Research and Resources

"THE OUTDOORS IS WHAT YOUNG PEOPLE NEED RIGHT NOW. Outdoor group activities uniquely promote Skills for Thriving—often called 21st century skills, soft skills, thriving indicators, socio-emotional skills. These strong “protective factors” buffer against mental health risks and are an important part of helping young people achieve personal success on their own terms."

YMCA of the USA. (2025). The nature of the outdoors: Stronger youth development through exploration. https://www.ymca.org/sites/default/files/2025-04/Study-The-Nature-of-the-Outdoors.pdf