Empowering Youth Through Outdoor Activities: Nature and Prevention

Think about the last time you spent time outside. Maybe you took a walk, played a game, or sat under a tree. Chances are you felt calmer, happier, and more refreshed afterward.

Youth need these moments too.

Getting young people outside for activities offers more than just fresh air and exercise. It builds strong protective factors that help youth grow into confident, healthy adults. Outdoor experiences also play a key role in preventing substance use by providing positive alternatives and strengthening social connections.

Why Nature Matters

Time outdoors helps both the body and the mind. It gives youth a chance to move, explore, and connect with others. Even a short amount of time outside can have a big impact.

Research shows that spending time outdoors can:

• Improve mood and reduce stress. (mental health)

• Increase physical activity. (Physical health)

• Help youth focus and pay attention. (cognitive health)

• Build confidence through new experiences.

• Encourage friendships and teamwork. (social skills)

• Give youth a healthy break from screens.

When young people feel connected, active, and supported, they are more likely to make healthy choices.

Nature Supports Prevention

Substance use prevention is about more than teaching youth to say "no." It is about helping them build healthy lives.

Outdoor activities give youth opportunities to:

• Build positive relationships with trusted adults.

• Learn new skills.

• Feel successful and confident.

• Reduce stress in healthy ways.

• Stay busy with fun, positive activities.

These experiences help lower risk factors and strengthen protective factors that support healthy decision-making.

Easy Ways to Get Youth Outside

You do not need a large budget or a special location to enjoy nature. Small changes can make a big difference.

Try ideas like:

• Take group meetings outside.

• Eat snacks or lunch outdoors.

• Go on a nature walk.

• Play team-building games outside.

• Plant flowers or a community garden.

• Organize a park clean-up.

• Visit a local park or nature trail.

• Create a scavenger hunt.

• Read or do art projects outside.

The goal is simple: spend more time outside together.

Every Minute Counts

Youth do not need to spend all day outside to see the benefits. Even 20 to 30 minutes outdoors can help improve mood, reduce stress, and increase focus.

As caring adults, we have the opportunity to create spaces where youth can learn, grow, and have fun. Nature is one of the easiest and most powerful tools we have.

This summer, challenge yourselves or your organizations to spend a little more time outside. Every walk, game, and outdoor conversation helps build stronger, healthier youth. Sometimes the best place to make a difference is just outside the door.