Warmer temps and longer days have arrived in western Wisconsin – and with them, even more “funtastic” opportunities for outdoor recreation in Chippewa County! It is time to grab the shades and sunscreen and venture out to the trails, lakes, golf courses and other beautiful spaces for new adventures. You can even win prizes just by doing something fun outside!
Go Find Fun in the Sun: Chippewa SUMMER Challenge is the latest partnership between the Chippewa Falls Area Chamber and Chippewa Health Improvement Partnership to improve the physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing of those who live, work, and play in Chippewa County.
The rules are simple:
- Spend at least 30 minutes engaged in outdoor physical activity on a single day anywhere within the county.
- Send a photo of the fun, along with the details (date, location, and activity) and your contact information (phone, e-mail, and address) to the Chippewa Falls Area Chamber at visitorcenter@chippewachamber.org or message everything to the CHIP Facebook page.
Whether you enter as an individual, a couple, or a family, we’ll send you a Chippewa Summer Challenge sticker, along with a Chippewa County Visitor Guide just for participating. Plus you will be entered into monthly drawings to win Chamber Bucks, YMCA passes, and other great prizes!
Regardless of your budget or location, Chippewa County offers a wide range of activities, from hiking, biking, and swimming to disc golf, pickleball or just playing in a local park. The opportunities are almost endless, but the Chippewa Summer Challenge is not – so be sure to submit your entry(ies) between June 21 (the official start of summer) and Sept. 4 (Labor Day) for a chance to win!
All these activities (and more!) provide important physical, mental, and emotional health benefits. Yet nearly one quarter of Chippewa County residents report no physical activity outside of work during the past month, and only one in four adults and one in six high school students meet federal guidelines for aerobic (cardio) and muscle-strengthening activities (CDC).
Physical activity is key to preventing and managing a wide range of chronic diseases – from Type 2 diabetes to heart disease to dementia to cancer. Plus the American Psychological Association reports a host of benefits from spending time in nature, such as improved attention, lower stress levels, better mood and even higher levels of empathy and cooperation!
As a bonus, direct sunlight exposure helps the body produce Vitamin D, a key nutrient that helps battle depression, supports bone health, and event boosts the immune system. Just remember to apply sunscreen regularly to avoid harm from overexposure.
Check out the Go Chippewa County website to learn more about great recreational opportunities throughout the county – but even if you never leave the backyard, you can still “Go Find Fun in the Sun” and better health through the Chippewa Summer Challenge!
Photo Release: By uploading and submitting an image, you allow Go Chippewa County and Chippewa Health Improvement Partnership to use the images.