By Daniel W. Hatcher, MPH
Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships
Alliance for a Healthier Generation
Alliance for a Healthier Generation (Healthier Generation) is a proud member of the Hidden Helpers Coalition. For almost 20 years, Healthier Generation has worked with schools, youth-serving organizations, businesses, communities, and families to promote environments that support holistic children’s health.
With over 2 million children moving every few years and many taking on caregiving roles, these young people face unique challenges that can be positively impacted by the restorative benefits of nature. That’s why Healthier Generation and our partners Blue Star Families, GORUCK, and EMPOWER have teamed up to create a free downloadable resource, Nature BINGO 3, featuring simple activities to connect neighbors and strengthen community bonds while encouraging outdoor activity and movement.
Ready to play? Grab your friends, family, and neighbors, choose a square, and start exploring.
Here are two of my favorite challenges from the BINGO card—give them a try! You can download the full BINGO card at https://www.healthiergeneration.org/app/resources/2106.
Go for a 10-minute walk with family and friends
According to Aces Aware, “strategies such as practicing mindfulness, meditating, experiencing nature, exercising regularly, and developing healthy relationships can improve outcomes for people who have experienced adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).
A simple 10-minute walk is more powerful than we realize—it helps us reset, connect, and recharge. Plus, it beats doom-scrolling on our phones!
Looking for another way to spread positivity? Celebrate someone who makes a difference!
Celebrate someone with a kindness award nomination
Positive self-image and high self esteem are not only good things for youth to have, but serve as protective factors for negative behaviors like substance misuse. Our partners in Kentucky at Graves County Agency for Substance Use Policy/Prevention, created a kindness award nomination card that can be used to thank others for being good neighbors.
Who will you celebrate today?
Small moments matter—one walk, one act of kindness, and one community at a time. I’d love to hear how you’re bringing Nature BINGO to life! Drop me a note at daniel.hatcher@healthiergeneration.org and share your favorite moments.
Additional Resources
Encourage and Recognize Military Youth on Absolutely Incredible Kid Day® | Camp Fire
Outdoor Explorers Family Activities – BINGO – Blue Star Families (Nature BINGO 2 and BINGO at Home)
