Why outdoor education is so important
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.
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).
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