If you believe the stereotypes, it would seem that the children of today are more likely to be found in their bedrooms playing computer games than outdoors enjoying the natural environment. Perhaps one reason is that modern parents are more cautious than previous generations and worry about letting their children play outside without adult supervision. As a result, many of today’s kids are missing out on fresh air and exercise. And whilst previous generations grew up with a good understanding of nature, children today are less likely to understand the natural environment in the same way that their grandparents did.
But it’s not just about understanding nature – outdoor play has lots of other advantages for children, from encouraging exercise to building social skills. In addition, children who regularly play outdoors have also been shown to sleep better and perform better at school.
The UK conservation charity the National Trust believes that children should be encouraged to play outdoors and to interact with the natural environment in a positive way. They are keen to see a return to outdoor pastimes such as den building, tree climbing and camping – activities which some parents have become reluctant to allow their children to try for fear of injury.
To inspire and encourage families to get out and about into the great outdoors, the National Trust has launched a campaign called “50 things to do before you are 11 ¾”. The list includes things like “fly a kite”, “catch a fish with a net” and “canoe down a river”. The National Trust believes that these activities represent things that every child should experience and says that enjoying outdoor adventures helps children connect with the natural environment, builds confidence and promotes creativity.
The National Trust’s list of 50 things was compiled by the charity’s staff who were asked which childhood memories had contributed to their own love of nature. The diversity of the list includes simple things that a child could do with their friends such as ‘play conkers’ to more structured activities that can be enjoyed as a family – for example, ‘cook on a campfire’.
Although it’s important to educate children about dangers, the benefits of playing outdoors are plain to see. By teaching children to act sensibly and by making sure they know what to do in an emergency, kids can experience all the wonders that the natural environment has to offer. The National Trust website even gives safety tips for each activity so there is no excuse for not being adventurous. Discovering the natural environment from a young age is important for developing a life-long love and respect for nature that children can enjoy for years to come and pass on to future generations.
To find out more about the National Trust’s ’50 Things’ campaign, visit: www.50things.org.uk