Three Ways Outdoor Adventure May Benefit a Child's Mental Health
At Avid4 Adventure, one of our core values is balance, meaning that we as outdoor educators live and encourage the balance of work and play in our lives. However, as screened entertainment continues to absorb the attention of children, outdoor play can disappear as a potential outlet for kids struggling to find mental and emotional harmony. The physical benefits of outdoor recreation are well-known today, such as reduction to risk of chronic illnesses and obesity. What are often not discussed are the benefits to a child’s mental and emotional health. Many researchers have studied the effects of exercise in natural, outdoor environments on mental health, and have found the following trends on outdoor adventure: