By Michael Burt
Scouts NSW and the local 1st Bellingen Scouts group are championing the benefits of swiping away some screentime and ‘learning while doing’ with outdoor adventures.
As concerns about the health and wellbeing impact from children’s screen time continue to grow, Scouts NSW says it’s crucial for families to turn to outdoor, screen-free activities to help children build confidence, resilience and social skills.
Ist Bellingen Scouts group leader, Aaron Ruigrok, said he has witnessed the confidence boost provided by outdoor activities at local camps.
“It’s all about learning by doing and trying to get away from screentime. They are doing stuff outside of phones like exploring the bush and challenging each other in outdoor learning activities,” Mr Ruigrok said.
“We recently did a camp out at the region’s base camp at Glenreagh. These are skills-based camps, and the scouts pack all their own cooking equipment and food. We’ve got day hikes and survival camps coming up as well.”
The First Bellingen Scouts Group, which includes Club Scouts (ages 8-11), Scouts (ages 11-14) and Venturer Scouts (ages 14-18), is one of the most active and largest Scouts NSW groups in the north coast region.
Mr Ruigrok put and call out for any local adult volunteers to support their local Scouts NSW group and assist with inspiring young people to get outdoors.
Scouts NSW Chief Commissioner Belinda Howell said parents are increasingly concerned that too much time on devices is affecting children’s confidence, communication skills and ability to form meaningful relationships.
“One of the key reasons parents are coming to us is to look for that break in connectivity. They are looking for a positive real-world experience for their children,” Ms Howell said.
“In particular, parents are seeking options and activities to help their children develop resilience. This is developed in children by trying, failing, learning, and trying again – supported by peers and leaders.”
Mr Howell said local Scouts NSW groups provide opportunities for growth that screens cannot replicate.
“Outdoor play and adventure is what we are known for, particularly in that Cub Scout age range.”
“Developing outdoor skills in young people really helps them grow in confidence and being able to communicate with others.”
“When we take them camping, hiking and canoeing, they are actually learning resilience, teamwork, health and hygiene, and project management. These are life skills that are difficult to get from a device.”
“We find that once they get a taste of the outdoors, they cannot get enough of it. They don’t’ touch a device and they don’t miss it.”
Ms Howell highlighted research by Resilient Youth Australia that demonstrated young people involved in Scouts had improved life skills, confidence and the ability to work through problems.
“In Cub Scouts, we teach boys and girls how to think, not what to think”
“We provide opportunities for growth that screens cannot replicate. We cannot expect that young people should have no access to technology, but we do appreciate that too much screen time is not a healthy way to fill their time.”
To get involved with the Ist Bellingen Scouts group, contact Aaron on 0412457493 or aaron.ruigrok@nsw.scouts.com.au
