Approach

Approach

Our approach involves including our stakeholders in the design and development of our programmes. Stakeholders include Transition Teams, SENDCOs, Education Psychologists, Social Workers and Family Therapists. Based on experience and research the programmes we run are student centered and strength based.

Our approach reinforces the five steps to wellbeing by:

1) Connecting with other people
2) Being physically active
3) Learning new skills
4) Giving to others
5) Paying attention to the present moment

Experiential Learning

Nature’s Challenge offers Experiential Learning opportunities outside of the classroom to build social connectedness, foster positive self-efficacy beliefs and provide opportunities for students to explore their personal sense of self. Intentionally designed Outdoor Adventure programmes offer an opportunity for schools interested in cultivating non-cognitive factors that carry over to the classroom and support students’ development and progression.

(2017) ‘Complementing classroom learning through adventure education: out-of-school-time experiences that make a difference’, Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning. Available at Jaeol of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning

Connecting with Nature

Nature provides children and young people with an environment in which they can be curious, challenged and trusting of their instincts. Nature’s Challenge’s programmes show children how to push their limits to step out of their comfort zone, in a supported and safe way. ‘Learning in the natural environment (LINE) affords direct benefits as diverse as educational, health and psychological and indirect benefits ranging from social to financial’(1).

1) (2011) ‘Understanding the diverse benefits of learning in natural environments. King’s College, London, Natural England. Available at: Natural England

Resilience and Wellbeing

For children and young people, engaging in risky behaviours is likely to increase their vulnerability and reduce their resilience. Resilience is the ability to bounce back from stress, adversity, failure, challenges, and trauma. It’s not something that they either have or don’t have; it’s a skill that they develop as they grow. All children are capable of working through challenges and coping with stress.

At Nature’s Challenge we understand that interventions or programmes that aim to reduce risky behaviours may also increase resilience in these children and young people.

Resilient children and young people are more likely to take healthy risks because they don’t fear falling short of expectations. This helps them reach for their long-term goals and solve their problems independently.