Why Outdoor Education?

There is a significant body of research examining the youth-based benefits of outdoor recreation and education in environmental sciences.

These benefits include increased youth physical activity levels1, engagement in environmental stewardship2, and increased student learning3.

These benefits are particularly relevant for groups of marginalized youth (i.e., racial/ethnic minorities, homeless and foster youth, English language learners, and special education) as they are often at greater risk of childhood obesity4, and they typically have reduced access to recreation facilities5,6 than their counterparts. Subsequently, there exists an underrepresentation of marginalized populations of youth in outdoor recreation settings. Adventure Education Solutions was originally founded with the purpose of advocating for and serving marginalized youth by providing them access to outdoor recreational programs and providing natural science education.

References

  1. Larson, L. R., Whiting, J. W., Green, G. T., Bowker, J. M. (2015). Contributions of non-urban state parks to youth physical activity: A case study in northern Georgia. Journal of Park and Recreation Administration, 33(2), 20-36.

  2. Halsall, T., & Forneris, T. (2019). Examining outdoor recreation as an approach to promote youth engagement in environmental activism. In Sport, Development and Environmental Sustainability (pp. 148-162). Routledge.

  3. 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.

  4. Bauman, A., & Craig, C. L. (2005). The place of physical activity in the WHO Global Strategy on Diet and Physical Activity. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 2(1), 1-6.

  5. Cutts, B. B., Darby, K. J., Boone, C. G., & Brewis, A. (2009). City structure, obesity, and environmental justice: An integrated analysis of physical and social barriers to walkable streets and park access. Social Science & Medicine, 69(9), 1314-1322. doi: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2009.08.020

  6. Floyd, M. F., Taylor, W. C., & Whitt-Glover, M. (2009). Measurement of park and recreation environments that support physical activity in low-income communities of color: Highlights of challenges and recommendations. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 36(4S), S156-S160. doi: 10.1016/j.amepre.2009.01.009