Why Kids Need To Experience The Outdoors

1
(No Transcript)
2
Why Kids Need to Experience the Outdoors
3

• Kids today are spending less time outdoors due to
  an increasing focus on academics at school and
  the influence of technology at home and
  everywhere.

4

• Yet, too much time spent playing video games and
  a lack of recess at school is taking a toll on
  the childhood experience.

5
Are just a few issues that have been popping up
during the past few years.
6

• Fortunately, spending just a few hours outside
  each day can provide kids with benefits that will
  enhance their overall physical and mental
  wellbeing.

7
Strengthened Immune Systems
8

• Although many parents associate digging in the
  dirt with an increased risk of exposure to germs,
  the opposite is actually true.

9

• When kids spend time interacting with nature,
  they have a lower risk of developing allergies
  and illnesses.

10

• Additionally, exposure to sunshine boosts vitamin
  D levels which can give kids a leg up on better
  cardiovascular health and stronger bones.

11
Social Skill Development
12

• When kids play outside with their peers they
  enjoy new opportunities to develop social skills
  that will transfer to every area of their life.

13

• For example, outdoor sports such as soccer
  promote leadership and teach kids how to work
  with others as a team to accomplish goals.

14

• Exposing kids to safe risks, such as whitewater
  rafting and windsurfing, also develops
  self-confidence regarding their ability to tackle
  new challenges.

15

• During their outdoor play, kids will often be
  exposed to situations that enable them to develop
  problem-solving skills such as deciding how to
  conquer a ropes course.

16
Stress Management
17

• Today, kids are more stressed than ever before
  and many of them exhibit negative behaviors due
  to pent up energy.

18

• Spending time outdoors provides the perfect place
  for them to run in wide-open spaces so that they
  can burn off their energy and escape from their
  daily stress.

19

• When kids exercise outdoors in green spaces,
  their bodies also release endorphins that promote
  relaxation.

20
Appreciation for Nature
21

• A child who spends all of their time inside never
  gets to experience the wondrous moments that
  occur in nature such as

The way the dew appears on the grass each morning.
How it feels to take in the view after a hike.
22

• Yet outdoor experiences can change a childs
  world view by showing them the importance of
  caring for their environment.

23

• Water sports, hiking and camping are all
  activities that can teach kids to respect the
  power of nature and learn to interact within a
  natural environment while also staying safe.

24

• Additionally, both growing a garden and caring
  for animals provide a way for kids to learn more
  about science while developing a sense of
  responsibility along the way.

25

• Outdoor experiences should be an important part
  of every growing childs life while also making
  sure to include a well-balanced set of
  opportunities.

26
Free play
Should all be incorporated so they can enjoy the
full package of benefits that comes with stepping
outside.
Team sports
Guided risk-taking experiences
27

• From better overall health to a more positive
  sense of self, kids have much to gain from
  getting some fresh air and beautiful sunshine
  every day.

28
If you're considering sending your child to an
overnight summer camp for an outdoor adventure,
be sure to visit our site to learn about Camp
Walt Whitman.
29
Located in the White Mountains of New Hampshire,
Camp Walt Whitman offers a safe, nurturing
environment in a beautiful mountain setting.
30
Our camp is a coed sleepaway camp, with separate
areas for boys and girls. The kids have a blast,
and make friendships that can last a lifetime.
31
Learn what campers say about summer camp at
CWW http//www.campwalt.com/typical-day-summer-ca
mp.html
32
Camp Walt Whitman 1000 Cape Moonshine
Rd Piermont, NH 03779 603-764-5521 cww_at_campwalt.co
m