PARENTS across Worcestershire are being urged to hold their own Stick Man Games in a bid to get their children to spend more time in the great outdoors.
It follows a survey by the Forestry Commission England which has found playing Pooh Sticks, building dens and exploring the nation’s woodland are still more popular with children than TV, computer games and tablets.
The Stick Man Games are based on the much-loved character and book Stick Man written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler. The twiggy figure also hit our screens on Christmas Day last year.
Once downloading the application packs from www.forestry.gov.uk/stickman the sports events can be hosted at home or in people’s nearest woodland.
The pack is full of fun stick-themed games and activities, plus warm up exercises, bib template, scoresheet, and cut-out medals and certificates for the champions.
The survey found 84 per cent of 1,300 parents said their children (under tens) preferred to play outdoors than use their computers, games consoles or watch TV.
An overwhelming 92 per cent of children shun their gadgets while exploring the forest and prefer to play with the natural items they come across on their woodland walk.
Katy David, the Forestry Commission’s Stick Man Games Champion, said: “Kids get a hard time sometimes because they’re often accused of not spending enough time outdoors and being glued to their gadgets.
“This survey however reminds us that the under tens love playing outside and getting close to nature.”
There is also a host of Stick Man-themed activities at 24 Forestry Commission locations across the country.
Among the exciting games are giant pick-up sticks, to noughts and crosses and a ring toss.
The nearest ones are at the Wyre Forest and Haughmond Hill in Shropshire and the Cannock Chase Forest in Staffordshire.
