Outdoor Learning & Youth Work

At UK Youth we believe in the power of Outdoor Learning which we have defined as; experiential learning within an outdoor environment to support a young person’s personal, social, and educational development, improve health and wellbeing and environmental awareness. 

The outdoor space in which learning takes place is an integral part of the learning process.  


Outdoor Learning & Youth Work

Both can be used to: explore a young person’s values, beliefs, ideas and issues; enable them to develop their voice, influence, and place in society and/or facilitate the learning of a set of practical or technical skills/competencies that enable them to realise their full potential.  

Both place young people at the centre of the practice and aim to empower young people to overcome the challenges, disadvantages or obstacles that stand in the way of achieving their maximum potential. 


Outdoor Learning & Youth Work

The relationships between the young people, the activities undertaken, and the role of the outdoor practitioner or youth worker in the role of a trusted adult maximise the potential for learning and has been demonstrated to significantly benefit a young person’s character in a way that is both immediate and enduring.  

UK Youth recognises the synergy between youth work and outdoor learning and by intentionally bringing these together, their combination is a powerful mechanism to support a young person’s personal, social, and educational development and outcomes can be accelerated when adventures take place outside the home and incorporate structured multi day delivery.  

We use an ‘experience, learn, develop’ approach where young people learn through what they do, what they encounter and what they discover. Delivered by our experienced outdoor learning practitioners the experience is holistic and the value comes from looking at an individual’s whole self, their individual capabilities and outcomes and is a valuable part of the ecosystem that equips young people to thrive and empowers them to contribute at every stage of their lives.   


Gain new knowledge through experience

Active experiences promote health and wellbeing

Enjoyable fun, positive memories

Safe environment / a sense of community

Broadens knowledge of lived experiences

Risk, delivered within a well-managed environment 

Independence 

The value of trust and trusted relationships

About ourselves and others

Understand the transferability of that learning 

New skills 

Problem solving 

To recognise and celebrate achievement

About the natural environment and its importance for both sustainability and personal wellbeing

Gain new knowledge through experience 

Active experiences promote health and wellbeing 

Enjoyable fun, positive memories 

Safe environment / a sense of community 

Broadens knowledge of lived experiences 

Risk, delivered within a well-managed environment  

Independence  

The value of trust and trusted relationships


If you would like to find out more information on what we do, please contact our customer experience team on info@ukyouth.org or call 01425 672347 where one of the team will be happy to assist you.