The Renegades clock up the hours!

Young members of the Renegades Youth Club have launched an ambitious new challenge – to spend 1,000 hours outside over the coming year.

The “1,000 Hours Outside” initiative encourages children and young people to swap screen time for green time, reconnecting with nature and rediscovering the benefits of outdoor play and exploration. Spread over a year, the target equates to just under three hours a day spent outdoors.

Youth Club Manager, Anna, said: “We’ve seen time and again how children’s behaviour, focus and confidence improve when they’re free to play and explore outside. Nature has a way of grounding them, it brings calm, curiosity and connection.”

The Renegades will be logging outdoor hours across a wide range of activities including club nights, canoeing, hiking, swimming, campouts and even apple picking. Each hour contributes towards the collective goal, with milestones celebrated throughout the year.

Group Leader Gareth Miller added: “We want to show young people what life looks like beyond the screen. When they’re outside, they work together, problem-solve, laugh more and develop a real sense of belonging.

“It doesn’t have to be complicated. The kids had enormous fun when we went night foraging for sweet chestnuts on Lord’s Piece, which is a lovely hidden walk near the South Downs Way. They loved being outside in the dark, in the woods and the idea that there was just free food lying on the ground. Also, because there were lots of low branches even the youngest Rascals could try tree climbing and running around in the open air.

“Apparently the Romans spread the sweet chestnut tree across Europe, where it became a vital food source – sometimes called ‘the bread of the poor’. We’ll soon be tasting them, roasting over an open fire,” says Gareth.

As the seasons change, the Renegades will continue making the most of every opportunity to be outdoors, rain or shine, proving that the best kind of screen time is no screen time.

The Renegades is a charity for all children aged 7 – 18. If you would like a taster session, visit www.renegadesyc.org or ring Gareth on 07801 862550.