How outdoor learning positively impacts youth
Outdoor learning is gaining popularity among youth, educators, and parents; you might ask yourself why this topic has become so appealing. First, you need to know exactly what it is.
In a few words, outdoor learning is the practice of hands-on experiences in nature. This could mean anything from gardening to rock climbing, and it is a form of experiential education. This type of learning maximizes the natural environment as a learning tool.
Outdoor learning has gained popularity because it provides students the opportunity to explore the world around them and to gain personal growth.
Some benefits of outdoor learning include improved physiology and well-being, better decision-making skills, developing confidence and leadership skills, academic benefits, social and emotional learning, environmentally friendly lessons, fostering creativity, and connecting with nature.
Outdoor learning can help youth to develop skills that can’t be taught in a book or academic setting. Through hands-on activities and challenges in nature, like solving puzzles and completing scavenger hunts, youth can apply what they’ve learned instantly.
These are some of the many reasons more schools are implementing outdoor education programs and why parents enroll their children in them. Read on to learn more about the impact outdoor learning has on our youth.
Improved Physiology and Well-Being
When both adults and youth are exposed to nature, they experience a boost in positive emotions and a decrease in negative ones. These benefits are linked to improved physiological health.
The close connection with nature can also help improve the immune system. Those who spend time in nature have an easier time falling asleep and are less likely to be stressed or anxious. These physiological benefits provide a boost to the health and well-being for those who take part in outdoor learning programs.
Better Decision-Making Skills
Outdoor learning provides youth with the opportunity to make group decisions, which helps them develop interpersonal skills. When they are put in a position where they are required to work together, they have the chance to build confidence and develop problem-solving skills. These skills can help youth in their future careers and in life.
Developing Confidence and Leadership Skills
Students learning with these programs develop confidence and leadership skills. These skills can help youth reach their full potential and succeed in life.
Building confidence allows youth to believe in themselves and be comfortable with who they are. Outdoor learning programs provide a platform for participants to work with others and encourage collaboration enabling them to develop leadership skills..
Outdoor learning programs also provide youth with the opportunity to explore unique environments, like urban areas or forests, and develop healthy risk taking and confidence while they’re doing it.
Also, learn about our Youth Leadership Day Programs.
Academic Benefits
Outdoor education has many academic benefits. When kids are in an outdoor environment, they’re more likely to engage with what they’re learning and can use these abilities with their academic assignments.
Outdoor learning can also help youth better understand concepts in other subjects, like math and science. When outdoor learning, students are forced to slow down and think critically about how they can apply what they’ve learned to the real world. This helps youth better grasp the concepts and apply them to other subjects.
Social and Emotional Learning
Participants who are given hands-on experiences in nature are better at identifying emotions in themselves and in others. This can help youth build empathy and better understand social situations.
When in nature, the kids are forced to slow down and consider their surroundings. This gives them a chance to think critically about the environment and apply what they’ve learned in the classroom. These social and emotional skills can help them in daily life.
Environmentally Friendly Lessons
Outdoor learning programs provide youth with hands-on experiences that allow them to be more environmentally conscious because they explore their surroundings and are in close contact with nature.
When the kids are exposed to nature, they can draw from a well of creativity and find comfort in their surroundings, which then leads them to be more careful and protective of it. They’re able to explore and connect with nature; they have time to think creatively, and enhance their physical and mental health.
If you are a teacher or a parent, and you want your kids to enjoy the positive impact that adventure education can have on them, we can help you! We offer year-round outdoor education programs.
With our winter, summer, and spring camps, we offer the campers a new and challenging adventure each day. With five to six different activities each week, we will help to ensure that our campers have outstanding experiences!
You can learn more about our camps here. If you’re looking for other ways to create meaningful outdoor learning experiences, check out our youth outdoor education programs.