Earlier this year, the news reported that 25% of 5 to 7 year olds now own their own smartphone and research shows that by their early teens, young people are spending an average of 20 hours a week online. At the same time, children are spending roughly half the amount of time outside than the previous generation. These statistics highlight the changing landscape of childhood in the 21st Century, the challenges associated, and help to inform our work with young people.
At YAT, we believe in the value of helping young people to spend time outside and understand that being active and enjoying time in natural environments can have both powerful physical and psychological effects. Our programmes give young people a break from their normal circumstances as well as time away from technology, which can be hugely beneficial for their overall wellbeing. We offer young people a myriad of positive outdoor experiences where they can discover new skills and interests, work alongside other young people and adults, and build their confidence in new and sometimes challenging environments.
Both our Adventure and Mentoring Programmes provide young people with the chance to spend time in nature ranging from the adventurous and energetic, to the calm and serene; there is something for everyone to explore and enjoy – and it is sometimes surprising to see which activities capture their interest. The more adventurous outdoor activities such as climbing, coasteering and canoeing are an important part of the impact of our work, but it can also be the regular exposure to wilderness that makes a huge difference.
During our Pathway Days, towards the end of their time on the Adventure Programme, young people get the opportunity to participate in important conservation work with Wiltshire Wildlife Trust. Using special tools and equipment they help out with environmental management activities; learning to coppice and pollard trees and how to construct willow branch screens. For most, this is their first taste of volunteering and it is inspiring to observe them embracing the activities so responsibly. Similarly, later in the year, young people explore the plants and insect life of a local woodland, developing their skills and knowledge using magnifying glasses and identification charts. A seemingly simple exercise can generate genuine enthusiasm and a chance for young people to take notice, learn and understand more about the diversity in natural habitats – and creates an environment that encourages young people to be calm, still and mindful; an impactful experience in the constant pace, noise and pressure of their everyday lives.
Young people on our Mentoring Programme find great pleasure in being outdoors from simple walks, geocaching, cooking outdoors, art in nature and animal care sessions, they can find the ways they most enjoy time outside. Having a trusted adult to help encourage and inspire them to try new things can help break stay-at-home routines, lack of motivation or sometimes worries about being outside.
Young people have told us the benefits they recognise in these activities, and that they like getting out to explore different areas, which are sometimes on their doorstep but they’ve never thought to visit before:
“I like going out and getting away from the house, it’s making me more confident”
Mikey, age 15
“I couldn’t explain it, but it’s really helped me to get outside as I usually just sit inside and play on my game, but it’s helped me get outside and gain a lot more confidence about myself”
Izzy, age 15
“I have actually been more confident, doing more stuff in school and outside of school. Finding more hobbies to do instead of just sitting round inside being bored..doing stuff with my brother, going outside, building terrain with my friend, we go to the forest and have fun”
Joel, age 15
Despite the shifting habits and behaviours of the young people we support, when given the opportunity it is clear they find enjoyment and development opportunities in being outdoors. With the right encouragement, young people will happily leave their devices at home and put their energy into new activities, appreciating their natural surroundings and building resilience for the future.