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"Children in America are suffering from the effects of obesity and inactivity at unprecedented levels," said Chris Fanning, executive director of The Outdoor Foundation. "Teaching youth the benefits of a healthy active outdoor lifestyle will ensure healthier children, healthier communities, and healthier businesses."

Key findings contained in the report are:

Participation Among All Americans

• Participation in outdoor activities increased in 2007 to 50.0% of Americans - from 134.4 million American participants in 2006 to 138.4 million Americans.
• Americans made an estimated 11.36 billion outdoor excursions in 2007 -- either close to home, in a nearby park or on an overnight trip.

Youth Participation

• Participation among youth ages 6 to 17 dropped over 11% in 2007.
• Participation among boys and girls age 6-12 experienced the sharpest drop. Girls had the biggest decline falling from 77% to 61%. Boys fell from 79% to 72%.
• Most youth are introduced to outdoor activities by parents, friends, family, and relatives.
• For youth, "fun" is by far the most common motivation for participating in outdoor activities. Other motivators include discovery, exploration, new experiences, and exercise.

Diversity

• Participation in outdoor activities is highest among Caucasians for all age groups. Participation is lowest among African Americans. Participation among African American youth is lower than Caucasian, Hispanic, and Asian/Pacific Islander youth, and the consequences of this are evident in participation rates throughout adulthood.
• Although the participation rate in outd
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