In an era marked by an increased dependence on technology, particularly among youth, the value of outdoor education seems more apparent now than ever.
Exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which not only caused increased screen time but limited social interaction, hands-on, experiential learning is rendered more difficult to find. Outdoor education serves as a powerful remedy to some of these issues and promotes well-being, personal resilience, and environmental awareness.
These types of programs have grown in popularity in recent years. In early May, students from the Stelly’s Secondary Outdoor Pursuits 12 class embarked on a six-day backpacking and canoeing trip on the West Coast Trail and Nitinat Triangle. Here, we traversed difficult terrain, encountered unique wildlife, and witnessed the world-class beauty of Canada’s West Coast.
Outdoor education trips such as these provide so much more than a change of scenery - the sheer remoteness of backpacking forces students to put screens aside, fully disconnecting from technology, while fostering presence, learning, and community. Challenging terrain, unpredictable weather, and dealing with the unexpected builds confidence and independence among students. And, it provides hands-on, experiential learning that is difficult to replicate in a traditional classroom setting.
“The experiences from this class are unlike any other, because you are forced to bond with your peers and depend on each other for the simplest of tasks”, said Outdoor Pursuits student Davina Wittstock.
Yet, the positive impacts don’t just reside with youth. Passing time in such remote landscapes can encourage more climate awareness and instil the value of environmental stewardship, lessons that don’t hold the same impact when conveyed in a classroom setting. With the increasingly prevalent effects of climate change and shrinking untamed natural landscapes, it’s a better time than ever to explore the great outdoors and reap the benefits.
As for Wittstock, Outdoor Pursuits has inspired her to pursue a career in outdoor education, passing on the lessons she’s learned to the next generation.
