Take your inside activities outside
Are you running a regular program that could be taken outdoors? Whether you’re running a physical activity program or a more relaxed social program, there are countless benefits to taking these programs outside.
Time spent in nature:
- assists in recovery from stress and mental health conditions
- improves concentration and productivity
- facilitates healing in the elderly
- aids community cohesion and identity[1]
Organisations of all shapes and sizes can easily put these ideas in to practice. Here are some easy ideas…
- Meditation and relaxation groups can very easily be taken into an outdoor setting with the surrounding nature incorporated into the activity
- Add value to social groups by taking them to a community hub or space where your participants can meet themselves after the program
- You don’t need to use equipment inside when you’ve got an abundance of natural resources that can be used creatively… Why use a stairmaster when you can use the stairs and hills in your local parks and outdoor spaces
- Register here to check out our Newly Arrived Migrants Program that has been connecting asylum seekers and refugees to their local communities and outdoor spaces.
So many of your local outdoor spaces will already have the resources you need to run your activity including seating, toilets and cooking facilities but it’s always worth checking ahead of time.
Before you head outside, there are a few things you might want to consider. Don’t forget to:
- Check the weather conditions and plan accordingly. Remember, rain doesn’t have to stop the fun! It’s also great to have an outdoors, undercover backup plan.
- Think about the accessibility and mobility needs of your participants when choosing a location.
- Notify the right people. We can put you in contact with your local councils and parks agencies, contact us for more information
- Think about transport options to support the move outside.
- Check your own policies in relation to risk and excursions
What to pack
First aid kit
Water
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Mobile phone
Rubbish bag (let’s look after nature!)
[1] Healthy Parks Healthy People, The Health Benefits of Contact with Nature in a Park Context, A Review of Relevant Literature, March 2008, Deakin University
