Outdoor Recreation:

Influencing Future Lifestyle Choices

Too many of today’s youths have forgotten that the great outdoors is a natural recreational environment.  Teenagers resort to the internet, videogames, and technology to play in a virtual world instead of the real world outside their windows.  Outdoor recreation allows participants to interact with elements of nature rather than the computer (Cordes 4).   Interacting with elements of nature provides the participants with the opportunity to gain confidence and a higher self-esteem by challenging themselves.  For example, while kayaking the teenager has to constantly be aware of her surroundings so she can make critical decisions.   These decisions have to take into account respect for nature and self responsibility.  By gaining confidence and a secure self-esteem, a teenager will obtain the tools for making positive future life style choices.  In addition to psychological gains of outdoor recreation, teenagers are introduced to the benefits of physical exercise.   Outdoor recreation builds physical, mental, and social attributes in youth participants that influence their future lifestyle choices.  
           Outdoor recreation can provide opportunities for personal growth by helping participants discover their capabilities such as, how much they can take, and what they can do (McAvoy).  Many teenagers choose to participate in outdoor recreation that is not organized in teams (like baseball) because of the individuality and non-competitiveness of the activities.  Activities such as kayaking and rock climbing are individual endeavors that provide the participant with group support for one’s own goals.  The competition is against and within oneself, and allows the individual to improve physically, mentally, and socially. Unlike organized sports, there are no tryouts, no cuts, and no competition.  There is no team to let down.  Outdoor recreational activities provide teens with a win-win experience where, even if they are not the best, they still gain skills for personal growth. In addition to the win-win experiences, organizing teens in smaller groups during outdoor recreation works effectively to minimize the competitive factors.  The teenager is still socializing with people, but not given the stress of the whole team’s success. Outdoor recreation is, overall, a better environment for learning individual skills needed to make healthy choices later in life.    
            By their very nature, many outdoor adventure activities demand a high degree of physical exertion and movement.  One area of potential benefit that has been often overlooked is in the improvement of the physical fitness of the participant.   “It is hard to avoid the conclusion that exercise can decrease the probability of heart attack” (Gilmore 11). Exercise is important to maintain a healthy life.  Someone who has experience with the physical benefits of outdoor recreation is Clint Hopkins, the owner/director of Ocean State Adventures in Bristol. He has a background in wilderness and outdoor recreation with a degree from Unity College in Maine. His experience has taken him from the white water rivers in Maine to the slopes of Sunday River Ski Resort to the outer islands of the east coast. When asked about his thoughts on the physical benefits of outdoor recreation, he said,

There are many physical benefits associated with participating in outdoor recreational activities. For example, people who sign up for kayaking classes almost always express that one of their reasons for pursuing kayaking is to find another way for them to exercise. Exercising is always a difficult regimen to begin, and challenging to maintain. People seek alternative methods to achieve or maintain their physical fitness that are effective and fun. In fact, today’s lifestyle warrants a more productive use of time. Most of the people I talk to really enjoy that outdoor recreational activities provide an avenue for fitness and, at the same time are an enjoyable past time. I personally feel like I have had a workout after a paddle on the bay or a day climbing in the woods. Physically, ones cardiovascular system benefits from activities with consistent repetition such as kayaking and hiking.  Of course most outdoor activities also foster muscle growth and strength development. (Hopkins)

Overall physical fitness is only one benefit from outdoor recreational activities. Other benefits could include improvements in skills, strength, coordination, exercise and balance (Ewart 38).  Exercising at an early age protects against injury because it increases the capacity of joints to move.  Loss of agility begins at an early age.  “Once kids start riding the bus,” said Bob Spackman, Professor of Physical Education at Southern Illinois University, “they forget they have legs” (qtd in Gilmore 51).  This flexibility grows worse with age as physical activity decreases; the less active a person’s life is, the greater the stiffness. Exercise in which muscles contract make them stronger.  It is healthy for teenagers to be introduced to outdoor recreation at a young age so they are familiar with it and so that such activities become part of their life (Gilmore 51). Outdoor recreation will introduce healthy activities in a non-competitive and enjoyable environment that encourages life-long participation.    

In addition to physical benefits, there are many psychological benefits from outdoor recreation. Teenagers participating in outdoor recreational activities benefit from increasing self-concept and well being. Alan Ewert, an outdoor recreational expert, defines self- concept as how someone views or perceives herself, her attitudes, beliefs, feelings, and personal expectations (Ewert 36). Outdoor recreation teaches teens about self-concept and how it is important to have confidence and respect for ones self. “The degree to which successes and failures influence self-concept is a function of the importance one attributes to the activity” (Klint 164). Self esteem is learned through achieving a goal and then teaching the learned skills to others. If teens learn at a young age that they can do anything they put their mind to, they become more confident and will carry this throughout their lives. Clint Hopkins said that he has seen all types of kids excel during youth kayaking and rock climbing programs. He feels, when youths are in a smaller group setting, which is usually the scenario in the program with which he is familiar, they are able to extend themselves and reach their own goals. The achievement of their personal goals has a positive effect on their attitudes toward themselves (Hopkins). Outdoor recreation gives teenagers an environment to improve their self concept.  

