Join The Reset on Jan. 24 to step away from screens, into nature and community

by Krista Dooley

WTA has joined the national Support Coalition behind The Reset, led by Outward Bound USA.

On Jan. 24, you’re invited to join a one-day movement where students, educators, and families pledge to step away from screens and reconnect with nature, community, and themselves. We have a few great resources to help you plan how to spend time outdoors and connect with others.   

Find a trail to explore 

Winter is a great time to explore trails close to home or further afield. If you are looking for an adventure to embrace the snow (though it is a little thin on the ground right now), check out these Snowy Hikes with Kids. If you're looking for an outing at lower elevation that is likely to be snow free, plan to visit a hike at one of these 21 Places Across the State to Explore this Winter. Even a short stroll in a local park or botanical garden in the winter sunshine counts! 

Remember, it doesn’t matter whether your plans include snow or not, it’s still winter so think ahead and be prepared. 

Looking out at Similk Bay from Kukutali Preserve. Photo by trip reporter Kjmorty

Tune into your birding skills and play Winter Bird Bingo

This is a special time of year as birds are migrating south and a great time to look around as most deciduous trees have lost their leaves. Grab some binoculars and test your bird knowledge to try to complete Winter Bird Bingo. It might take more than a day to check all the boxes so perhaps you turn this Bingo game into a Jan through February adventure challenge.    

Eagles near Skagit Wildlife Area. Photo by trip reporter hikingwithlittledogs

Spend time giving back to public lands

Volunteering can be a great activity to do with a friend and it offers opportunities to meet new people. WTA’s Reset trail work parties for January 24 are currently full, but you can join a waitlist or look further out and sign up for another date. Giving back to help improve trails as an individual or a family is a fun way to be part of a community, build new skills and explore new public lands. 

Outdoor Leadership Training Hiking Workshop. Photo by Krista Dooley.    

Plan a group outing 

If The Reset has you inspired to get a group of young people outdoors beyond January 24, consider joining one of WTA’s upcoming Outdoor Leadership Training workshops to learn tips for trip planning, risk management and creating memorable outdoor experiences with snowshoeing, hiking, camping or backpacking.   

As you plan your screen-free adventures you might also be interested in these ideas for capturing the experience:

• Bring a journal and jot down notes about your day
• Take a “before” photo before you log off and an “after” photo when you return—share your reflections later.
• Create a drawing, collage, or piece of nature- inspired art and share it after January 24th.
• Live in the moment! Avoid overscheduling and enjoy your time offline for free play and exploration!

We hope this offers you some ideas and resources of how you can spend some time away from screens and reconnect to people, to place and to purpose this weekend and beyond.

• Learn more and sign up: the-reset.org

Krista Dooley is WTA's director of community partnerships and leadership development. Krista has a rich background in environmental education. Krista has a passion for connecting people to the outdoors and has seen the positive impact collaboration with partners can have developing the next generation of outdoor leaders.