Outside Insider: Activities for Distant Socializing

Sit spots are great places to journal. 

Doing your best to distantly socialize, but you’re tired of the same old thing? We’ve got your back. Our carefully curated list of activities can help you connect with nature and get ready for your next big adventure. These activities can be done within the comfort of your own home or backyard (just remember to follow current advice from the Vermont Department of Health).

Find a sit spot. Sit spots can be any area in your yard or a view from a window. This is a great way to take in the world around you and build mindfulness in an easy way.

Step 1 - Pick a spot you like near a tree, in a field, or at a window with a good view.

Step 2 - Sit, look, listen, and observe. What do you see, hear and smell?

Step 3 - Repeat as often as necessary. Try different times of day. What changes? What stays the same?

Birding.  Did you see a bird fly by or heard one sing, but you’re not sure what kind? The Cornell Lab of Ornithology has great resources on learning to identify birds by sight and by sound in the Bird Song Hero Challenge.

Can’t tell a robin from a wren? No worries! Try out the Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife’s fun Bird Behavior Scavenger hunt for your next walk and just get to know the life of a bird.

Citizen Science Projects. Help scientists around the world gather data and unravel the mysteries of our planet! The Vermont Center for Ecostudies enlists citizens just like you to help answer questions about bees, birds, butterflies, and more. Learn more about their projects that you can help with in your own back yard.  Looking for adventure in far off places? Check out Zooniverse. You can help with everything from tracking criminal careers of Australian prisoners to finding regions where stars are being born!

 Note: You must be 13 years or older to create online accounts.

Rope skills. Have a pair of shoelaces or a length of rope? Then you’re set! Learn some awesome rope skills for your next camping or outdoor adventure. Here’s a video with 5 handy knots to learn. If you want to explore an entire library of knots, check out AnimatedKnots.com. They have them sorted by different activities from boating to fishing to neckties!

Camping Practice. Set up a tent in your living room or practice making a shelter for your next excursion in the woods. This is a great time to figure out: What would you need to go camping for two nights? What kind of food would you bring? Check out our handy guide for what to bring camping and our Camping Tips & Tricks Videos for more help!

Where is your sit spot? What exciting discoveries have you made? What kind of shelter did you make? Make sure to share them to our Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter accounts with #VTStateParks.


What's been your favorite way to distantly socialize? Share in the comments below!