Woo hoo! I’m elated that REI, Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), http://www.rei.com/ is closing all their stores for the day to “Opt Outside on Black Friday” to encourage us to go outdoors. REI believes that being outside makes our lives better. That’s why this Black Friday 2015, they’re closing all 143 stores and paying employees to head outside. Just a thought… why not save your shopping for another day? And, instead, create memories with your family, friends, and anyone in between.

By staying true to their roots, REI has earned a place on FORTUNE magazine’s list of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” every year since the rankings began in 1998. They work hard to earn their reputation for quality and integrity every day. Their core purpose guides everything they do: they work to inspire, educate, and outfit for a lifetime of outdoor adventure and stewardship. How are you staying true to your roots this holiday season? Have you thought about pausing your devices to get a breath of fresh air?

Research shows that children who play outdoors benefit from

• increased fitness levels
• Increased performance on tests of their critical thinking skills
• protected emotional development and much more

Adults also benefit from being outdoors by

• soaking up the sunshine that produces Vitamin D which, researchers are learning, builds our immune systems among other things
• taking a break from technology to clear your head for better focus
• reducing stress
• enhancing use of the senses

For those in Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego Counties of California, there’s a treasure trove of outdoor adventures to be discovered. Why not schedule an outdoor activity with your kids’ school friends and their parents on Black Friday 2015? How about scheduling an outdoor adventure with a group of your friends on Black Friday 2015? (Maybe you can bring your dogs!) Then, gather for lunch after to chat about your experience.

If you have the itch to avoid the crowds on Black Friday 2015 and #OptOutside, then head over to (click the orange link) Explore Passports where you and I will co-create a custom outdoor exploration.