Every young person should experience the world beyond the classroom as an essential part of learning and personal development, whatever their age, ability or circumstances.
"These, often the most memorable learning experiences, help us to make sense of the world around us by making links between feelings and
learning. They stay with us into adulthood and affect our behaviour,
lifestyle and work. They influence our values and the decisions we
make. They allow us to transfer learning experienced outside to the
classroom and vice versa.”
- Learning Outside the Classroom Manifesto,
DFES 2006
Outdoor Learning can be powerful, exciting, inspirational, developmental and rewarding in many ways. It provides such a different climate for learning that people who normally struggle as learners often become motivated and capable learners in the outdoors. Even people who are excellent learners in indoor environments encounter very different learning experiences outdoors.
Participants of all ages and abilities frequently report personal breakthroughs, especially when taking part in adventurous activities and surprising themselves. "If I can do this, I can do anything!" is the kind of statement that signifies such breakthroughs.
On many outdoor programmes, and especially on team building
programmes, participants discover just how much they can achieve when
they work well together. It is also good news for schools, communities
or other sponsors when participants' team skills and team spirit
continue into the future.
As change accelerates, many individuals become disconnected from
society and feel they cannot use the political process to bring about
beneficial changes in their lives and within their communities. Outdoor
Learning has helped people to take control of their lives and take a
more active part in their communities.