Outdoor activities and their benefits

• Bird watching, caving/spelunking, camping and snorkeling are all outdoor recreation activities.
• Cloud Nine in Siargao is a teardrop-shaped island in Surigao del Norte.
• Cloud Nine in Siargao is home of for the best 9th spot in Best Surf in the World (Cable News Network, 2015)
• Trekking and hiking are land outdoor activities.
• Swimming is a water outdoor activity.
• Skydiving an air outdoor activity

Benefits of Outdoor Activities

• Students of all ability levels can develop a range of skills when outdoors.
• Students can improve stamen, functional capacity and local muscle without straining the joints.
• Outdoor activities provide opportunities to develop a range of skills to be used through their living.
• Appreciating personal success is a psycho-emotional benefit of outdoor activity.
• Improved self-trust and independence are psycho-emotional benefits of outdoor activities.
• Feeling of well-being can be enhanced through outdoor activities.
• Experiencing risk and challenge are psycho-emotional benefits.
• Self-esteem, confidence, and creativity are improved through outdoor activities.
• Outdoor activities can be enjoyed with family and friends which provide social benefits.
• A rate of safety can be developed in or near rates as a social benefit.
• Responsibilities and cooperation with others can be shaped through outdoor activities.
• Becoming involved in competition at appropriate levels is a social benefit of outdoor activities.
• Different rules can be assured when enjoying outdoor activities for social benefits.
• A relaxed body and mind can be developed to be more productive as an economic benefit to outdoor activities.
• Rewarding to local folks as ecotourism in the country are economic benefits
• Ecotourism creates jobs and other economic activities which contribute to economic benefit.
• A positive outdoor experience can be developed for spiritual values.
• Developing a calm mind is a spiritual benefit to outdoor activity.
• An individual can be strengthened as it heals, rejuvenates, and soothes the body and soul.

Leave No Trace

• “Leave No Trace” are outdoor ethics

Plan Ahead and Prepare

• Know the regulations and special concerns for the area to be visited.
• Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies.
• Schedule trips to avoid times of high use.
• Visit in small groups when possible.
• Split larger groups into smaller groups to reduce impact.
• Repackage food to minimize waste.
• Use a map and compass to replace marking paint or rock cairns.

Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

• Durable surfaces include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow.
• Areas should be protected by camping at least 200 feet from lakes and streams.
• Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is not necessary,
• In popular areas, concentrate use on existing trails and campsites.
• Walk single file in the middle of the trail, even when wet or muddy.
• Campsites should be kept small and activity should be focused in areas where vegetation is absent.
• Disperse use when in pristine areas to prevent the creation of campsites and new trails.
• Avoid places where impacts are just beginning.

Dispose of Waste Properly

• All trash, leftover food, and litter must be packed out.
• Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep at least 200 feet from water, camp, and trails, then cover and disguise the cathole.
• Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products.
• When washing, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use minimum amounts of biodegradable soap.
• Strained dishwater should be scattered.

Leave What You Find

• Cultural or historic structures and artifacts should be examined, but not touched.
• Rocks, plants and other natural objects should be left undisturbed.
• Introducing or transporting non-native species should be avoided.
• Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches.

Minimize Campfire Impacts

• Campfires can cause lasting impacts, so use a lightweight stove for cooking and a candle lantern for light.
• When fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires.
• Keep fires small. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand.
• Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, then scatter cool ashes.

Respect Wildlife

• Observe at a distance and do not follow or approach wildlife.
• Feeding wildlife causes damage to their health and natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers.
• Protect wildlife and food by storing rations and trash securely.
• Control pets at all times, or leave them at home.
• Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter.

Be Considerate of Other Visitors

• Respect other visitors and the quality of their experience.
• Be courteous and yield to other users on the trail.
• Step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering stock animals
• Take breaks and camp a distance away from trails and other visitors.
• Avoid loud voices and noises, let nature's sounds prevail.

This lesson explores various outdoor recreational activities like bird watching, camping, and skydiving. It highlights the physical, psycho-emotional, and skill-based benefits of engaging in these activities. Furthermore, activities range from land based like hiking to water based such as swimming.