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GABC-News-Why outdoor education is so important

Why outdoor education is so important

Written by dev on . Posted in Teachers and Schools.

Research consistently highlights the significant benefits of outdoor education, especially in natural settings, for not only mental and physical health but for enhancing personal, social, and academic development. Outdoor education does more than get kids moving – it helps them grow.

Adventure-based programs immerse students in nature, challenging them to step outside their comfort zones and face tasks they normally wouldn’t encounter. Research by Cottrell et al. (2020) highlights measurable gains in personal and social development, with secondary students thriving in teamwork-driven activities and younger children showing greater motivation and engagement through outdoor curriculum-based activities.

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However, the benefits go beyond academics. Outdoor education has a profound impact on emotional and social well-being. Research has shown that outdoor adventure provides the opportunity to grow ‘soft skills’ primarily intrapersonal skills in self-confidence and resilience, and social and interpersonal skills with communication and teamwork (Cottrell et al., 2020).

Adventure activities harness the flight or fight response in a safe and structured environment. Overcoming challenges like abseiling or jumping from heights triggers the brains reward system releasing dopamine and creates a sense of accomplishment and euphoria. This natural ‘high’ leaves people feeling empowered, and repeated exposure helps adapt to the fight-or-flight response, reducing fear over time and building resilience. Through repeated exposure to adventure activities, the body becomes better at managing stress, which translates to handling everyday challenges more effectively. A 2023 review also echoed these findings further adding that participation in these activities also led to “reduced stress levels, improved sleep, and more mental energy” (Pomfret et al., 2023). 

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There’s no denying the mental health benefits that outdoor education and adventure activities provide. Research has shown a strong link to improvements in mood, self-concept, and emotional wellbeing. In their 2023 paper on the power of outdoor adventure activities, Pomfret et al. found that participants reported faster recovery from setbacks, staying more positive in difficult situations, and developing stronger problem-solving abilities (Pomfret et al., 2023).

At its heart, outdoor education builds life skills that last well beyond the campfire. Whether it’s fostering teamwork, developing problem-solving abilities, or boosting confidence, the lessons learned stick. Pomfret et al. (2023) noted that adventure programs help participants thrive by shaping identity, enhancing resilience, and creating a sense of achievement. For kids, these experiences aren’t just fun, they’re transformative and provide a foundation for success in school, relationships, and life.

Reference list

Cottrell, J. R., & Cottrell, S. P. (2020). Outdoor skills education: what are the benefits for health, learning and lifestyle? World Leisure Journal, 62(3), 219–241.

Pomfret, G., Sand, M., & May, C. (2023). Conceptualising the power of outdoor adventure activities for subjective well-being: A systematic literature review. Journal of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism, 42, 100641. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jort.2023.100641

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What Children Learn at Camp That Stays with Them for Life

Written by dev on . Posted in Outdoor Education & Personal Growth.

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A school camp isn’t just about a few days of fun in the great outdoors, it’s an experience that can shape children for life. From conquering fears to working as a team, the lessons they learn at camp don’t just stay in the bush, they stick with them long after they’ve packed up their bags and headed home. So, what exactly do kids take away from their time at The Great Aussie Bush Camp? Here are the life lessons.

1. Resilience – Pushing through the tough stuff

Camp throws challenges at children – high ropes, giant swings, and sometimes even homesickness – but every challenge they face teaches them that they’re stronger than they think. They learn to push through, adapt, and keep going, even when things feel tough.

Whether it’s a big exam, a tricky friendship, or a challenge at work in years to come, resilience helps kids tackle life head-on and it’s at camp they can learn this in a safe environment.

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2. Confidence – Finding their inner brave

There’s something powerful about stepping off a platform into thin air or conquering your fear of heights on the abseil tower. At camp, children take risks in a safe, supportive environment, and every time they succeed, their confidence grows. On a three-day camp children will experience around 9-10 activities where they can test their confidence, and we can guarantee it will grow the longer they are at camp. 

That ‘I can do this’ attitude follows them beyond camp, into school, sports, jobs, and life’s biggest moments.

3. Teamwork – Learning to work together

At camp, it’s not about going it alone. Whether they’re paddling a canoe together, solving a problem in initiatives, or hauling a mate up the Giant Swing, or just going on a bush walk, kids learn that success often comes from working together. They figure out how to communicate, listen, and support each other.

Knowing how to work well with others is a superpower that helps in school, friendships, sports, and eventually, the workplace.

4. Independence – Stepping outside their comfort zone

For many kids, camp is their first real taste of independence, packing their own bags, making their own choices, and taking responsibility for themselves. Without parents around, they step up, solve problems, and learn to trust their own decisions. Confidence in their independence helps kids take on new challenges, whether it’s starting high school, or traveling the world.

5. A love for adventure and the outdoors

These days, screens compete for attention, but camp reconnects kids with the real world – trees, lakes, fresh air, and good old-fashioned adventure. They learn the joy of getting muddy, climbing high, and feeling the thrill of the unknown.

A love for adventure keeps kids active, curious, and open to new experiences for life.

More Than Just a Camp

Camp isn’t just a few days away, it’s a life-changing experience. These lessons don’t disappear when the campfire dies down, they stay with kids for life. We can’t wait for your child to experience the magic of camp firsthand because the best lessons are the ones learned through adventure!

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