Partners
Become a KidsOutdoors partner
The KidsOutdoors campaign is led by The Scout Association, which has offered outdoor adventure to young people for over 100 years. We are keen to develop partnerships with other charities and not-for-profit organisations, businesses and individuals to gather support for KidsOutdoors.
To find out how you can become a partner, and how the campaign can help meet your organisation's objectives please contact us. As a partner you will be able to carry the KidsOutdoors logo on your website and resources, receive campaign updates and join us in supporting more outdoor initiatives.
David Barker, Head of Communications said: 'With predictions that one in four children will be obese by 20501 it is essential that we get children and young people more active. Physical activity can help build a healthy heart, develop strong muscles and bones and may help reduce the risk of some chronic diseases in later life.
The Scout Association's KidsOutdoors initiative is a great campaign and will help young people to get the recommended daily dose of at least one hour of moderate intensity exercise each day.'
1Tackling Obesity: Future Choices, Foresight Report, October 2007
'The British Youth Council’s (BYC) vision is for all young people in the UK to have a voice on issues which affect their lives. By establishing KidsOutdoors, The Scout Association have listened to the many young people who want to take part in more outdoor activities but, as recent research shows, lack the relevant opportunities and knowledge.
'We are delighted to support this campaign. Not only does it responded to young people’s opinions, but it will enable young people from more diverse backgrounds to reap the health, social and emotional benefits of outdoor exercise.
'BYC also champions opportunities for young people to make a difference through volunteering. We hope many opportunities will arise for young adults to develop skills and abilities whilst supporting younger peers taking part in outdoor activities. As a youth-led organisation we welcome any initiative affecting positive change for young people and fully back this first-rate campaign by one of our member organisations.'
Emily Beardsmore, Chair of the British Youth Council.
The Childrens' Society - Walk & Explore
Claire Babraff, Director of The Children’s Society’s Walk & Explore events said: ‘The Children’s Society believes that every child deserves a good childhood and we know that there are a number of factors which contribute to this. These include quality time with family and friends, a healthy lifestyle, good mental health and well being, and readily available opportunities for learning. That’s one of the reasons why we developed our Walk & Explore series of events, and why we are very pleased to support The KidsOutdoors Campaign.
Both KidsOutdoors and Walk & Explore aim to encourage children to be active and enjoy the environment around them. The Children’s Society are hosting 6 Walk & Explore events in Durham, Canterbury, St Albans, Oxford, London and Bristol this summer, plus a free Do-Your-Own resource pack for those who would like to organise their own walking adventure.
‘Adventure’ is a really key word here and one that both Walk & Explore and KidsOutdoors have used to describe their initiatives because fundamentally, that is what we want to see kids doing more of; going on an adventure, using their own initiative and discovering the outdoors for themselves. Walk & Explore events take children and families on an adventure through some of England’s most beautiful cities, steeped in history ready for Young Explorer’s to discover through resources such as quizzes and costumed re-enactors. There are a number of attractions and museums which have kindly wavered their fee to our walkers so not only is this a great way to get active and be involved in the KidsOutdoors initiative, it is also a great opportunity to gain free entry into some of England’s best loved buildings.
To register as an explorer visit www.walkandexplore.com or call 0835 300 1128.
'The Duke of Edinburgh's Award fully supports the KidsOutdoors campaign. As fellow champions of the benefits of outdoor activities for young people we wish this innovative initiative every success.' Peter Westgarth, Chief Executive The Duke of Edinburgh's Award
Commenting on the launch The Scout Association's 'KidsOutdoors' campaign Clare Tickell, Chief Executive of NCH, the children's charity said:
'We all know about the health benefits that simple activities like playing football or going for a swim can bring - but it goes far beyond that. Outdoor pursuits also help children and young people to develop qualities such as self-esteem, resilience and confidence. From the work we do at NCH, and our own research, we know that positive, structured activities like these are key to improving their emotional wellbeing and unlocking the potential they have to make the most of their lives.
'The 'KidsOutdoors' campaign will be instrumental in encouraging children and young people to get outdoors and do activities they enjoy. It will also push the provision of facilities, especially for the most disadvantaged in society, further up the Government's agenda.'
'Every child should benefit from outdoor experiences. Adventure in the outdoors can be an extraordinary powerful teacher. Of course it is healthy; it also gives young people a belief in themselves, a chance to work as part of a team and the ability to trust and respect others and this is why Outward Bound® supports the KidsOutdoors campaign.' Nick Barrett, CEO, the Outward Bound Trust
'CSV Make a Difference Day encourages everyone across the UK to give some time to change the UK for the better. We thoroughly endorse the KidsOutdoors campaign in its effort to enable children and young people to get outside and have an adventure.
Volunteering outdoors is a great way of making an impact to your environment just by giving your time. You can learn new skills, have fun, meet new friends and get involved in heaps of adventures.
We encourage young people to have an impact in the outside environment - whether you can build a green-greenhouse or tackle some weeds or a local eyesore. You can organise an activity with friends, your group or school and then get loads of free materials - T shirts, balloons, certificates and stickers. Or you can join with activities that other people have organised. There are loads of ways to get outdoors and make an impact at the same time, so get involved - now's the time!'