In my experience some participants arrive for a program and seem to be reserved and unsure of the activity. However, during the course of the program you can see the uncertainty begin to disappear. This is because of the confidence the students gain from the small group setting and the achievement of individualized goals. Unlike many traditional organized sports that put pressure on the teens to perform for a common goal, outdoor activities relieves the peer pressure by placing the focus on the success of one’s individual goals. For example, some participants in a rock climbing program may see their goal as ascending a partial rock face while others see their goal as completing the entire climb. Therefore, an individual can meet his own goals without having an effect on the performance goals of any other participant. (Hopkins)

Through building self esteem teenagers learn how to improve their well being. “Self esteem refers to satisfaction and confidence in oneself” (Klint 164).  When teens are out participating in outdoor recreation they are building skills that will help them to relieve stress and to improve their well being.   Stress comes in many different forms, but not all people deal with it the same way.  Stress is common in teens today because of the many pressures of society and family.  Two healthy habits that encourage stress relief are sleep and relaxation. Exercise is another major contributor to reducing stress, leading to a healthier lifestyle (Adler).  When having a healthier lifestyle, people need to understand how to improve their well being and to maintain it.  “Not everyone reports the same effects, but as a group, exercisers assert that they have a more positive outlook on life, concentrate better and cope with problems more effectively” (Gilmore 18).   Outdoor recreation, through activities such as kayaking and rock climbing, improves teens well being through increased self-esteem and physical fitness.  Enjoying what nature has to give and exploring life in general is fun.  When teens are enjoying and challenging themselves, stress will be lifted, thus increasing their capacity to concentrate and think clearly.  The physical benefits of outdoor recreation help people to take care of themselves by leaving all the pressures of every day life behind.
            In addition to physical and psychological benefits, outdoor recreation provides increased social skill development for teens.  According to Alan Ewert, the sociological benefits are developing compassion, group communication, respect for others, communication skills particularly in a small group setting, and developing friendship (Ewert 37).   Acceptance in a group environment is important for a teenager’s growth in self- concept. In fact, Hopkins said, it is not uncommon for youth groups to incorporate a Full Value Contract. A Full Value Contract is an agreement between all the participants involved to have a safe, productive, and successful day.  Participants are asked to think about what is important for them to have an enjoyable and successful day. Youths typically express a need for respect, support, and inclusion. He went on to explain that this contract is written by, agreed on, and signed by the participants (Hopkins).  The contract sets the tone for the remainder of the program. “Play hard, play fair, play safe” is a good overall theme of the Full Value Contract according to Hopkins. In a smaller group environment youth participants have the opportunity to get support and encouragement from others when needed. They understand that each participant comes with different abilities, expectations and goals. “When you remove the competitive edge by having participants set personal goals, and telling kids that it is not a competition, it seems kids naturally become supportive of one another and their efforts to reach goals” (Hopkins). In this small, non-judgmental environment, teens become comfortable to expose themselves and attempt to reach a level of success and acceptance that they are not accustomed to. With the encouragement from the rest of the group, youths are able to achieve their goals.  
                 It is important for teens to learn how to interact with others. When they work out a problem together, the outcome is a good lesson. The group members share common hardships, excitements, and they bring personal skills to the outdoor activity (McAvoy).  Teens therefore, learn many skills and lessons from their peers to improve their own lives. “Personal identity is reinforced through group experiences” (McAvoy). Although teens have different skill levels, their individual identities are strengthened through working with others. Because teens are not exposed to outdoor recreation activities as much as they are to organized sports, participants generally begin on the same level. For example, rock climbing and kayaking are a far cry from a Junior High kick ball game. Therefore, most youth participants approach this new task with some caution the first time. Some come with concerns about heights, water, getting lost, or just fitting in. Even the most physically accomplished youth is bound to have perceived fears which are reason for caution. On the other hand, a shy youth may find outdoor activities exhilarating and rewarding.  It is the multiple variables of outdoor activities and the diversity of even a small group that contributes to a healthy social environment.

