Why Focus on Outdoor Education?

Outdoor education is important because it...

1. Improves focus and academics - Among other things, outdoor education significantly increases students' problem-solving skills, behavior in classrooms, and motivation to learn.

2. Accommodates different learning styles and abilities - Students who learn best through tactile and kinesthetic means, as well as auditory and visual learners, have a fun time learning new things.

3. Increases cooperative learning and social interaction - Students often learn best when learning from each other; outdoor education also gives them the opportunity to improve their social skills, particularly with regard to conflict resolution.

4. Improves physical and mental health - All of the benefits combined lead to increased health, both physically and mentally.

5. Provides organic teachable moments and unstructured play - Discussions around something interesting in the moment leads to greater understanding, especially when they begin with a child's natural curiosity.

6. Makes learning relevant through practical experiences - Students are able to see a direct connection between what they are learning and their own lives during classes on topics such as wilderness survival and first aid.

7. Allows a break from screens - In a study published by Science Direct, preteens participating in a nature-based outdoor program were found to be significantly better at interpreting emotional and social cues.

8. Fosters appreciation and love for the natural world - Students become stweards of our natural world when they are exposed to wild places and concepts. such as habitat and species preservation.

9. Increases community engagement - Outdoor education programs give kids the opportunity to make a difference in their communities.

10. Is FUN! - Outdoor education is the perfect setting for making learning a fun, exciting experience for kids with chances to explore, discover through doing, and have unstructured play.

(Adapted from the article "Top Ten Reasons Outdoor Education is Essential for Kids" by Wonder Valley Outdoor Education Center.)