Key Benefits that Outdoor Adventures provide Young Adults

At Adventure Caretakers, we know that time spent outdoors is more than just fun. It's an essential part of personal growth and development. For young adults, especially those living with disabilities, outdoor adventures provide a unique environment that promotes physical, emotional, social, and cognitive well-being. Here, we explore the four key benefits these experiences offer.

1. Sensory-Motor Benefits

Outdoor activities engage the senses in ways that indoor environments cannot. The natural world offers a variety of stimuli, the rustling of leaves, the feeling of grass underfoot, or the smell of fresh air,  which can be incredibly enriching for young adults.

• Improved Coordination and Balance: Activities like hiking, climbing, or kayaking require physical movement that helps improve motor skills and overall coordination.

• Sensory Integration: Experiencing diverse natural stimuli can help individuals better process and respond to sensory information, reducing sensory sensitivities over time (Dongying Li, 2019).

2. Emotional Benefits

Spending time in nature has a proven impact on mental health and emotional resilience. Outdoor adventures create opportunities for personal reflection and emotional growth.

• Reduced Stress and Anxiety: Nature has a calming effect, lowering cortisol levels and helping individuals feel more relaxed.

• Increased Self-Esteem: Completing challenges, such as navigating a trail or building a campfire, fosters a sense of achievement and boosts confidence.

• Mood Enhancement: Exposure to sunlight and fresh air promotes the release of endorphins, lifting spirits and improving overall mood (Dongying Li, 2019).

3. Social and Behavioural Benefits

Outdoor activities provide a perfect platform for building social skills and fostering positive behavioural change.

• Teamwork and Communication: Group adventures require cooperation and effective communication, helping participants develop these essential skills.

• Strengthened Relationships: Shared experiences in nature create opportunities to form deeper connections with peers, caregivers, and mentors.

• Improved Self-Regulation: The structured yet flexible nature of outdoor activities can help individuals manage their emotions and behaviours in real-world settings (Dongying Li, 2019).

4. Cognitive and Behavioural Benefits

Engaging in outdoor adventures stimulates the brain, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are vital for personal and professional growth.

• Enhanced Focus and Attention: Time in nature has been shown to improve concentration and reduce symptoms of ADHD (Dongying Li, 2019).

• Problem-Solving Skills: Activities like orienteering or survival challenges encourage creative thinking and adaptability.

• Memory and Learning: Exposure to new environments and activities stimulates brain activity, aiding cognitive development (Dongying Li, 2019).

For children or young adults diagnosed with ASD, the framework below illustrates the benefits and barriers that participating in nature activities.

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Figure 1: Demonstrates three areas of improvement that connecting with nature provides, with sensor and motor development benefiting the most. 

Figure 2: It illustrates the potential concerns or barriers that are involved with outdoor activities or nature adventures. The biggest concerns are inappropriate behaviours in public and safety issues. At adventure caretakers, through our implemented outdoor activities and adventures, we minimise the concern or risk the child is facing by providing professional care.  

Are you ready to explore the benefits of outdoor adventures? Contact Adventure Caretakers today to learn how we can help your loved one thrive in nature.

Written by

Zach Hamilton.

Bibliography

Afaily-Zadeh, J. (2023, June). Wellbeing in nature: How being outside can help autistic people’s wellbeing. National Autistic Society. https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/professional-practice/wellbeing-in-nature-how-being-outside-can-help-aut

Albergo, T. (2024). Children, nature and animals: A guide to fostering empathy and sustainable development. IBSA Foundation. https://www.ibsafoundation.org/en/blog/children-nature-animals-empathy-sustainability

Li, D., & Li, L. L. (2019). Exposure to nature for children with autism spectrum disorder: Benefits, caveats, and barriers. Health and Place, 71-79. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.healthplace.2018.11.005