Happy 100th Anniversary, National Park Service!

Ah, the great outdoors. A favorite pastime for people of all ages. You remember going camping in national parks with your family when you were a child. Your dad taught you how to read a map and spot poison oak. As you got older, you went on camping trips with your friends, and would eat s'mores by the campfire. When you started your own family, you took your children camping to all of your favorite spots. You taught them how to read a map and spot poison oak too. Now, you're ready to share these experiences with your grandchildren.

Alert1 loves the great outdoors. Each one of our staff members can share a favorite camping story with you. When we heard that the National Park Service was celebrating their 100^th anniversary this week, we had to join the celebration. To help them celebrate, we decided to reminisce about all the reasons to love the great outdoors—and how they can still be a part of your life.

As a child, you were told to go run around outside because it was “good for you.” Guess what—the same saying still holds true. You are never too old to spend all afternoon outdoors. While you may not be running around the backyard or playing next to the lake, a walk in nature helps to refresh your mind and body.

Studies have shown that taking a 15-20 minute walk every day boosts creativity, concentration, productivity, and your mood. Whenever you're feeling stuck in a rut, take a walk. Bring a friend with you, and enjoy a nice conversation while sparking your creativity. You'll find your mind clearing and your mood improving with each step.

If a walk around the block helps your well-being this much, imagine what a full day or weekend spent in the great outdoors would do. You'll come back so relaxed that all your friends will marvel at the new you. You will be ready to start some new projects with an improved spring in your step.

Being outside boosts your productivity and mood. It can also alleviate feelings of depression and sadness. Whenever you notice yourself starting to feel down, lace on your walking shoes and step outside. It's important for you to acknowledge your feelings. Being outside helps to make this process easier.

When you take your family out to a national park, you'll remember all of the fun days you spent as a child camping in various parks. At the same time, you'll create new memories with your grandchildren that will last a lifetime.

The first national public park was written into effect by Congress in 1872. That park was Yellowstone National Park. Since then, it has amazed and awed visitors with its fantastic geyser display and abundant wildlife.

Thanks to Congress creating this recognition, a movement was started that culminated with the National Park Service being signed into existence by President Woodrow Wilson in 1916.

Since then, there are now more than 400 parks covered and protected by the National Park Service throughout the United States. Alert1 loves that there are so many protected outdoor areas for you to visit. There's bound to be a national park near you.

Looking for a nation park to visit? Visit the Nation Park Service website, and search for national parks near you. You'll discover old favorites, while learning about new parks to explore. And with the National Park Service enjoying their 100^th anniversary this year, you and your family will love having free admission during their anniversary week. Mark your calendars and head to a park near you—you won't have to pay for admission from August 25^th to 28^th.

Camping no longer sound as appealing as it once was? Instead, set up day trips to all of your favorite places. Many national parks have motels nearby where you can stay for your ease and comfort.

Enjoy some time with your grandchildren for the weekend and take them on a free tour of a national pastime. They will love spending time with you while you renew your spirit. The fond memories you made as a child while camping you can now share with your grandchildren while celebrating the 100^th anniversary of the National Parks Service.

Be sure to pack plenty of chocolate and marshmallows for the s'mores around the bonfire, and don't forget the bug repellent! Leave some space for your camera—you'll need it to capture all of the smiling faces. You'll soon have new family memories to add to your photo album.

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