Why the outdoor experience is so good for the mental health and wellbeing of young people.
Cumulus OutdoorsOutdoor experiences provide an opportunity for young people to discover, explore and appreciate the natural world. It also of course provides the opportunity to be active, test physical capabilities, build self-esteem and confidence .. and get messy! Children’s senses are stimulated by what they see, feel, hear and touch, and when outdoors there are so many opportunities.
According to the Open University’s OPENspace Research Centre there is considerable evidence to say that time spent outdoors, in nature, improves well-being, reduces symptoms of depression and increases a child’s ability to function at school. According to DEFRA, the benefits of outdoor play and learning contribute to happy, healthy childhoods.
We therefore need to help to boost young people’s wellbeing by enabling them to spend more time outdoors, more so today than ever before. Being outdoors is linked to physical and mental health benefits, research shows that feeling connected to nature leads to reduced stress levels, improved concentration and behaviour and better sleep rhythms. You only have to listen to the noise as the children charge into the playground at break time to know how much they need to be outside!
The outdoor experience also helps to naturally build and develop young person’s resilience, the capacity to face, overcome and ultimately be strengthened by life’s challenges.
“A resilient child is one who can resist adversity, cope with uncertainty and recover more successfully from traumatic events or episodes” (Tony Newman)
A outdoor environment provides a naturally continuously evolving, changing and challenging space to explore. Children can play freely, stay healthy and learn about the natural world around them. But most of all the great outdoors is great fun!
Children love learning when learning’s so much fun.
“Cumulus Outdoors is very proud of the work we do and humbled by the wonderful feedback we receive. It's so rewarding to witness the young people enjoying and thriving in the great outdoors” says Cumulus MD Sam Thompson.
· supporting the development of healthy and active lifestyles
· promoting a sense of well-being
· enhancing personal and social communication skills
· increasing physical health
· building community and culture
· encouraging the ability to work cooperatively
· developing creativity, problem-solving skills, independence, confidence and a positive attitude
About Cumulus Outdoors
Cumulus Outdoors is a school residential and activity specialist company based in Swanage, on the stunning Jurassic coast in Dorset, delivering high quality school trips and activity days, Duke of Edinburgh Gold Residentials and Walking Expeditions. Our team work to create and deliver bespoke activity programmes in beautiful locations along the Jurassic coast, either from our hard top residential centre in Swanage or from one of our exclusive tented villages on the shores of Poole Harbour. Our modus operandi is to provide the highest levels of service and expertise to deliver a range of outdoor experiences professionally and safely, with an operating ethos of ‘Challenge by Choice’.
If you are interested in hearing a bit more about how Cumulus Outdoors can help you with planning your next school visit then why not get in touch here.
Cumulus Outdoors Activity Camps at your School
If you are looking for an alternative to your usual school residential because of Covid-19 concerns or any other reason, why not consider a school trip experience on your own school grounds, right on your doorstep!?
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Cumulus Outdoors Curriculum Day Trips
We run exciting and fun filled Adventure Activity Days on the Jurassic Coast for schools and youth groups. These outdoor activities are designed to improve self esteem, confidence and support learning outside the classroom.
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Cumulus Outdoors Residential Centre - Swanage
Tailored adventure residentials on the Dorset coast at our residential centre in Swanage, can include activities such as Coasteering, Climbing, Mackerel Fishing, Field Studies, and Bushcraft, delivered by our highly qualified instructors.
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Cumulus Outdoors Tented Village - Corfe Castle
Our exciting range of land and water based outdoor adventure activities take place at some of Dorset’s most iconic coastal locations and offer the unique opportunity to explore the stunning Jurassic Coastline whilst trying something new.
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New Accommodation at Cumulus Outdoors
Cumulus Outdoors discuss their new hard top accommodation for 2020 and their exciting residential programmes.
Tailored Adventure programmes on the Dorset coast
Choice of hard top or camp with 24/7 pastoral care, unbeatable locations with every part of your stay carefully planned for you.
Residential programme plans for 2022 and beyond
Read how Cumulus Outdoors met the challenge of 2021 and their residential programme plans for 2022 and beyond.
Helping Young People to Learn Without Walls
Outdoor adventure and learning activities provide students with the opportunity to become physically confident.
New and improved facilities for 2023 at Cumulus Outdoors
We are improving the facilities at Cumulus Outdoors Residential Centre and Tented Villages. Here is a sneak peak at our plans for 2023.
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