Outdoor Recreation Overview

Outdoor Recreation Definition

• Outdoor recreation is organized activities done during free time, for personal reasons, involving interaction between humans and nature.

Learning Objectives

• Define outdoor recreation
• Understand motivations for engaging in outdoor recreation
• Identify common outdoor recreational activities
• Recognize benefits of outdoor recreation
• Understand the importance of adhering to Leave No Trace principles

Table of Contents

• Outdoor Recreation: Definition and overview
• Reasons for Engaging in Outdoor Recreation
• Popular Outdoor Recreational Activities (Land, Water, Air)
• Benefits of Outdoor Recreation (Physical, Psycho-Emotional, Social, Economic, Spiritual)
• Assessing Physical Fitness
• Leave No Trace Principles (7 Principles)

Reasons for Engaging in Outdoor Recreation

• Personal satisfaction and enjoyment
• Connecting with nature, particularly for those in urban areas
• Pursuing personal hobbies like photography

Popular Outdoor Activities (Land)

• Mountaineering
• Trekking/Hiking
• Camping
• Backpacking
• Picnic
• Bird-watching
• Mountain Biking
• Orienteering
• Canyoneering
• Rock Climbing

Popular Outdoor Activities (Water)

• Swimming
• Snorkeling
• Diving
• Surfing
• Kayaking
• Whitewater Rafting
• Sailing
• Fishing
• Canoeing
• Bamboo Rafting

Popular Outdoor Activities (Air)

• Parasailing
• Skydiving
• Paragliding

Benefits of Outdoor Recreation (Physical)

• Allows movement (walking, running, swimming, biking, paddling)
• Expends energy, promoting cardiovascular and muscular fitness
• Improves immune system function

Benefits of Outdoor Recreation (Psycho-Emotional)

• Aids rest, relaxation, stress relief, and revitalization
• Enhances self-esteem, confidence, and creativity
• Contributes to personal and spiritual growth

Benefits of Outdoor Recreation (Social)

• Fosters closer family bonds through activities
• Creates opportunities to meet and interact with others sharing the same passion for outdoor recreation

Benefits of Outdoor Recreation (Economic)

• Increased productivity at work due to relaxed body and mind
• Ecotourism and related economic activities contribute to economic growth

Benefits of Outdoor Recreation (Spiritual)

• Connecting with nature instills calmness and peace
• Promotes healing, rejuvenation, and soothes the body and soul

Assessing Physical Fitness

• Ability to perform daily tasks with alertness and vigor without excessive fatigue
• Evaluate gadget usage
• Assess rest and sleep habits
• Evaluate nutrition and eating habits
• Evaluate stress level related to school or work

Leave No Trace Seven Principles

• Principle 1: Plan Ahead and Prepare: Check permits, learn rules, gather necessary equipment and be prepared for emergencies and changing weather. Keep group size small and repack food.
• Principle 2: Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces: Walk, run, bike, or camp on established trails, rocks, gravel, or dry grass. Avoid trampling soft surfaces or vegetation. Use existing campsites and maintain small and discreet campsites.
• Principle 3: Dispose of Waste Properly: Pack in, pack out; properly dispose of all trash, food waste, human waste.
• Principle 4: Leave What You Find: Leave natural and historical sites as they are found; do not touch or mark them. Don't take plants, rocks, or animals. Avoid introducing non-native species.
• Principle 5: Minimize Campfire Impacts: Use lightweight stoves, if campfires are permitted, use designated fire rings or mound fires and use only gathered, broken-by-hand wood. Burn all wood to ash and completely extinguish the fire. Scatter cool ash.
• Principle 6: Respect Wildlife: Observe animals from a distance; avoid feeding or getting too close during sensitive times. Protect wildlife by securing your food and trash and ensure pets are controlled if allowed.
• Principle 7: Be Considerate of Other Visitors: Respect people living and working in the area. Let other visitors have a good experience. Minimize noise and be courteous to others. Camp away from trails and other visitors.

½ crosswise ACTIVITY 1

• List 3 outdoor recreational activities you want to try and explain why.

Explore the concept of outdoor recreation, its definition, and the various motivations that drive people to engage in such activities. This quiz also examines popular outdoor activities, their benefits, and the importance of responsible recreation practices like Leave No Trace principles.