Let's Move Outside

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20240
http://www.blm.gov

August 20, 2010

In Reply Refer To:

1114 (172) P

EMS TRANSMISSION 08/24/2010

Instruction Memorandum No. 2010-185

Expires:  09/30/2011

To:                   State Directors and Assistant Directors

Attn:  State Youth Leads, State Public Affairs Officers, State Recreation Leads, and State Volunteer Coordinators

From:               Deputy Director, Operations

Subject:           Let’s Move Outside                                                                DD:  11/30/2010

Program Areas:  Youth; Recreation and Visitor Services; Education and Interpretation; Volunteers

Purpose:  The purpose of this Instruction Memorandum (IM) is to introduce the “Let’s Move Outside” (LMO) initiative and to outline ways in which state and field offices can incorporate this initiative into programs and events they are sponsoring.

Action:  In order to more fully participate in the LMO campaign, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) offices are encouraged to build outdoor physical activity into programs and events that attract families and children.  For example, when the First Lady introduced the LMO campaign at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, local children took part in “geology stretches” and a rock scramble.  Site coordinators for National Public Lands Day and other events could replicate this model by adding physically active components to programs for children.

The BLM Washington Office (WO) is soliciting information about upcoming events and programs that could be designated as LMO events.  These events should meet the following LMO criteria:

• Contribute to the goal of at least 60 minutes of active play per day.
• Offer one or more activities conducive to improving fitness.
• Involve youth or families.

The Department of the Interior (DOI) is seeking to publicize such events on the LMO website – preferably in advance of their taking place – and has asked the bureaus to assemble this information.  Please provide the following details on any events that meet LMO criteria:

• Name of event:
• Date:
• Location:
• Summary of event (2-3 sentences—address LMO criteria):
• Anticipated number of youth participants:
• Open to the public or targeted for specific group:

Timeframe:  This IM is effective immediately.  The information should be provided as soon as it is available, but no later than November 30, 2010.

Budget Impact:  The budget impact is expected to be minimal.

Background:  In February 2010, First Lady Michelle Obama launched the “Let’s Move” campaign to solve the epidemic of childhood obesity within a generation.  The campaign focuses on promoting healthy lifestyles, providing information about healthy foods and improving access to them, as well as expanding opportunities for increased physical activity.  Promoting active and vigorous play for at least 60 minutes a day is a key component of this campaign.  To get kids and families moving in America’s great outdoors, the DOI and Department of Agriculture are coordinating the LMO campaign.  This Federal effort will give parents and caregivers information about nearby parks, trails, and waterways where kids and families can get moving outside.  Much of this information is available on the LMO website.

The BLM offices are already providing many opportunities for young people to get outside and explore their public lands.  Several years ago, the BLM developed “Take It Outside:  Explore Your Public Lands,” a program to encourage children and families to pursue outdoor activities on BLM-managed lands.  In addition, visitors and families regularly pursue a wide range of recreational activities and take part in organized events sponsored by BLM offices throughout the year.

Manual/Handbook Sections Affected:  None

Coordination:  Recreation and Visitor Services (WO-250) and Public Affairs (WO-610) Divisions.

Contacts:  Information on potential LMO events should be sent on an ongoing basis through State Public Affairs offices by email to Betsy Wooster, National Youth Program Lead, (Elizabeth_wooster@blm.gov).  Please contact her if you have any questions.

Signed by:                                                       Authenticated by:

Mike Pool                                                        Robert M. Williams

Deputy Director, Operations                          Division of IRM Governance,WO-560