Adventure sports are physical activity full of excitement, thrill and entertainment although involving lots of physical risks. As a toddler, a child uses motor skills to jump, run and hop. Parents encourage him/her to explore the outdoors-the playground. In preteens, these activities are replaced by sports like cycling, swimming, skating, hockey, football, cricket. These physical activities:
The purpose is learning and entertainment through fun but as a child grows up to adolescence, focus shifts to other things like studies or screen time. The daily physical activities reduce or become monotonous because there is no adventure associated with them. In teens, children are full of energy and enter a phase of self-discovery. They are ready to learn new things but search thrill and excitement in whatever they do. That is why this is the optimum phase to introduce them to adventure sports where they can rediscover their hidden potential. Adventure sports such as skiing, mountain climbing, river rafting, water surfing, paragliding, bungee jumping are popular among kids.
Strengthens mentally:
Adventure sports prepare kids psychologically for both positive and negative experiences. For example, in trekking, it is a prerequisite to get an insight into people of the area, their culture, weather conditions and geography of the area for safe trekking. The challenges on the way provide new learning about how to cope with them. It develops mental strength in children to face any danger.
More and more summer camps should be organised both for parents and children in which proper training and guidance need to be provided for adventure sports under experienced instructors. The caption fear of danger should be changed to beyond fears. However, these sports are not mandatory for each and every child and only those children who are themselves mentally prepared to take up the challenges should explore the adventurous journey.
- strengthen muscles and bones,
- boost the immune system,
- improve overall health
- enhance school performance
The purpose is learning and entertainment through fun but as a child grows up to adolescence, focus shifts to other things like studies or screen time. The daily physical activities reduce or become monotonous because there is no adventure associated with them. In teens, children are full of energy and enter a phase of self-discovery. They are ready to learn new things but search thrill and excitement in whatever they do. That is why this is the optimum phase to introduce them to adventure sports where they can rediscover their hidden potential. Adventure sports such as skiing, mountain climbing, river rafting, water surfing, paragliding, bungee jumping are popular among kids.
Ten reasons why kids must explore adventure sports:
Adventure sports |
Adventure sports prepare kids psychologically for both positive and negative experiences. For example, in trekking, it is a prerequisite to get an insight into people of the area, their culture, weather conditions and geography of the area for safe trekking. The challenges on the way provide new learning about how to cope with them. It develops mental strength in children to face any danger.
Develops a daring attitude:
Due to the challenging nature of these sports, kids become fearless. People are naturally afraid of heights for fear of falling but activities like climbing in mountains overcomes their fears after their familiarity with the sport.
Knowledge gain:
Travelling to new places, exploring new areas and meeting natives of that place presents a vivid account of geography. Children gain first-hand information about the people and culture of the area.
Sustaining with minimal:
kids are taught to pack their bags carefully when gearing up for their adventurous activity. They learn to sustain themselves with whatever they have packed be it clothes, food and drinks, equipment, first aid box. They become more efficient with experience and know the exact checklist before scheduling their trip. Children also cultivate the art of sharing if working as a team.Healthy eating habits:
To keep body fit and flexible is the basic necessity of adventure sports. Kids are bound to eat right and home-cooked food for optimum nutrition. This builds immunity, checks weight gain and prevents chronic diseases.Experiential learning:
There is no learning as experiential learning. Many schools organise adventure sports for kids to provide the first-hand experience of what it is likely when children dive into such sports themselves.Learning about the environment:
Kids connect themselves to environment instinctively when they become part of it. The closeness to nature brings a sense of attachment and necessity to protect it from degradation.Discovery of self:
Active participation in adventure sports leads to self-discovery. Kids become aware of their capabilities. Their perspective on life changes. They become self-reliant, self-motivated, self-confident and self-organised.
Improves concentration:
As adventure sports involve a high degree of danger and excitement, alertness of mind with focused attention is a must. Regular participation in adventures also makes one calm, stable and more patient.Social interaction and team building:
Sports like rafting demands bonding as a team for better understanding and enhanced performance. Kids learn to work together within limitations for team goals.More and more summer camps should be organised both for parents and children in which proper training and guidance need to be provided for adventure sports under experienced instructors. The caption fear of danger should be changed to beyond fears. However, these sports are not mandatory for each and every child and only those children who are themselves mentally prepared to take up the challenges should explore the adventurous journey.
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