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The third annual Wild Night Out event, organised by Explorers Connect, which took place earlier this month is an inspiring occasion. It allows children, adults, families who may not usually venture into the outdoors overnight to design their own adventure, knowing they are part of a larger purpose: to encourage others to take on a new experience.
Examples might include camping, evening bike rides, bat-watching and night-time BBQs. However it is achieved, enjoying a wild night out with friends and family can offer young children a magical first foray into the nocturnal world with stargazing, the onset of morning dawn, birdsong, and al fresco living amongst the pleasures on offer. For some children, their first experience of nature at night generates memories that will stay with them into adulthood, encouraging a love for the outdoors and creating bonds like no other.
Combine the fun and adventure of the outdoors into a longer camping trip*, with the survival skills required when free of home comforts and technology, and children begin to realise that they can cope with more than they realised – and create their own adventures along the way.
We believe that every child should have the opportunity to experience new and different environments. Most children love to explore and discover new things, and a safe and well-managed outdoors environment can be a great starting point at a young age. When a child is curious it helps them to think differently, to be observant, to use different vocabulary and to establish a love of learning. Being willing to learn is a natural prerequisite to building growth in character and helping others, and the sense of achievement that mastering new skills brings can be unparalleled.
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Nigel Miller, CEO for Active Learning Group, added: |
“Getting children outside to enjoy the outdoors can create life-changing memories, and positively affirm self-esteem and independence . It’s a vital part of childhood.”
Many children will experience such outdoor adventures with their first residential, or day trip, through school, and the benefits that these bring to learning back in the classroom are transformational. Some will enjoy camping trips with families, or night hikes with local community groups. However the experience comes together, being able to connect with others to learn, enjoy and remember the ‘togetherness’ moments will build memories and craft skills that can be taken forward for a lifetime.
This is why we believe that immersive learning experiences – such as holiday camps, school trips, residentials and language courses – are so empowering for children; being fully engaged in a new environment allows children to learn by doing. Practical, hands-on activities equip children with the ability to think, question and take decisions for themselves by experimenting and meeting new challenges. Processes can be easier to remember, and confidence built sooner. The earlier that children can step into these learning environments, the more comfortable they will be when facing difficult thought processes and decision-making as they grow older.
*Camp Wilderness offers 2-day, 3-day and 5-day holiday camps for children aged 8-14, including the Ed Stafford Advanced Camp, at destinations across the UK through July and August. Both Children and Family programmes are available.
