Changes in Mental Health Should Be Measured When Evaluating Outdoor Education Programs for Urban Youth. Issue 2 (4th March 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cohen, Sandy; Stellefson, Michael; Bopp, Trevor
• Is Part Of: American journal of health education. Volume 53:Issue 2(2022)
• Page Start: 72
• Page End: 75
• Publication Date: 2022-03-04
• Subjects: Health education -- United States -- Periodicals; School hygiene -- Study and teaching -- United States -- Periodicals; Health Education -- Periodicals; School Health Services -- Periodicals; 371
• DOI: 10.1080/19325037.2021.2019628
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1932-5037

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Novel outdoor education programs aimed at low-income students from urban schools led to marked improvements in children's physical activity levels. Enhancing urban youth's understanding of scientific concepts through nature hikes, boating, and ropes courses can enliven lessons about ecosystems, propulsion, and gravity. This commentary suggests that such outdoor education programs are likely to provide significant and potentially long-lasting psychological benefits. Measuring and evaluating potential changes in mental health could lead to more significant support and expansion of outdoor education programs for urban youth who may not otherwise have access to such opportunities.