Why is Nature-based
and Adventure Travel Important?
Today outdoor recreation and outdoor travel are often bogged down within certain fears of danger and unknowns, and efforts to manage the risks of loss, and we need to do more to promote and enhance the risks of gain.
Adventure-based experiences offer a vital opportunity for learning how to positively manage the risks and opportunities associated with human life. Practical strategies could include: using more simple gear and equipment, giving students more responsibility and independence, giving students more support so they can tackle greater challenges, etc.
Observers often misunderstand the nature of outdoor education. Whilst participants may learn how to canoe or rock climb they are not expected to master the skills. The aim of outdoor education with a guide is usually not the activity per se, but rather to learn how to overcome adversity, work alongside others, and to develop a deeper relationship with nature. The three domains of self, others, and the natural world are commonly understood as the main aims in adventure and nature-based tourism. Whilst these are common themes, the degree to which they are emphasized in any one experience varies considerably.
There are also many different specific outdoor travel experience goals.
Some of the ingredients within a successful adventure or nature-based travel experience:
·
reduce recidivism
·enhance teamwork
·teach outdoor survival skills
·promote spirituality
·manage natural environments
·memorable fun
There is much anecdotal evidence of the benefit of the outdoor experience; teachers speak of the huge improvement in relationships that often follows a trip, and delinquent students are sometimes offered an outdoor education program as part of a behaviour management program. Outdoor experiences have a demonstrable long term effect on behaviour and educational achievement as well as worklife balance.
