New Hope Boys Home is an affordable, year-round Christian boarding school for boys ages 12-17 who are misbehaving and struggling with self-destructive or dangerous behaviors. We help boys transform into responsible, respectful, and peaceful young men.
The low-cost boarding school and therapeutic program in Central Texas feature licensed counselors, top academics, and adventurous therapeutic activities. Boys also benefit from teaching servanthood and mentoring, designed to better transition them into adulthood. Call to learn more: (830) 257-5714
Benefits of Outdoor Recreation
Experts say that outdoor learning is quite beneficial to students because it makes them healthier and happier, and they do better academically. The various benefits include: 1
- Students who get to experience an outdoor learning environment tend to be more attentive and, therefore, have a better recollection of the information that was shared.
- Consistent exposure to nature decreases stress and anxiety, helps elevate mood, and helps with emotion.
- Children often have too much exposure to digital screens via televisions, computers, and cell phones. This can result in a “nature deficit disorder,” which may lead to obesity and possible psychological and academic issues. Outdoor learning allows students to put their focus back on nature.
- Outdoor environments naturally inspire children to be more physically active.
- Exposure to bright sunlight found in nature is also healthy for vision. Bright sunlight is necessary for the eyes to develop properly, lowering the risk of nearsightedness.
- In outdoor settings, children are more motivated to work together in groups, which can improve their social skills. They learn to manage conflicts, communicate, and cooperate with their peers in a more effective manner.
- Outdoor learning provides children with hands-on experiences in nature. Most children learn better by using their senses. Outdoor environments provide the perfect place to do this. Instead of viewing different types of plants or wildlife on a computer or TV screen, they can see, smell, hear, and touch them in nature. Students can even start a garden and grow fruits and vegetables, which may have them wanting to sample their harvest. These hands-on experiences cultivate a love of nature and get them.1
Outdoor education and play support emotional, behavioral and intellectual development. Studies have shown that students who learn outdoors develop: a sense of self, independence, confidence, creativity, decision-making and problem-solving skills, empathy towards others, motor skills, self-discipline and initiative. 2
Learning outdoors is active and increases students’ physical, mental and social health. Some studies have even shown follow-up (e.g., non-school) physical activity increases with outdoor learning. Access to nature has also been shown to decrease the symptoms of ADHD. Outdoor learning and access to nature also decrease stress levels of students and teachers. 2
A number of studies have documented increased school performance through outdoor education. Research has document increased standardized test scores, enhanced attitude about school, improved in-school behavior, improved attendance and overall enhanced student achievement when students learn in and about nature.
In addition, outdoor education effectively employs a greater range of children’s intelligences. Many researchers contribute the increase in performance to increased relevance and hands-on experience of learning outdoors. 2
Outdoor Exploration and Learning at New Hope Boys Home
We prepare boys for the future, wherever God may lead them next. New Hope Christian Academy is currently a candidate for accreditation with NCA CASI, NWAC, and SACS CASI. We provide physical exercise and adventure outings filled with life training and mentoring. We help each boy become all that God has created him to be. Call us now to learn how we can help your struggling teen boy. (830) 257-5714
Sources:
1 https://www.learningliftoff.com/the-surprising-benefits-of-outdoor-learning/
3 https://www.nps.gov/zion/index.htm
