EXPERT ADVISORY – JUNE 24, 2025 – R0075
With school nearly out for the summer, it’s time for children to ramp up outdoor play — and reap the related benefits, say Brock University health and well-being experts.
“Outdoor play not only improves cardiovascular health, muscle strength and co-ordination, but also nurtures curiosity, reduces stress and boosts mood,” says Professor of Health Sciences Brent Faught.
The World Health Organization recommends children aged five to 17 get at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity each day.
But to make this happen, physical activity should be fun, enjoyable and inclusive, Faught says, especially for children with low self-esteem and self-efficacy.
“Outdoor activities like biking, walking trails, adventure play and non-competitive games offer space to explore movement without fear of judgment, helping build confidence one step at a time while connecting children with their environment,” he says.
Examples of non-competitive, “parallel play” games that can foster inclusivity for children living with disabilities are bowling, frisbee, golf, mini-putt and archery says Professor of Physical Education and Kinesiology Maureen Connolly. These activities allow children to engage in their own play near one another without directly interacting with or influencing each other.
The founder of Brock University’s renowned Supporting Neurodiversity with Adaptive Programming (SNAP) says hiking, camping, climbing and swimming are good for practising fundamental movement, while playing with balloons, bubbles and sand aids in the development of gripping, grasping, pronating and supinating of the hands.
“If you are attending organized activities, check ahead on the inclusion training of the staff,” says Connolly. “Gauge how long the child or youth is in the sun, take breaks and confirm accessibility for wheelchair users or participants who use other assistive aids.”
Activity details should be explained well in advance, she says, with visual aids used when possible. Children and youth should also be given the opportunity to progress into activities that involve large groups, she adds.
One popular group activity is camping, which is also an effective way to reduce screen time, says Professor of Recreation and Leisure Studies Tim O’Connell.
Outdoor activities, he says, enable children and youth to build friendships, boost self-esteem and self-efficacy, reduce anxiety and stress, and enhance skills in problem-solving, critical thinking and creativity, among many other benefits.
He offers tips to make camping appealing to children and youth:
- Start them off gradually by camping in a tent and sleeping bag in the backyard for a night.
- Involve them in planning, such as choosing a campsite in a provincial or national park and packing food, clothing, toys, books and other items.
- Choose a campsite close to restrooms and water supply and maintain a normal routine — such as naps and snacks — as much as possible.
- Set safety rules.
- Be flexible to end the trip early if the weather is bad or if there is illness.
Associate Professor of Recreation and Leisure Studies Erin Sharpe has mastered the art of making fun a core component of summertime by applying FUN MAPS.
Originally developed by researchers in the U.S., the tool identifies four major factors that determine fun in sport:
- Trying hard: the opportunity to push oneself, test limits and engage in physical effort.
- Positive team dynamics: feeling part of a group, experiencing good sportsmanship, and receiving encouragement from teammates.
- Positive coaching: having coaches who support, motivate and create a safe, welcoming environment.
- Learning and improving: the satisfaction of developing new skills and seeing progress over time.
“Traditional views of fun in sport and recreation often focus on excitement, lightheartedness and social interactions,” says Sharpe. “But fun mapping paints a broader picture — one that includes effort, challenge and growth.
“Engaging in sports and recreation happen best in environments where kids feel encouraged and valued,” she says.
Brock University Professor of Health Sciences Brent Faught, Professor of Physical Education and Kinesiology Maureen Connolly, Professor of Recreation and Leisure Studies Tim O’Connell and Associate Professor of Recreation and Leisure Studies Erin Sharpe are available for media interviews on this topic.
For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:
*Sarah Ackles, Communications Specialist, Brock University [email protected] or 289-241-5483
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