7 Nature and Background of Outdoor Recreation
7 Nature and Background of Outdoor Recreation
7 Nature and Background of Outdoor Recreation
Background of
Outdoor
Recreation
Learning
Objectives
• TO DEFINE OUTDOOR RECREATION
• TO UNDERSTAND THE REASONS WHY PEOPLE ENGAGE IN
OUTDOOR RECREATION
• TO ENUMERATE THE COMMON OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL
ACTIVITIES
• TO RECOGNIZE THE BENEFITS OF ENGAGING IN OUTDOOR
RECREATION
What Is Outdoor Recreation?
Outdoor recreation is
organized activities done
during one’s free time for
his/her own personal
reasons, where an
interaction between man
and an element of nature is
present.
Reasons People Engage in
Outdoor Recreational Activity
• Some do it for personal satisfaction and enjoyment.
Perhaps, it is a time away from the day-to-day routine.
• Others do it to be in touch with nature, which they rarely
Whatever reason
have the chance to there may be,
do, especially forpeople engage
those who reside in
in
outdoor recreation
highly urbanized for their own sake and pleasure,
areas.
• voluntarily,
Many do it and of their own
for personal choice.
pursuit such as photography,
collecting sea shells, reaching the top of Mt. Apo,
conquering the rapids of Cagayan River, or attaining a
certain fitness level.
• Some individuals or groups do it as part of outdoor or
environmental education, such as birdwatching, plant
naming, etc.
Some Popular Outdoor
Recreational Activities
LAND WATER AIR
• Mountaineering • Swimming • Parasailing
• Trekking/Hiking • Snorkeling • Skydiving
• Camping • Diving • Paragliding
• Backpacking • Surfing
• Picnic • Canoeing
• Bird-watching • Kayaking
• Mountain • Whitewater Rafting
Biking • Sailing
• Orienteering • Fishing
• Canyoneering • Bamboo Rafting
• Rock Climbing
Benefits of Outdoor Recreation
1. Physical Benefits
• Being outdoors prevents a person from having a
sedentary life.
It allows people to move, whether by walking,
running, swimming, biking, paddling, etc.
Since the surge of electronic gadgets pushed
many people, young and old alike, into a
sedentary life, outdoor recreation creates a great
distraction from these gadgets and helps them to
be on the move.
• Movements expend energy, promote cardiovascular
and muscular fitness, and improve the function of the
immune system.
2. Psycho-Emotional Benefits
• Engaging in outdoor
recreational activities helps
people to rest, relax, de-
stress or unwind, and feel
revitalized.
• Being outdoors also
improves self-esteem,
confidence, and creativity.
• Outdoor recreational
activities contribute to a
person’s personal and
spiritual growth.
3. Social Benefits
• Outdoor activities are ways for families to become
closer through family-bonding activities.
• Spending time outdoors also allows a person to meet
and interact with others who share the same passion
for outdoor recreation, helping form lasting friendships
and a sense of community.
• Outdoor recreation also promotes stewardship.
Activities done outdoors help in making people realize
the great things that nature provides mankind with.
Increased knowledge and appreciation helps them
understand how personal actions can strongly affect
the environment. Thus, people’s feelings and
connection with nature are the greatest motivation for
them to care for the natural environment and advocate
for its preservation.
4. Economic Benefits
• People who have a relaxed body and mind tend to be
more productive at work, translating into efficiency at
the workplace.
• Ecotourism creates jobs and other economic activities
which can, one way or another, contribute to
economic growth.
5. Spiritual Benefits
Positive outdoor experiences can stir up spiritual values.
Being one with nature brings certain calmness
within a person.
Being one with nature strengthens an individual as
it heals, rejuvenates, and soothes the body and
soul.
Do You Need to Be Athletic to
Be Able to Participate in
Outdoor Activities?
No. Outdoor recreation involves a lot of physical
activity, but it does not require you to have athletic
level of skills to be able to participate. However,
you need to be physically fit to be able to carry
out the activity.