February 16, 2020
A recent Business Insider article described the many benefits of spending time outside. “Nature offers one of the most reliable boosts to your mental and physical well-being,” the article stated as it cited many health studies. Being outdoors isn’t just fun, it’s healthy!
Time in nature can:
- Improve self-esteem and mood
- Decrease stress and fatigue
- Increase concentration and creativity
Plus, being outside with friends at camp is even more fun!
At Outpost, in addition to being 100% outdoors, children spend a significant portion of their day in the nature preserve, by the creek, and playing games in the grass. One of the most cherished activities is “fort” when camp groups go to their special (and top secret!) nature area to unleash their creativity and interact in an unstructured, child-directed way facilitated by our staff.
How kids set up their forts – to be businesses, salons, governments, markets, etc. – is different for each group but always a neat example of the ways children work together toward a common goal just for enjoyment of nature and each other. Make sure to ask your child what they do in fort and the important role they play in it!
A highlight each summer is when campers show their families their favorite nature spots after Family Picnic. Whether it’s their secret fort, Jeffrey’s Jungle, or Crawdad Creek, we love to see how proud and excited kids are to share their love of nature with their parents.
We can’t wait to spend the summer outdoors with you and your family!
Sincerely,
Dr. Kelly Jones
Executive Director, Outpost Summer Camps
“We don’t have to do all of it alone. We were never meant to.” Brené Brown
Quotes and described health benefits from the article “11 scientific reasons you should be spending more time outside.” Click here to read more.
*In case you are stuck in your office or house when you read this, don’t fret! “Even a view of nature out a window is associated with lower stress and higher job satisfaction.” 😊
