Outdoor activities: Outside the box

Play and learn

This summer thousands of young people will be embarking on outdoor adventure trips or courses in the UK. They will be kayaking, surfing, potholing, orienteering, cycling, sailing and hill-walking. These are fun skills to learn, and the exercise will certainly be welcome, particularly in the light of recent worries about obesity and fitness. But outdoor activities are not solely about having fun - they can also be used to teach a whole range of skills, from problem solving to self-confidence. It is up to youth leaders to ensure that these lessons are learned.

For some young people, just being in the countryside and trying new activities can be a valuable experience, and in this "hothouse" environment they can develop self-reliance, trust and the willingness to take risks.