Disconnect Day encourages people to set aside phones, enjoy the outdoors

A nationwide campaign is encouraging Americans to cast aside their cell phones, tablets and other devices in exchange for a day of outdoor activities.

“Disconnect Day” was unveiled earlier this month in a rally against “over-connectivity,” according to one of Cabela’s executives.

“The core idea behind Disconnect Day is to remember how rewarding the outdoors can be in strengthening the relationships in our lives,” said chief marketing officer Scott Williams. “When our children grow up, they aren’t going to remember how many likes they got on a status update (on Facebook), but they will remember their family camping trips and the first fish they caught.”

Studies have shown that 80 percent of teens nationally own mobile devices and that, in general, kids spend only 4-7 minutes playing outside daily.

Country singer Justin Moore helped launch Disconnect Day earlier this month at the 3rd Annual Cabela’s Great Outdoors Archery Event in Arlington, Texas.

“As a husband and dad of two daughters, I know how challenging it can be to find time with a crazy schedule to get away from the noise and spend time together,” Moore said in a media release.

To get involved and participate in Disconnect Day, people can take the pledge and plan for their own day away from technology at http://www.MyDisconnectDay.com. There, they can receive a list of recommendations on the best hiking, camping and outdoor activities in the area.

“It’s not just about camping or fishing,” said Cabela’s retail marketing manager Connie Carrillo. “It’s a time to gather your family and get out. It doesn’t cost anything to do it.

“Western Nebraska has some great sunsets and sunrises and its just an opportunity to take in the beauty,” Carrillo added. “You just get to pick a day to get away, and that’s the hardest thing to do nowadays.”