Chapter TWO COPING WITH CHALLENGES THROUGH THE OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

Outdoor activities can be fun, adventurous and good for your well-being, even if they require a certain degree of effort and maybe getting out of the comfort zone. There is no clear definition of what constitutes an outdoor activity, but there are some factors that tend to be a part of it like exercise, being in an outdoor space and having contact with nature. However, the interpretation differs depending on the person and the level of intensity should be adjusted to suit the individual. Often, the activities involve a certain effort or have an element of—real or imagined—danger, but these are certainly not inherent characteristics (Korenstra&Worm, 2018).

For young people living in rural areas, with fewer opportunities, who do not like constrained and limited environments and who face psychological and social problems, having outdoor activities is one of the ways to experience joy and fulfillment. It is a method to increase self-esteem, build self-confidence, develop communication skills or just an opportunity to find friends. Therefore, participating in outdoor activities is not just any old pursuit of leisure. Just as an example of the benefits of this type of activity: a study has showed that outdoor education yields meaningful experiences on the lives of those with deaf blindness (Gibson, 2005). By participating in such activities, various skills are being trained, which leads to improvements in:

● sleeping

● general physical condition

● physical mobility

● the occurrence of self-injurious behavior.

In addition, there were opportunities for personal and social development, such as:

● self-confidence

● awareness of one’s surroundings

● concentration level

● patience

● interpersonal relationships

Although the main objective of outdoor activities can simply be to have fun, it comes with the added bonus of having positive effects on physical and mental health.

The facilitator must be well informed about how many rural youngsters are coming to the group activities (from 6 to 12 people) and their main characteristics. According to this, the facilitator has to be able to select the most appropriate activities for that group.

How to manage the facilitation process

To work with young people, we are proposing a 9-step model to be prepared and delivered in the order that follows bellow. In total the whole process could take up to 7 or

8 hours and we suggest scheduling the activities for approx. 3 hours/day, including a break, making it a total of 3 days.

1. Knowing each other (30-40 min). Team-building games: “Name Game”, “Who Started the Motion”, “Group Sculpture”. It’s very important to understand social context and respect diversity, so you have to find out what kind of youth you will work with, but do not develop any preconceived stereotypes. To get to know each other you have to play team-building games or activities and icebreakers. Why are team-building games so important? Collaboration, effective communication, and group cohesiveness can help individuals succeed in team situations. Showing dedication and enthusiasm for our work creates positive and productive results for those we serve. By mixing these ingredients, knowledgeable and caring professionals can do amazing things. Participants in these games facilitate trust, teamwork, as well as positive and effective communication within groups. You can adapt the materials, equipment, and activities according to the circumstances (Ingalls, 2018; Fisher, 2005).

2. Identification of the problems (20-30 min). Detecting fears and problems in a creative way, working together in a group setting. Problem solving is one the most important skills that need to be developed and it helps to look at the problem in a creative way. This activity will serve to develop creativity, critical thinking, problem solving and metacognition, communication, collaboration, information, and technology literacies.

3. Positive thinking (40-60 min) The Treasure Hunt will help the youngsters to think positive, because it is an active, exciting and motivating game that stimulates happiness and curiosity, at the same time promoting skills such as communication, group work, accepting shared responsibility, self-confidence, etc.

4. Challenge youth with fun (30-60 min). The Viking Chess Throwing Game is an original way to allow the youngsters to face a controlled challenge and to able to overcome it, therefore improving their confidence to face other, real life, challenges.

5. Preparation for a challenge (30-40 min). Draw a Hand activity will give the rural youth a chance to work on their creativity and social skills. In addition, this game allows not just to get to know other person, but yourself as well, through the eyes of the other. It should be noted that before doing this challenge, the youngsters need to be aware of what they are like and what are their strengths and their weaknesses.

6. Accepting the challenge (60 min). Cross the obstacle course is a task that will help increase youngsters' self-confidence and ability to deal with challenges, as well as giving them a boost of energy and release of endorphins.

7. Managing the challenge (30- 60 min). Hanging large sheets of paper that have challenges written on it will allow a clear and physical visualization of the problems, which will make it easy not just for the individual to face them but also for the group to work on solutions together, fostering a sense of solidarity.

8. Monitoring (60 min). Interview with the participants about the outdoor activities and analysis of their expectations and results.

9. Evaluation (to be conducted throughout the activities). Reflection is one of the most important steps in any process, and participants should always be given the time and the guidance to do it. Experience sticks after each part of the activities and the reflection time it’s the opportunity to think about the problems, to improve challenge solving and to be left with positive emotions in the end of the process.