      Another key social benefit to participants is the development of social skills such as communication, cooperation, and problem solving by way of observing, listening and contributing. In outdoor activities, although expectations and goals differ amongst individuals, cooperation and communication take on a greater importance, as safety is almost always a priority. Often times, without good communication safety can be compromised. Clint Hopkins said,

All the skills associated with group communication play an important role in outdoor recreational activities. Although individual goals, such as what someone wants to personally get from participating in an outdoor activity, exist, the greater group goal of perhaps a destination or course completion requires the cooperation of the whole group. An individual’s knowledge and experience can contribute to problem solving or to the groups end goal only if others listen to each others ideas, communicate ideas, and cooperate. On a different note, participants are asked to work in pairs often, “the buddy system” for example. This system emphasizes safety through sharing responsibility for others.  Buddies develop a clear channel of communication in watching out for one another’s needs. Participants are often paired up in my climbing classes or in practicing kayak rescue scenarios. It is essential that pairs instill trust in each other by listening and communicating. (Hopkins)

Youths learn about each other and how everybody has different personalities. Shy youth participants, who are lost in larger group scenarios, are easily encouraged to work closely with others by contributing to individual and group decision making. Eager participants are encouraged to observe and listen to the needs of others before making useful suggestions. Some teens catch on faster and want to jump right in. In order to insure success for all participants, teens are made aware of how active listening, sharp observations, and creative suggestions can assist the overall process. “Healthy individuals are confident of solving problems that come up in their lives.  They are able, in most cases, to assess a problem, determine alternative solutions, choose the best solution and marshall the resources necessary to carry it out” (Prouty 21).  When learning outdoor recreation skills, teens need to make effective decisions using their best judgment when solving problems. This decision making process provides a good lesson which will make decisions about healthy life style choices easier. 

Often times future lifestyle choices can be influenced early on in ones life. Young participants in outdoor recreational activities can benefit from exposure to alternate sports rather than from the common organized sports such as soccer, basketball, and baseball. Outdoor recreational activities tend to help participants focus more on their own abilities and hold them more accountable for their individual behavior and actions. In a small group setting, individuals are more conscious of their behaviors and actions and how they are perceived by the group than if in a large crowd.

Youths between the ages of 12-14 either seem to excel at or drop out of traditional organized sports. The kids that drop out also need a physical outlet to express themselves. Many times outdoor recreational activities are a great way for these kids to stay active. For those kids who do excel at high school sports, often times those activities end upon graduation. However, participants in outdoor activities tend to learn skills that are easily carried into adulthood. Many of my own clientele have told me about their memories of childhood recreational outings. The outings taught them many skills as well as a general appreciation of the outdoors. It was those experiences that influenced their eagerness to pursue outdoor endeavors later in life. (Hopkins).

So, should teens put away their video game and internet surfing and look outside their windows for an outdoor recreational experience?  The answer from the experts is a unanimous, yes. In an article titled, “Adventure and the Flow Experience”, written by Mihlay Csikzentmihalyi and Isabella Selega Csikzentmihalyi from the University of Chicago, a relevant  study showed that youth participants found a common benefit from outdoor recreation. “Their (youths) answers suggested a common set of characteristics that constituted a feeling of enjoyment, well-being, and competence that distinguished their particular involvement from the less satisfying events common to most of everyday life” (Csikzentmihalyi 150). Youth participants in outdoor recreational activities build physical, mental, and social characteristics of healthy lifestyles. “All outdoor experiences share common values, including the elements of uncertainty, physical and spiritual satisfaction, social needs, and knowing ‘ones morality and limitations’” (Rennie 11). Outdoor recreation clearly provides youths with an overall sense of accomplishment and enjoyment when learning new skills.  In learning these new skills youths will become more confident with society and themselves. With increased confidence and skills, teens will be able to face the stress and pressures that are inherent to their lives and make healthier life style choices. 

                                           Works Cited 

Adler, Joe Anne. Stress: Just Chill Out. NJ: Enslow Publishers Inc., 1997.

Cordes, Kathleen A., and Hilmi Ibrahim.  Outdoor Recreation.  Madison, WI: Brown & Benchmark, 1993.

Csikzentmihalyi, Mihaly and Isabella Selega Csikzentmihalyi. “Adventure and the Flow Experience.”  Adventure Education. Ed. John C. Miles and Simon Priest. State College, PA: Venture Publishing, Inc.,1999.

Ewert, Alan. “Values, Benefits, and Consequences of Participation in Outdoor Adventure Recreation.” A Literature Review. Presidents Commission on Americans Outdoors. 1986:34-43

Gilmore, C.P. Exercising for Fitness. VA: Time-Life Books Inc., 1981.

Hopkins, Clint. Personal Interview. 25 Feb. 2003.

Klint, Kimberley Ann.  “New Directions for Inquiry into Self- Concept and Adventure Experiences.”  Adventure Education. Ed. John C. Miles and Simon Priest. State College, PA: Venture Publishing, Inc.,1999.

 McAvoy, Leo H.  “The Experiential Components of A High- Adventure Program.” High Adventure Outdoor Pursuits (2^nd ed.) ED. J.F Meier, Columbus, OH: Publishing Horizons, 1987. 

Prouty, Dick, and Paul Radcliffe, and Jim Schoel. Islands of Healing: A Guide to Adventure Based Counseling. Hamilton, MA: Project Adventure, Inc., 1988.

Rennie, Jim. “The Value of Outdoor Experiences.” ACU-I Bulletin. Nov. 1991:11-14