Vitamin N (Scotland)

There is such a thing called “The Nature Effect” which has been backed up by scientific study. It states that after 3 days together in the wild, the group invariably relaxes and the pace of the usual restless teenage energy slows down. This studied observation notes that it takes only three days of immersion in wilderness to loosen our connection with human culture, and begin to connect with nature. This has been shown to have a significant effect in relaxing the mind and improving mental functioning.

The current education paradigm is outdated and in need of radical reform. An overwhelming body of evidence highlights that the current education system doesn’t go far enough in equipping young people for life in an unknown future society. To thrive in future employment, the research suggests young people most need a suite of social and emotional skills, and strengths of character, that mainstream education doesn’t go far enough in equipping them with. Skills such as creativity, problem solving, collaborative skills, empathy, higher-order cognitive skills. It’s even more important all young people have the opportunity to develop these skills if they are to steward us to a regenerative, equitable culture.

Young people lack adequate support to find meaning and purpose in education. This often results in disengagement at school, challenging behaviour and a lack of clarity, motivation, and drive to act prosocially.

What is missing is adequate education and support around our emotional wellbeing and mental health. All too often, we aren’t supported to develop the emotional resilience and coping strategies to overcome life’s challenges. Hardly a day goes by without a mention of mental ill-health in the media. Spending time in nature with a community of peers is a wonderful antidote to all this.

14-17 year olds. No previous camping experience necessary. A reasonable amount of fitness is required as we will be hiking with backpacks and carrying in all of the food and gear required for the duration of the trip. Water is available along the way. Don’t worry if you don’t know what to bring, we will help you to prepare.

After returning from a Wilderness Programme, parents often notice how much they have grown as a result of this journey. They share that they feel more grounded and more centred, somehow more mature.

Wilderness Programmes involve a combination of processes, each with a potentially positive effect on adolescent psychological health and development. These include an element of detoxification from social media, technology, and the negative influence of their peers; replacing these experiences with time in nature has a significant effect on lowering stress. The walking and camping aspects of any wilderness experience has the effect of increasing gross motor activity in a way that is directed and purposeful. Further research shows that wilderness therapy is also effective in reducing a wide range of symptoms, including low mood, interpersonal distress, social and behavioural problems, substance misuse and suicidal ideation.

A meta-analysis of the outcomes of thirty-six privately funded wilderness therapy programmes in the USA representing 2,399 participants, found significant beneficial outcomes in: self-esteem, locus of control, behavioural changes, personal effectiveness, interpersonal skills, and clinical symptoms.

An overview of literature on the effectiveness of 370 different wilderness experience programmes, carried out in 2009 for the Wilderness Foundation (U.K.), showed that these programmes had contributed significantly to successful changes in participants’ health, behaviour, and attitudes. However, the findings also showed that wilderness experiences improved: physical fitness, increased cardiovascular health, reduced fat in body mass, improved sleep patterns, and lowered tension. Along with enhanced physical health, there were also significant improvements in mental health, self-esteem, self-efficacy, and self-control. These programmes also greatly improved participant’s personal sense of belonging, social skills, and interpersonal relationships, not to mention highlighting the long-term social benefits of reduced need for welfare support and involvement with the health and criminal justice services.

Arriving: We will meet at Bridge of Orchy train station at 8:15am on Tuesday 28th July 2020.

The optimal way to arrive is via train. From those coming from the south of the UK, there is an overnight sleeper that departs from London on Monday evening. With coordination our guides can meet young people looking to travel by sleeper at Euston, and also travel together back to Euston for the return leg.

Returning: The programme will finish on Sunday 2nd August 2020 and we will return to Bridge of Orchy train station at 12 noon for onward travel.