Whether taking part in a school camp, the Pentland Round, Outdoor Pursuits, or an extra-curricular club, all pupils at Cargilfield will have taken part in some form of outdoor adventure learning. Whilst the overriding purpose behind these activities is enjoyment, these activities form a vital part of a child’s overall education.

Self-reliance and teamwork – A huge part of being in the outdoors is being able to rely upon yourself and those that you are with. Knowing their own strengths and weaknesses, and those of others around them, will allow the children to bond with their peers in a way which is simply not possible in a secure-indoor environment.

Resilience – Whilst in the outdoors, things aren’t always easy or comfortable. Forcing yourself out of your comfort-zone and into a situation which challenges you is hard, but hugely beneficial. You might get cold, get lost, get tired, or get scared, but overcoming these challenges will allow the children come out of the experience stronger, and with skills that they can apply in other aspects of their lives.

Health – Outdoor activities are hugely beneficial, not only for our physical health, but also for our mental health. Being able to disconnect from phones, laptops and iPads for a weekend helps us to feel rejuvenated and helps us to keep moving in order to develop our cardiovascular fitness and get that much needed Vitamin D.

Skills for life – The skills learnt whilst taking part in outdoor activities are ones that will be used for life; whether it be learning to navigate, to belay someone up a climbing wall, to light a fire, or to put up a tent, these are skills which will be used for the rest of their lives.

Memories – The strongest memories are formed as a result of emotions which is why no one remembers their best day of TV, or the exam questions that they answered at school. The longest-lasting memories will be those of white-water rafting, summiting a mountain, jumping off a cliff, or camping with their friends.

At a time when we have been forced to spend so much time indoors, outdoor adventure is all the more important, so encourage your children to seize any opportunities for being outdoors, and enjoy the many benefits that they bring.