Outdoor environmental learning broadens and deepens ecological connection and understanding
Children today spend less time outdoors than they did in the past. This may be a result of technology, growing parental concerns and fears about the outdoors, and increasingly scheduled lifestyles. However, research suggests outdoor exploration and play can have numerous benefits, such as bolstering children's physical and mental health, building feelings of connectedness to nature, and encouraging pro-environmental behaviors. Outdoor summer camps are one way for children to spend intentional and quality time outdoors.