Skip to content
  • t. 01506 539 820
  • e. info@loveoutdoorlearning.com
Join Now
Sign In
Love Outdoor Learning Logo Coloured
  • Home
  • Training
    • Inset Days
    • Twilight Training
    • Integrated training
    • Dirty Weekends – Training
    • Playground Learning Consultations
    • School Information Pack
  • Pupil Experiences
    • Pupil Workshops
    • Integration Programme
    • School Information Pack
  • About Us
    • Blog
    • Contact
  • Membership
  • Resources
    • Winter 2023 e-Zine
  • Our Book
Menu
  • Home
  • Training
    • Inset Days
    • Twilight Training
    • Integrated training
    • Dirty Weekends – Training
    • Playground Learning Consultations
    • School Information Pack
  • Pupil Experiences
    • Pupil Workshops
    • Integration Programme
    • School Information Pack
  • About Us
    • Blog
    • Contact
  • Membership
  • Resources
    • Winter 2023 e-Zine
  • Our Book

Blog

Home » Why I Love Outdoor Learning

Why I Love Outdoor Learning

  • January 28, 2021
Me B And White

Today is a little bit more personal than usual.  It is all about why I love outdoor learning.  Why, when it is lashing on rain and blowing a hoolie do I still smile when pulling on my outdoor gear and love what I do?  Why have I kept going, despite it almost being a year since we could run our outdoor sessions?  What keeps me motivated to keep doing this?

I will be honest and say it took me a long time and a lot of work with my mentor to properly understand my why.  And, when I did realise it and tell friends and family, they already knew.  It was no surprise.

My why is simple, I do all this because I love to empower people.  I love to see them grow and develop.  I love being part of that journey.  It makes me feel good.  It makes me feel like I am making a difference.

Thinking back about some of the times we have done this there are a few that spring to mind.

There was a mum who come along to our outdoor sessions.  It was pretty obvious that her and her child were new to the outdoors, their new clothing was spotless.  It was a muddy, wet and miserable day.  I thought from the off that we may lose them part way through the session.  But I was wrong.  The end of the session came and both mum and daughter were covered in mud and had the biggest smiles on their faces!

Mum explained that she hadn’t spent much time outdoors as a child and didn’t feel confident taking her child out, she just wasn’t sure what the right thing to do was.  But, she kept coming back.  We kept helping her understand there was no right or wrong.  As long as you are having fun and looking after nature then she could just relax and enjoy.  I hear from them now and again and they have kept heading outdoors, mum has confidence and her daughter is experiencing things she didn’t.  Though they are still looking forward to getting back to our sessions when we can run them!

Then there was a teacher I worked with.  She was a bit like me when I was a teacher.  Pencil skirts and high heels.  Not the teacher you would imagine heading out into the playground or woods and getting mucky.  But, through working together we built her confidence.  She learned a muddy day is a fun day.  The cool thing here, she is now the outdoor lead at her school helping others fall in love with outdoor learning.

Of course, we cannot forget the group of high school boys we worked with.  They were on the cusp of expulsion.  They were disengaged with school and very unhappy there.  But, we built a 6 week programme for these boys, taking them outdoor every week.  Building up their communication and team work skills.  Eventually giving them the independence to plan a full day in the woods, what they would cook on the fire they built and maintained, the activities they would do, including whittling and the timings for it all.  They were amazing.  A year on and each of them is still in school and engaging.

Outdoor learning is so much more than just taking a lesson outdoors or enjoying an activity in the woods.

It can empower people and change lives.

And that, that is my why.

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Pinterest

Get Free Updates

Get free updates directly to your inbox each month of activities your children will enjoy along with top tips for Parents and Educators to maximise outdoor learning experiences

By submitting this form you consent to us using your data to contact you regularly via email. More information is in our Privacy Policy.

Love Outdoor Learning Logo Gray
Facebook-f Instagram Twitter Linkedin-in
  • t. 01506539820
  • e. info@loveoutdoorlearning.com
Love Outdoor Learning Ltd
16 Craigs Court, Torphichen, EH48 4NU

Love Outdoor Learning Ltd is a company registered in Scotland with registration number SC600626

Copyright 2023 @ Love Outdoor Learning
Privacy Policy
Proudly Hosted by The Ideas Cupboard
Cookies
We serve cookies. If you think that's OK, just click "Accept all". You can also choose what kind of cookies you want by clicking "Settings". Read our cookie policy
Settings Refuse all Accept all
Cookies
Choose what kind of cookies to accept. Your choice will be saved for one year. Read our cookie policy
  • Necessary
    These cookies are not optional. They are needed for the website to function.
  • Statistics
    In order for us to improve the website's functionality and structure, based on how the website is used.
  • Experience
    In order for our website to perform as well as possible during your visit. If you refuse these cookies, some functionality will disappear from the website.
  • Marketing
    By sharing your interests and behaviour as you visit our site, you increase the chance of seeing personalised content and offers.
Save Refuse all Accept all

Cookies help us provide, protect and improve our products and services. By using our website, you agree to our use of cookies.

OK