The Benefits of being Outdoors
Being outdoors provides countless opportunities to improve physical and mental wellbeing.
Increasing confidence and character:
Overcoming anxiety and hesitancy to participate in tasks that challenge.
Developing resilience through perseverance and determination
Taking pride in gains and achievement
Learning from success and failure
Gaining a positive, ‘can-do’ mind-set
Showing more confidence around others
Feeling accepted, and part of something
Understanding how to transfer some of these skills into other situations
“Wild Tracks helped me out a lot as I felt like part of a team. It helped me make some new friends. I am also not as nervous to talk to a few teachers about my problems. It was good because I got to come out of school so I could concentrate when I got back and it helped me do better in lessons…” - AP (Year 9)
Improving health and well-being:
Participating in physical activities
Having a more positive self-image
Developing an interest in further outdoor initiatives
Understanding the connection between physical and mental health and well-being
“Wild Tracks was fun and it was easier because I knew everyone in the group and I could talk about myself and listen to others…” DB (Year 8)
Increasing emotional intelligence:
Recognising the strengths and limitations in one’s self and in others
Mutual trust
Supporting, helping, and guiding others in activities
Understanding the concepts of respect, understanding, and tolerance
Comprehending consequence of action, and adapting behaviour for the benefit of the team
Acknowledging the achievements of others
Valuing friendships and team spirit
Understanding responsibility and demonstrating leadership skills
“As well as good staff and support, I feel more secure with my friendships…” EB (Year 9)
Enhancing personal qualities:
Learning how to be prepared, organised, and how to adapt to change
Undertaking activities independently, or with limited supervision, and strengthening self-reliance
Demonstrating initiative and thinking individually
Showing determination with new challenges
Persevering in difficult or adverse conditions
Having responsibility for one’s self, and for the safety of others
Utilising tools and equipment in a safe and appropriate way
“During the Wild Tracks experience, the staff encouraged us to speak about our feelings comfortably and now I feel better talking to them and others about some of my issues…” CW (Year 10)
Acquiring skills for life:
Listening to, and following complex instructions, and understanding their context
Contributing ideas, developing and planning concepts
Valuing the insight and opinions of others, and being able to work in a team
Thinking of alternative solutions to difficult problems
Understanding the differing roles within a team
Developing leadership skills
Acquiring skills that can be applied in a range of scenarios (first aid, survival, etc)
“I liked learning the practical skills, and even when I couldn’t do them at first I kept trying until I got it right. That made me feel really confident. I learned why perseverance is important…” DG (Year 11)
Increasing motivation and appetite for learning:
Aiming to achieve the best they can do
Developing self-motivation
Relishing new challenges and experiences
Improving relationships with peers and adults, and positive change in behaviour
Demonstrating commitment
Improving levels of attainment and attendance in school, and increased motivation in other areas of life
“Doing Wild Tracks made me think that school were giving me a chance to do something I was good at. It made me care about school a bit more because of that…” JG (Year 11)
