The recently-released 2008 Outdoor Recreation Participation Report (published by the Outdoor Industry Foundation) highlights a number of trends in gender differences relating to participation in outdoor recreation. 

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Key findings on outdoor participation between gender differences include:

• Among boys and girls age 6 to 12, a significant participation gap has opened, with girls’ participation falling significantly below boys’.
• Participation among youth ages 6 to 17 dropped moret than 11% with girls age 6 to12 showing the biggest decline, falling to 61%, and boys age 6 to 12 falling to 72%.
• In 2006 the participation rates for boys and girls age 6 to 12 were 79% and 77%, respectively (that’s a big shift in numbers between ’06 and ’08).

Looking at adults, the report reveals:

• Outdoor activities are more popular than indoor activities and team ball sports among men ages 18 to 65
• Indoor activities are the most popular among women ages 13 and older.
• While men are connecting with outdoor activities in increasing numbers, women are heading indoors in their teens.

Ladies, let’s make an effort to get outside this year! Better yet, take a child with you and show them how much fun it is to spend time in nature.

Link to full report.