More Fun Outdoor Activities from Kalkaska

The Kalkaska Substance Free Coalition, the Kalkaska Conservation District, and the Kalkaska Sheriff’s Office partnered once again this summer to take local youth hiking and camping. Students ages 8 to 14 hiked about 4 miles into the Guernsey Lake campground, along the amazing North Country National Scenic Trail. The trail, a 4800-mile-long hiking trail, spans from Vermont to North Dakota, and runs right through Kalkaska County. As prevention education, students learned about many of the great natural resources located in Kalkaska County, and how using these resources is good for physical and mental health. The Lewis School joined in on the fun, bringing all types of homemade instruments for the kids to try out, as they sat around the campfire. The event encompassed many different genres of activities throughout the day and evening for youth to experience.  In today’s technical world, it is so very beneficial for youth and families to get out and spend time in natural environments. Studies show that spending time outdoors can change neurochemistry. Exposure to green spaces and fresh air releases serotonin, the same neurotransmitter found in many antidepressants. Simply being in nature can reduce the risk of developing anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders.