The Wilderness Society’s Post

‘Stop being absolute d*ckheads and put your back into paddling properly!’ Probably not what a group of teenagers typically hear on a school trip. And it’s certainly not what teachers are ordinarily allowed to say to their pupils. But I recently had the privilege of taking a school group of 13 to 18 year olds on a multi-day rafting trip in Morocco where they got to experience rafting, wild camping, outdoor cooking, river crossings, hiking, knot tying and insights into Moroccan culture. But more importantly, they were given responsibility and were held accountable. They weren’t molly coddled. Neither were they made to feel bad. They simply got straight-talking, friendly kiwi banter but they learned that they had to work as a team. Anyone not pulling their weight let the rest of the team down. Anyone not listening to instructions could cause themselves or someone else harm. They learned that through hard work and team work and trying things they’d not done before and getting off their phones and personal connection and real conversation, that they were hugely capable. They built self-esteem and resilience. Mostly they had a huge amount of authentic fun. While most of my trips are for older guests, I absolutely love working with kids and teenagers because they are so in need of real life, back to basic experiences. They need risk. They need to build their belief in themselves. Kids who build these skills go on to become tomorrow’s leaders and employees that problem solve. If you are a #SchoolHead or #OutdoorEducation teacher and want to learn how Water by Nature trips can build independence and resilience in your pupils, get in touch. #FutureWorkforce #GenAlpha #GenZ #Teenagers #Adventure

We know that spending time in nature can promote pro-environmental behaviour, but HOW? We answer that question here for an outdoor adventure education program (led by Garrett Hutson): https://lnkd.in/gGaAfyP3

What can you do to ensure that when your residents step outside this summer, they have a positive experience? This is the time of year when everyone is out and about, ready to enjoy communal spaces to the fullest. Here are our 5 most inspiring tips for engaging your community this summer: ☀️ Studies have shown a link between access to green spaces and overall wellbeing. Prioritize green areas in your community for happier, healthier residents. ☀️ Ask your community what safety needs they have. Adequate lighting, signage, pathways, and maintained playgrounds all help residents feel safer when they step outside. ☀️ Summer brings out the cyclists! What can you do to improve your cycling network? ☀️ Local art, culture, and heritage are the things that help communities feel proud of where they live. Incorporate these elements into your public spaces to help them feel inviting and add character. ☀️ We all know the feeling of spotting a brilliant initiative in another town and wishing we could take it home with us. This summer, tap into your residents' travel experiences and turn them into a wellspring of inspiration for your own community. Want to see how communities are putting these ideas into action? Link in the comments 👇

One of the most notable advantages of nurturing children's love for golf goes beyond the game itself and extends to their connection with nature. When children are exposed to the beauty of natural surroundings while playing golf, an opportunity arises for them to develop a deep appreciation and respect for the environment. As they stand by the golf course, gazing out at the serene and shimmering waters, children are captivated by the tranquility and scenic beauty. This presents a profound moment for them to recognize the importance of preserving and protecting the natural world around them. In this particular scene, we find our academy children, with their eyes fixed on the water, taking in the graceful movement of the waves. Their expressions are a delightful blend of curiosity and wonder as they witness the symbiotic dance between the golf & natural environment This experience offers a powerful catalyst for instilling a sense of love for golf, not only as a game but also as a driver of sustainability. The connectivity between golf and nature is undeniable, as the sport relies on the harmonious coexistence of the green fairways and the surrounding ecological elements. The children begin to comprehend that their love for the game is intricately intertwined with their responsibility to protect the environment. As they observe the water, their appreciation for the natural world deepens, creating a lasting impression that shapes their future actions and choices. This connection can inspire them to become advocates for sustainability, encouraging and participating in environmentally-friendly practices both within and beyond the realm of golf. Through this visual representation, we seek to expand the narrative of children's engagement with golf and nature. It highlights the powerful impact that exposure to natural elements can have on their understanding and commitment to sustainability. #AfriyeaGolfAcademy #kidsGolf #KidsInSustainability #GolfAndNature #GolfAcademy #HolisticCoaching #GolfForeveryone

“If the outdoors is for everyone, why isn’t it affordable and welcoming for all?” The cost of outdoor gear and activities can create barriers for some groups, preventing them from enjoying nature and the benefits of outdoor experiences. That’s why we not only provide funding for our outdoor programs but also have a variety of high-quality gear available for participants to borrow on their adventures. Inclusivity is important to us, and we make every effort to introduce the outdoors to as many youths as possible! Click the link to learn more about this issue and see what others are doing to help! #ExploreMoreOutdoors #OutwardBoundCanada https://lnkd.in/eftap6Fh

🌊🚣♂️ Saturday Sport: Kayaking 🚣♀️🌊 Hello, adventurous families! This #SaturdaySport, we're diving into the exhilarating world of kayaking – a fantastic way for home-educated children to splash into physical fitness, learning, and fun! 🌟 Why Kayaking? 🧠 Educational Benefits: Kayaking isn't just about paddling. It's a living lesson in geography, nature, and physics. Kids learn about water currents, weather patterns, and the environmental impact on our rivers and lakes. 💪 Physical Health: Paddling strengthens the upper body and improves cardiovascular health. It's a full-body workout, disguised as a thrilling adventure. 🌳 Connecting with Nature: There's no better way to learn about the environment than being in the heart of it. Kayaking offers a unique perspective of our natural world, encouraging a lifelong respect and understanding of nature. 🤝 Social Skills: Joining a kayaking club or group can help home-educated children meet peers with similar interests, fostering friendships and teamwork skills. 🏅 Building Confidence: Mastering new skills on the water boosts self-esteem and encourages a growth mindset. It's about personal progress, not competition. Get Started! 🛶 Find a Club: Look for local kayaking clubs that offer lessons or groups. Many are very welcoming to beginners and often have equipment to borrow. 🏞️ Safety First: Always prioritise safety. Ensure lessons include safety training, and kids should always wear life jackets. 📅 Make it a Family Day Out: Why not join in? Kayaking can be a fantastic family activity, creating memorable experiences together. Let's make a splash in our children's education with kayaking! Share your experiences and tips with us using #SaturdaySportKayaking. Happy paddling! 🚣🌈 #HomeEducation #KayakingKids #OutdoorLearning #SaturdaySport #FamilyAdventure #HealthyLiving #NatureEducation 🌿🛶👨👩👧👦📚💪🌍

Four reasons why you SHOULD be bringing your kids along on our tours: 1️⃣ Imagine being able to give your kids an unconventional lesson on the nuances of nature and the Western Australian outback. Think history, culture, wildlife—everything hands-on and immersive. 2️⃣ This tour offers a unique opportunity to disconnect from your digital devices (and possible boundaries) and reconnect with one another. This could involve navigating challenging terrain or enjoying communal meals under the stars. 3️⃣ The tour includes activities such as 4WD training, camping, and cooking over an open fire, which provides valuable opportunities for kids to develop important life skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, and self-reliance. These skills are practical and contribute to personal growth and development. 4️⃣ Through interactions with local fishermen, Indigenous elders, and other tour participants, children can learn about different cultures and perspectives. This exposure to diversity can promote empathy, tolerance, and global awareness in children from a young age. PLEASE NOTE: This will ensure that you end up not as cleanly dressed and smart as our family looks in the picture attached…😋 Not convinced? Head over to our testimonials page to see what other families have shared: https://lnkd.in/gBkZtRQ8 #childrendevelopment #Proudback #ExplorerTour

☀️ Before the summer fun can begin, review these basic summer safety tips for outdoor recreation and fun. Read our blog and put safety first this season! 🚲🥾🏊♀️

Don't waste your summer vacation! ☀️ Make it EPIC with these tips: 1.     Level up your skills: Take a coding class, write that novel, or learn a foreign language 2.     Make health a habit! Summer's the perfect time to build healthy habits that last. Try fun physical activities like hiking, swimming, or dance classes. You'll feel great and have a blast! 3.     Become a master of the house! Offer to help with chores and learn new skills like cooking or gardening 4.     Balance is key! Schedule time for learning, fun, and catching up with friends and family What are your summer plans? Comment below! #learningnewskills #schoolvacation #kidsactivities #healthysummer #familyfun #summerskills #summergoals #learningisfun #fitnessactivities #housechores

Outdoor Recreation + Active Transportation = Quality of Life This is why, on an outdoor recreation website, we sometimes slip in an article on active transportation issues. https://lnkd.in/gvz6SEj7