The majority of teens today across the U.S. are worried about how climate change will impact their futures. Teens who spend time outdoors are more engaged with natural places and are more likely to make environmentally-conscience decisions. Getting teens engaged in the outdoors is a key step in motivating the next generation of climate change leaders.

Maine teens are growing up in a cultural moment of narcissism, self-shame, and criticism that's largely fueled by social media. Experiencing awe, the feeling of being in the presence of something so vast or beautiful that it shifts our perspective, helps get us out of our heads and see that we are part of a much bigger whole. In particular, experiencing awe outdoors helps calm our nervous systems, boosts self-esteem, and promotes trust and connection.

Awe often comes from trying something new. Our Outdoor Clubs are inclusive, regardless of ability or experience. All teens are welcomed and encouraged to join a club, embrace their curiosity, appropriately place their natural attraction to risk, and pursue new experiences.

Maine middle and high school students who feel like adults and peers in their schools and community care about them are 80% more likely to have support from a caring adult. This feeling of connection to school and community is a strong predictor of teen mental health, allowing students to experience less emotional distress and reducing the likelihood of teen pregnancy and substance use (MRBN, 2020). Spending time with peers in nature helps teens develop a sense of belonging and feel like they are part of a community. Research also shows that the health benefits of spending time outdoors are stronger when schools encourage outdoor play.

Maine teens are spending less time in person with peers than previous generations, which has contributed to widespread increases in mental health struggles. At the same time, school sports teams have become more competitive, and schools across Maine are seeing a decline in sport participation. A large body of evidence demonstrates that engaging in outdoor activities improves team-building skills, independence, self-perception, and self-esteem among teens.

On average, teens across the U.S. are not getting enough sleep, which impacts school performance, mental and physical health, and substance use. Exposure to natural light, even briefly, can improve sleep patterns.

Middle and high school students are at a time in their development when they are exploring who they are and who they want to be. Participating in outdoor experiences helps teens develop valuable life skills, including self-management, leadership, cooperation, and compassion for themselves and their community.

Maine students’ math and reading test scores have fallen significantly over the past three years as the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted learning. Spending time outdoors, in tandem with in-person learning, can help students recover from the pandemic distractions by supporting cognitive development. Interacting with nature boosts concentration, promotes working memory, and can help improve academic performance. Outdoor play can also increase motivation to learn and achieve.