In general, but increasingly since the pandemic, people want to spend quality time in nature. It is considered healthy; a sign of an active lifestyle and it is easy to showcase on social media. However, only a few people are able to fulfill this desire due to a lack of knowledge about proper outdoor experiences.
Prior to 2023, I spent a lot of time in nature, but it wasn't really helpful for me. I kept thinking about it repeatedly, and finally I realized that I didn't know how to establish a connection with nature. Subsequently, I took part in YEP Academy's year-long training program for trainers, which emphasizes practical experience in an outside setting. I was startled since I realized that, if I would have gathered this knowledge before, I would have performed much more skillfully in diverse outdoor settings.
I am certain that my example is not the only one in this regard. Many people want to start anything new, but they eventually never accept the challenge to really do so, and as a result, never gain better outdoor experiences. In my opinion, the fact that they are unable to fulfill their wishes, is due to three key reasons.
First of all, many people don't truly comprehend nature or its value; instead, they just want to visit places quickly. Once there, they often have a party that pollutes the environment and scares and threatens nearby animals. Some people are curiously asking: Do you realize how much pollution you cause when you stay outdoors? Oftentimes the answer goes as follows: I don't really care. A deeper understanding of being outdoors in harmony with your surroundings already begins with the products that you use, which can have an impact on water supplies or soil. A lot of what we can do to protect the environment and ensure that you can travel responsibly I also try to cover in my Comprehensive Outdoor Skill training program for the YEP Academy.
The second reason is that many outdoor-interested people lack a basic outdoor knowledge that would have greatly improved their experience. Additionally, many carry intense fears with them that prevent them from engaging in outdoor activities in the nature effortlessly. When they visit the outdoors, most people prefer to enjoy themselves and stay in their comfort zones rather than pushing themselves. In fact, there are a lot of things you can do in nature; the issue is often that you simply don't know where or how to improve it. Many important outdoor skills, including reading maps and clouds, forecasting the weather, starting a fire, finding water, calculating food, providing first aid, and setting up a tent, require dedication and time to be applied meaningfully. From my point of view, all of these skills are crucial to possess if you want to improve your outdoor experience greatly.
Thirdly, while nature-oriented groups possess a solid understanding of the fundamental principles associated with outdoor activities and recognize the inherent value of connecting with nature, a notable hurdle emerges when it comes to pushing themselves beyond their comfort zones. Despite their awareness and comprehension of outdoor skills, there is often a hesitancy or reluctance to put this knowledge into active practice. The allure of familiar surroundings and routines can create a psychological barrier, deterring individuals from venturing into unfamiliar territories.
This resistance to stepping outside one's comfort zone represents a pivotal challenge in the process of personal and collective growth. Overcoming this resistance requires a shift in mindset and a willingness to embrace discomfort as a catalyst for learning and transformation. Encouraging individuals within these nature-oriented groups to challenge themselves and explore new frontiers can unlock untapped potential, fostering a deeper connection with nature and a heightened sense of personal accomplishment. In doing so, these groups may discover new dimensions of outdoor engagement that not only enrich their experiences but also contribute to the overall well-being of the individuals involved.
In summary, cultivating a foundational understanding of outdoor activities in natural settings is imperative for deriving maximum enjoyment and fulfillment from these experiences. Acquiring such knowledge serves as a gateway to unlocking the myriad benefits of nature engagement, ranging from physical well-being to mental rejuvenation. Fortunately, the avenues for attaining this fundamental understanding are diverse and accessible. Online resources offer a wealth of information, providing a convenient and flexible way for individuals to familiarize themselves with the essentials of outdoor activities, safety measures, and ecological awareness.
Additionally, for those seeking a more immersive and hands-on approach, YEP Academy's comprehensive four to five-day training programs stand out as a promising avenue. Participants can expect to emerge not only with a deeper comprehension of outdoor activities but also with the confidence and competence to apply their newfound expertise in diverse natural environments. The journey to appreciating and enjoying outdoor activities in nature begins with a commitment to learning and understanding—an investment that pays dividends in enriching one's connection with the natural world and fostering a lifelong love for outdoor pursuits.