Fresh air has become increasingly recognized as a valuable asset for learning and expanding in the workforce. The Fresh Air Fund, for example, works to ensure that children and families that may not otherwise be able to afford it, are able to experience the outdoors through camps and other experiences.
Not only does working outside provide the health benefits of fresh air, but it also provides opportunities for more hands on experiences and learning.
Many have noted that they prefer to work outdoors, particularly teachers during their summer off. One teacher in training has noted that camp is an excellent source of this combination of fresh air and hands on learning:
“Camp allows me to apply the theories,” she says, adding the experience has enhanced her studies, while school work makes her a better counsellor.
It was a summer spent as a volunteer leader-in-training (LIT) at Davenport-Perth that confirmed teaching was her calling.
“Volunteer work is so important,” she says, adding that, in leader and counselor training, the focus was on forging relationships with children, parents and staff, as well as honing skills needed to work with youngsters. Personal development and becoming a strong leader are also key lessons learned on the job. “It was very empowering and not something I thought I could do.”
The importance of teamwork and co-operation is vital at camp and in life, says Aversa adding these skills “transfer to the real world.”
In a very similar manner, the HorseDream Canada goals of the acquisition of leadership skills, personal growth, and team building, are attained through learning in a natural environment. Rather than being confined to a classroom, or restricted to conventional learning methods, learning occurs through interaction and activities with horses in the outdoors. Working with trained horses, in the fresh air, while also making connections between that work and tangible skills, has proven to be a beneficial and successful model of education.
After all, fresh air can do wonders for a person. As Winston Churchill says, “There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.” We could modify that in our modern world to say “the inside of a person”.
Many have noted that they prefer to work outdoors, particularly teachers during their summer off. One teacher in training has noted that camp is an excellent source of this combination of fresh air and hands on learning:
“Camp allows me to apply the theories,” she says, adding the experience has enhanced her studies, while school work makes her a better counsellor.
It was a summer spent as a volunteer leader-in-training (LIT) at Davenport-Perth that confirmed teaching was her calling.
“Volunteer work is so important,” she says, adding that, in leader and counselor training, the focus was on forging relationships with children, parents and staff, as well as honing skills needed to work with youngsters. Personal development and becoming a strong leader are also key lessons learned on the job. “It was very empowering and not something I thought I could do.”
The importance of teamwork and co-operation is vital at camp and in life, says Aversa adding these skills “transfer to the real world.”
In a very similar manner, the HorseDream Canada goals of the acquisition of leadership skills, personal growth, and team building, are attained through learning in a natural environment. Rather than being confined to a classroom, or restricted to conventional learning methods, learning occurs through interaction and activities with horses in the outdoors. Working with trained horses, in the fresh air, while also making connections between that work and tangible skills, has proven to be a beneficial and successful model of education.
After all, fresh air can do wonders for a person. As Winston Churchill says, “There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.” We could modify that in our modern world to say “the inside of a person”.
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