Tell the World that You Chose to #OptOutside Instead of Shopping!
Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones to celebrate the people and places and ideas for which we are most thankful.
As conservationists, parks and trails and other outdoor spaces where we can go to commune with nature are near the top of our “thankful for” list. The best way we can think of to show our gratitude for these essential, life-giving places (besides maybe donating to a charity that’s vowed to protect them forever) is to visit them frequently (and respectfully) with friends and family.
That’s why we’re so excited that for the second year in a row outdoor retailer REI has decided not to try and lure flocks of customers into their stores with Black Friday bargains. Instead, they’re closing for the major shopping day, giving their employees paid time off and suggesting that they, as well as their customers, choose to #OptOutside for the day.
Given that you’ve just gathered for warm fuzzy feelings with family and friends the night before, could there be a better time to invite the people you care about to join you for a hike? We think not!
Show that you chose nature time over shopping time this Black Friday! Tag your Black Friday outdoor adventure photos with #OptOutside and #TheSCA!
So, please join us in accepting REI’s refreshing invitation to avoid massive crowds of holiday bargain hunters, and instead enjoy a day of soaking up all that nature has to offer.
We plan to tweet and Instagram our #BlackFriday outdoor adventures using the hashtags #OptOutside and #TheSCA, and we encourage you to do so as well.
It’s our way of showing REI just how thrilled we are that they’re asking their millions of customers to put off shopping and spend a few precious hours reconnecting with the land.
If you can join us in sharing a Black Friday post from the great outdoors, let us know by tagging #TheSCA and #OptOutside in your caption, and tagging @The_SCA and @REI in your photo.
We’ll choose our favorites from the photos you tag and share them on our social media pages, hopefully encouraging even more people to join in the outdoor fun.
Need help finding a Black Friday outdoor activity in your area? Enter your zip code into REI’s #OptOutsidemap for a list of local options.
Not sure what to say in your #OptOutside caption? Here are some suggestions:
- As an alum of #TheSCA, I’ve decided to #OptOutside this #BlackFriday to enjoy my local public lands at @GatewayNPS #NYC! @REI
- Avoid the #BlackFriday crowds & #OptOutside today with #TheSCA & @REI! Our family is hitting the trail today at @Gr8FallsPark outside #DC.
- Feeling thankful for my local parks in #Detroit & choosing to #OptOutside today for #BlackFriday! #TheSCA @REI
Hope to see you on the trail on Friday, November 25th!
