From Screen Time to Green Time: The Healing Potential of Outdoor Adventures
Details:
4:35 – 5:25 pm
5th of December
Room: 1S-210
Lynda Aldridge
In an era of increasing technological immersion, our study investigates motivations, attitudes, and behaviours of 195 recreational bushwalkers, uncovering the multifaceted benefits of engaging with nature. Our findings underscore the connection between outdoor experiences and mental, physical, and emotional wellness, highlighting nature’s restorative effect in rejuvenating the mind, body, and spirit.
Educational programs emerged as a key motivator for participants to initiate and sustain bushwalking activities. This, coupled with the statistically significant relationship between bushwalking experiences and the development of strategies to protect, conserve, and preserve the visited areas, emphasizes the crucial role of Outdoor Education. Not only does it promote our wellbeing, but it also contributes to the conservation and preservation of natural areas.
Presenting our findings we aim to contribute to ongoing discussions on the significance of integrating nature-based outdoor experiences into the educational curriculum. This integration promotes holistic wellbeing and environmental stewardship, offering students a counterbalance to the challenges posed by modern urban living and technology immersion. By recognizing and harnessing the restorative potential of outdoor recreation, we can cultivate healthier, happier, and more connected communities, grounded in a shared appreciation for nature’s transformative power.
About the Presenter
I am a dedicated fourth-year student pursuing dual degrees in Secondary Education and Recreation & Outdoor Environmental Studies. With over a decade of experience as a volunteer scout leader, a member on the Scout National Training team and as an OEAQ committee member, I am deeply entrenched in the realm of outdoor education. Currently serving as an Outdoor Leader at Camp Warrawee, I find fulfillment in facilitating experiences such as bushwalking, canoeing, and abseiling. My deep respect for nature drives my passion for understanding its intricacies, from diverse flora to fascinating fauna.
