Let’s Get Outside
Here at EMG, we do a lot of research on climbing and its benefits. No surprise there, climbing is what we’re all about! However, we also do a lot of research on other topics that are close to our hearts including the benefits of spending time outdoors. As a result of being based in Salt Lake City, unfortunatley it is not possible to have outdoor climbing programs all year round. But once the snow melts and the warm Utah sun pulls us fully into spring, we are able to take our programs off of the plastic and onto real rock. See, all of the benefits of rock climbing in itself, are available to us whether we are inside or outside. The problem solving, confidence building, trust deepening sport that we love is easily tapped into whether inside or out. However, besides climbing, connection with nature is at the top of our lists, so we get incredibly excited to get outside.
There is an extraordinary amount of information out there that indicates that kids benefit from more time outside, and in fact everyone on the earth could benefit from more time connecting with nature. We also believe that one of the most amazing parts about connecting with nature is that it is a symbiotic relationship. Both the kids that we take outside and nature itself benefit from the connection being formed. First, let’s talk about the good that happens for the kiddos.
Many researchers and scientists believe that a human-nature relationship is a foundational part of being human. That is a huge statement, but we agree. Kids should be playing in the dirt and exploring their curiosities. Confidence, autonomy, and creativity are all shown to come from children spending time outside in an unstructured or semi-structured way. We see this when we take our Project Climb kids outside for the first time and they no longer have holds that are neon yellow and very easy to identify. They have to touch the rock and begin to find the holds themselves. This promotes creativity and problem solving. It also can promote an incredibly intimate connection with that piece of earth. A child worked together with that rock, and made their way to the top. We want kids to get up close and personal with the planet that they call home. Being outside also fosters healthy lifestyle choices. We’ve been hearing it for years, but time away from the screens is good for brain activity. Getting out and climbing is stimulating for our brains and our bodies and allows us to enjoy the natural wonder of our outdoor spaces.
On the other side of this symbiotic relationship, the environment also benefits from human-nature connection. It is documented that a connection with nature can motivate or even predict a persons’ commitment to nature protection. People want to protect the things that they love. So by offering positive experiences to children in the beautiful Wasatch and Uinta Mountain Ranges, we are slowly building a more environmentally conscious future for our planet. Additionally, all of our programs have a large focus on the Leave No Trace principles. We teach the importance of cherishing the ground and the trees and all of the things that make up our natural spaces. By promoting an appreciative and respectful relationship with nature, we encourage kids to continue that pattern throughout their life. Walking on durable surfaces and leaving wildlife alone are easy things to do if you know to do them!
We are obviously big nature people over here, and really all we want to do is share that with as many people as we can! As much as we love the snow, we can’t wait for Spring to truly get here so that we can soak in all of what outdoor climbing has to offer! We hope to see you out there.
