#OptOutside At Hale Reservation On November 23

Hale Reservation will be holding a scavenger hunt on “Black Friday,” November 23, from 8:30-4:00pm. The scavenger hunt is self-guided and open to all ages. “...it is not exactly geocaching because it doesn’t include the use of GPS. We think of it more as a self-guided treasure hunt with activities along the way,” says Paula McLaughlin, Hale Reservation’s Director of Communications and Donor Relations. Prizes will be offered for the scavenger hunt, including a Hale SummerClub Staycation Pass and prizes from REI.

“In the past we have had a wonderful response to this event and yes, it is mostly families. Because the event is done the day after Thanksgiving, we get people from near and far. It is not unusual to see grandparents with their visiting grandchildren or flocks of cousins who have gotten together for the holidays,” she continues.

REI has closed its outdoor gear stores for the past four years on Black Friday to encourage people to #OptOutside. Its website states that the company does this “because we think spending time outdoors is more important. So we pay our employees to #OptOutside, and invite the world to join.”

“One thing we hear over and over is that this is so different than other activities for families. Of course, a free event is almost unheard of, and most appreciated especially around the holidays. But what really makes this a special is that when it seems like most people are spending money shopping in a mall, we are encouraging people to spend time together and explore nature. People also remark that after a day where there is so much eating, a little exercise is just what they needed. People also like the opportunity to win Hale Summer Club Staycation Pass and outdoor gear from REI,” comment McLaughlin of the feedback Hale has received regarding past year’s #OptOutside events.

The #OptOutside scavenger hunt will be on November 23 at Hale Reservation will be from 8 AM – 4:30 PM.

This weekend (November 3), there is a Two Peak hike at Hale Reservation.

Speaking of Thanksgiving, did you see about the celebrations for seniors and foster care alumni?