Research shows that people of color are far less likely to engage in nature-based outdoor recreation activities. Some researchers have theorized that this is due to socioeconomic status, cultural differences, racial discrimination and age. Studies have shown that children who spend time outdoors in natural environments have improved health, reduced stress and strong social skills.
The focus of 4-H positive youth development comes from the 4-H Thriving Model developed by Mary Arnold, youth development and evaluation specialist with Oregon State University Extension Service. In support of the Thriving Model and the need to engage first-generation 4-H youths with out-of-school programming, 4-H in Marion County developed Outdoor Explorers through a grant from the Oregon 4-H Foundation.
Outdoor Explorers allowed 4-H’ers of all backgrounds to meet weekly with a small set of peers in the summer of 2022 to travel and explore greater Marion County, including state parks and recreation sites, accompanied by trained staff. The day trips provide youths with a sense of belonging, opportunity for challenges and discoveries and transcendent awareness of the outdoors.
Throughout July and August 2022, 10 youths in grades 8-12 participated at no cost in the Outdoor Explorers program. Each week they collected data on iNaturalist and for the Oregon Bee Atlas. They shared their data at the end of the program through presentations that showcased their outdoor photography and sites that they visited. The participants were exposed to a variety of outdoor-related careers that they wouldn’t learn about in a classroom. For example, they met park rangers, field biologists and foresters, among other professionals.
Students were surveyed at the beginning and end of the summer to rate their confidence in experiencing the outdoors. Prior to the program many of the students said they had never been on a hike. At the end of the summer, some of student comments included:
- “Overall, my experience was fantastic. I'm glad I was about to join the OSU [hiking] program. If I didn't then I think I would have regretted my decision.”
- “Very inclusive, knowledgeable and respectful.”
- “I loved walking and going to places I've never seen.”
- “I learned about apps that can help me identify the plants and animals around me.”
When asked what their favorite part of the summer, 71% said “hiking and the community that we created.” Six of the seven students who completed the survey said they increased their confidence in hiking/physical activity, respect for the environment, exposure to the outdoors and teamwork