mountain Four-Thousand-Footer hiking list.
Rosie is a high school student with a passion for writing and photography and has won several national and state art competitions. A lifelong Girl Scout, Rosie is dedicated to outdoor education for kids. When not at school, Rosie spends her time playing sports, cooking, traveling, and hanging out with her pet chickens.
Events and More
Rosie wrote Get Outdoors at age 14 as a Girl Scout Silver Award project. It is being distributed free of charge to youth environmental education centers.
Rosie is available for technical workshops, readings, books signings, and speaking engagements.
Events and Speaking Engagements
Workshops
We are pleased to offer customized live or online presentations and workshops to educate families and kids of all ages on how to safely have fun in the outdoors. Popular topics include:
- Hiking 101: From Gamer to Hiker
- Hiking 201: Advanced Skills for Climbing Mountains
- Hiking and Backpacking Trip Planning: Everything You Need to Know to Get Started
- Spend the Night in the Woods: How to Get Started with Car Camping
- Backpacking Basics for Families
- Backpacker Gearhead: What to Bring and What to Leave at Home
Readings and Book Signings
Request a reading or book signing at your library, shop, or event.
Presentations and Webinars
Is your club or group looking for a speaker on outdoor topics such as hiking or backpacking? Invite us to speak at your hiking club, Scout, church, or youth group meeting or environmental center program. We are pleased to offer live or online presentations on the following topics:
- Hiking the 48 White Mountain 4000-Footers of New Hampshire
- Hiking the 67 New England 4000-Footers
- Hiking the New England Hundred Highest
- Hiking the 48 Winter White Mountain 4000-Footers of New Hampshire
Contact Us
Drop us a line below to request a workshop, presentation, reading, or other speaking engagement!
Get Outdoors and Be More Mindful
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An article by Rosie McQuilkin
In the past few years, people have been spending much more time indoors than ever before. It often seems like the vast majority have lost touch with nature, and are filling their time scrolling through social media or binge watching season after season of that one TV show. With this, people are losing touch with themselves, always comparing themselves to the nearly-perfect people they see on the Internet. People need to take a break and go outside and find what really matters, living a healthy lifestyle surrounded by loved ones.
Mindfulness always sounds great on the screen, but what does it really mean to be mindful? Mindfulness means being aware of your surroundings, but how can this possibly be practiced when people are fully aware of the virtual world, and not the amazing natural world that surrounds us?
A great way to be more mindful is to go outside and pursue an activity that you enjoy. It doesn’t have to be exercise, you could just sit outside and read a book or watch the clouds go by. On the other hand, it’s also fun to go outdoors and do a sport such as hiking, biking, canoeing... you name it! Going outdoors doesn’t need to cost anything! There is no required equipment to start being more mindful by connecting with nature.
There are many benefits that come with getting outdoors. Connecting with nature can help you be more mindful, and is also a chance to get some exercise or spend some time with friends, family, or pets. Another possible benefit is decreased stress levels from taking a break from the fast-paced online world. What are you waiting for? Get outdoors today!
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