A summary of the findings from the Australian Outdoor Adventure Activity Benefits Catalogue 2008
“There are identified benefits from participating in outdoor and adventure based activities that highlight the valuable contribution these activities make to personal health and wellbeing”
Research into the benefits of outdoor adventure activities highlights the valuable contribution they make to personal health and wellbeing. As the empirical and anecdotal evidence in the outdoor adventure field begins to unfold, the proliferation of evidenced-based research grows exponentially. The unique opportunities within the natural and social environments offered by outdoor adventure activities provide varying contexts in which these positive connections are self, others and the environment. Outdoor adventure activities provide opportunities for the connection of individuals with nature (the natural environment), direct connection with other people (interpersonal), and importantly, with themselves (personal). Specifically, the benefits of these connections are shown to lie in the strength and placement of these connections.
By Tracey J. Dickson, Tonia Gray and Kathy Mann for the Outdoor Council of Australia
