To mark Global Outdoor Learning Day on November 21, organised by the Institute for Outdoor Learning, we’re celebrating the incredible benefits of outdoor education.  

Let’s dive into our top 5 benefits of outdoor learning.  

Boosts wellbeing, mental & physical health  

Moving in the fresh air and natural light not only boosts physical health but floods the body with feel-good endorphins. Whether it’s sailing or simply exploring nature, young people feel the benefits—better sleep, more energy, and a brighter, more focused mindset for learning. 

One of our young people summed it up perfectly:

“Sailing provides me with what feels like an escape from my daily life and the struggles and stresses it entails. I have better mental health and I feel so safe and appreciated on board. I struggle with insomnia at home and when I’m sailing this almost goes away completely.” 

Re-engaging through active and immersive learning 

When learning by doing and solving challenges in a new and exciting environment, ideas tend to ‘stick’ better. When young people discover that learning can happen anywhere (and at any time) they develop a more positive attitude toward it, improving their appreciation for learning and opportunity. 

So, it isn’t surprising that taking lessons offshore takes this to another level. Tackling real challenges like navigating and cooking on rough seas teaches skills in a unique and challenging way. Unlike more conventional settings, on the ocean, those around you are counting on you to do your bit, making it harder to step away when things get tough, strengthening teamwork and responsibility.  

These unforgettable experiences create lasting memories, ensuring experiences, skills and new knowledge stay with young people forever.  

Provides a platform for neurodivergent strengths

Outdoor learning is an environment that encourages every individual to thrive. It facilitates freedom for learning through action. The open space, calming nature, and freedom to move help reduce stress and anxiety (by decreasing the stress hormone, cortisol). It is inclusive, fully involving all learners, no matter their background or ability. It’s a place where young people can develop social skills, embrace challenges, build confidence, and explore the world around them at their own pace. 

TSYT voyages are unique, hands-on youth development experiences where everyone is supported based on their individual needs to ensure they get the most out of the experience.  

Kirsty French, Director of Youth Development and Outdoor Learning at TSYT, has witnessed the transformative impact of these voyages:

“Our voyages are amazing levellers for young people, from across the UK and with a variety of needs. Bringing them together in a fully immersive environment, our young crew are challenged, nurtured and empowered to see, feel and hear success in day-to-day tasks, teamwork and communication.  When they leave the vessel at the end of the voyage, the difference in them is like day and night, with confidence and energy flowing, which they take with them back to their lives and communities.”

Builds essential soft and transferable skills 

Outdoor learning equips young people with crucial life skills like communication, problem-solving, teamwork and resilience. Resilience helps individuals bounce back when things don’t go to plan and can go on to maintain a positive mental attitude about the future. It also encourages young people to tackle problems they may face, learn to take calculated risks and increases their adaptability to changing situations.  

These are all abilities that employers value more than ever. Current research highlights how essential these soft skills are for young people entering the workplace, often surpassing qualifications and technical skills.  

On our Exploration voyages, young people live and work in an alternative outdoor learning environment, where they are pushed out of their comfort zones. Immersive challenges like these intensify learning and experiences, pushing young people to communicate, collaborate, and support one another. Our three-voyage programme takes young people on a journey through Empowerment and Leadership voyages. These voyages are important to continue the Young Person’s Journey, as this is where outdoor learning has the most impact on preparing young people on their journey into adulthood.  

Fosters respect for the environment  

“If children don’t grow up knowing about nature and appreciating it, they will not understand it. And if they don’t understand it, they won’t protect it. And if they don’t protect it, who will?” 

Sir David Attenborough 

Outdoor learning creates a connection with the natural world that inspires young people to protect and preserve it. They start to see the value of the environment, and with that understanding comes a passion for conservation.  

Sue Geary, Youth Development and Outdoor Learning Lead and Skipper, shares firsthand the impact of connecting young people to the marine environment: 

“On board our voyages we encourage young people to connect with the marine environment. This can have a profound positive impact on young people’s wellbeing, as well as developing their awareness of the challenges faced by marine ecosystems due to human interactions. We acknowledge Seaful’s philosophy that people will protect what they love and they love what they know. By exploring offshore and shoreline habitats we can educate and empower young people to take care and be mindful when interacting with the outdoors.” 

We believe in the power of youth development through outdoor learning and want to share its incredible benefits with more people, equipping young people with invaluable life skills, confidence and a deeper connection to nature. Celebrate Global Outdoor Learning Day, with us by getting outside and encouraging your community to embrace the benefits of outdoor learning.