Why outdoor education is a great career path

26 July, 2023

Outdoor education is the practice of teaching and learning in the outdoors. Camping, hiking, rock climbing, canoeing, kayaking, and orienteering are a few examples of this. Science, physical education, and even language are just a few of the subjects that can be taught through outdoor education. It can also be used to teach crucial life skills like teamwork, leadership, communication, and problem-solving. A enjoyable and meaningful method to encourage students in their education is through outdoor education.

It is significant for several reasons. It promotes a relationship with the natural world and the environment, which may result in a greater regard and love for it. Exercise outside can improve your physical endurance, coordination, and strength. Important life skills like leadership, communication, problem-solving, and teamwork can also be developed through outdoor education. Last but not least, engaging children in learning in a fun and meaningful way can be achieved through outdoor education.

For people who adore the outdoors and wish to spread their enthusiasm to others, outdoor instructing is a fantastic career choice. There are several places where outdoor educators can work, including outdoor education operators like Beyond the Classroom! People working in the outdoor education sector need to be innovative and adaptable in order to develop interesting and instructional activities and curriculum. Additionally, outdoor educators can find employment all over the world, enabling them to experience various cultures and natural settings. It is a fulfilling profession with the ability to improve the lives of those they deal with.

A job in outdoor education requires only minimal preparation. For the majority of positions in the industry, a degree in outdoor education, leisure, or a similar discipline is typically necessary. lternatively you can gain an instructor certificate in a particular discipline, i.e. a surf instructor. If you are going down this path, it's crucial to develop experience in outdoor pursuits like hiking, camping, rock climbing, and orienteering that you will be instructing. This enables future educators to better comprehend the abilities and safety procedures required to guide outdoor activities. Finally, certification in first aid, CPR, Working with Children Check and other safety procedures are required for outdoor educators. This provides the best opportunity for instructors to give their students a safe experience. Success in the field also requires possessing excellent organisational, communication, and problem-solving abilities.

1. Strong Communication: For outdoor instructors, effective communication is crucial. This involves being able to communicate with pupils clearly while describing rules, procedures, and activities. Additionally, it entails having the ability to handle any potential problems that may arise when leading a group of students. Strong communication abilities are also necessary to debrief activities and guide students' reflection on their experiences. Finally, outdoor educators must be able to effectively listen to student feedback and respond appropriately.

2. Organisation Skills: This field also requires excellent organisational abilities. This includes the capacity to schedule events and outings in advance while taking into account security measures, the environment, and the kids' skill levels. The ability to oversee a group of pupils and make sure they are safe while participating in activities is another requirement for outdoor educators. Last but not least, they must be able to efficiently handle resources like food, supplies, and equipment to guarantee that events go off without a hitch.

3. Problem-solving Skills: The ability to foresee possible problems before they occur and have a plan for how to handle them are both essential problem-solving skills. It also entails having the ability to think quickly and come up with innovative solutions to unforeseen problems or hurdles. Additionally, it takes problem-solving abilities to make sure that the activities are interesting and instructive. The ability to solve problems that may occur during an activity or trip and take appropriate action is a last requirement for outdoor educators.

You will be a fantastic outdoor educator with a rewarding career path if you possess these qualities and work to develop them.

We, at Beyond the Classroom are proud to say that we consistently work to improve these skills in order to deliver high-quality outdoor education experiences.