But what happens when they become teenagers? Whilst there are, of course, many adolescents getting out there into the open air, it is also undeniable that teen years have become increasingly screen-based. Schoolwork, tutoring, organised activities and social media leave little room for exploration. While younger children are encouraged to roam, climb and discover, teenagers often find themselves navigating a world that exists primarily through a device.
Yet adolescence may be precisely the moment when a little wildness matters most. The teenage brain, after all, is wired for novelty, challenge and adventure. It craves independence, responsibility and opportunities to test itself. The answer, then, is not necessarily more structure or supervision. We’d posit that it lies in simply creating opportunities for teenagers to engage with the world beyond the screen.
For young people who feel the pull towards the great outdoors but may be unsure where to start, here are five ways to bring a little adventure back into adolescence.
Learn To Sail
There are few activities that foster independence like sailing. Once on the water, teenagers quickly discover that amidst wind, weather and tide, there is little inclination to reach for the phone. They learn problem-solving, teamwork and resilience while developing a practical understanding of the natural world.
Perhaps most importantly, sailing offers true responsibility. It could be steering a dinghy or crewing a larger boat – either way, young people are trusted to make decisions and contribute meaningfully, thus building innate confidence. Many sailing clubs offer affordable youth programmes, while organisations such as the RYA run courses specifically designed for teenagers. Aye aye cap’n.
Take On A Long-Distance Walk
It sounds simple, yet a really proper walk can be transformative. They could be tackling a section of the South Downs Way, exploring the new King Charles III Way, training for a Duke of Edinburgh expedition or setting a challenge with friends; either which way, long-distance walking develops resilience in every sense. Teenagers learn that they are capable of more than they thought, that most weather can be managed if you’re prepared and that worthwhile achievements require effort.
There is also something pleasing about travelling under your own steam. In a culture built around convenience, a ten-mile walk is something of a radical act.
Learn To Navigate
Ask many teenagers to find their way across unfamiliar countryside armed only with a map and compass and they may look at you in horror. Yet navigation teaches independence, spatial awareness and problem-solving. It encourages teenagers to engage properly with the landscape around them rather than simply following a blue dot on a screen.
There is an unexpected sense of joy to be discovered in plotting a route, following it successfully and arriving at your destination through your own judgement – a pursuit that builds confidence and skills. Head to OS Maps, and you’ll get a free Essential Map Skills ebook – and you can check out its info on map reading for kids here.
Join A Conservation Project
If you have a teenager who is looking for purpose, getting involved in a communal activity for the collective good could be the answer. Conservation projects offer an opportunity to spend time outdoors while contributing to something larger than themselves. Tree planting, habitat restoration, wildlife surveys and beach cleans all provide meaningful ways to engage with the natural world.
A good starting point is the youth programme run by The Wildlife Trusts, which offers opportunities ranging from practical habitat work to species monitoring. Teenagers can also volunteer with The National Trust on conservation days, while organisations such as Surfers Against Sewage run regular beach cleans around the country. Alongside practical skills, young people gain the invaluable sense that they can make a tangible difference.
Master A Practical Outdoor Skill
Foraging. Bushcraft. Fishing. Camping. Growing vegetables. Dry stone walling. Beekeeping. Practical outdoor pursuits develop competence in a way that digital activities often cannot, requiring patience and perseverance. Most importantly, they leave teenagers with the confidence that comes from being able to do something really useful.
For teenagers keen to learn survival skills, organisations such as The Bushcraft Company run courses that teach fire lighting, shelter building and navigation. Aspiring conservationists might enjoy volunteering at a local community garden or taking part in a project run by The Conservation Volunteers. Meanwhile, young anglers can learn through local clubs affiliated with Angling Trust, while budding beekeepers will often find junior schemes through county beekeeping associations.
Many of these activities are also wonderfully intergenerational. Teenagers find themselves learning alongside adults, experts and enthusiasts, broadening their horizons beyond the social ecosystem of school.
Volunteer On A Working Farm
Feeding animals before breakfast, repairing fences, harvesting vegetables or helping with lambing offers teenagers a glimpse into rhythms of life that feel increasingly distant from modern adolescence.
Many farms welcome young volunteers through schemes such as WWOOF UK or Social Farms & Gardens, while community farms and city farms often offer opportunities closer to home. Alongside practical skills, teenagers gain a greater understanding of food production, environmental stewardship and the rewards of hard physical work. It is difficult to spend a day outdoors hauling wheelbarrows and not feel pleasantly removed from the online world.
FAQs
What does 'rewilding the teen years' mean?
It means encouraging teenagers to spend more time outdoors, develop practical skills, embrace healthy challenges and build confidence through real-world experiences.
Why are outdoor pursuits important for teenagers?
Outdoor activities can support physical health, resilience, independence and wellbeing. They also provide a valuable counterbalance to the amount of time many teenagers spend online.
What are the best outdoor activities for building confidence?
Sailing, navigation, camping, climbing, conservation volunteering and long-distance walking are all excellent ways to develop confidence through achievable challenge.
What if my teenager isn't sporty?
Rewilding is not about athletic ability. Conservation projects, gardening, foraging, photography, wildlife monitoring and practical crafts can all foster a connection with the outdoors.
How can parents encourage reluctant teenagers outdoors?
Start with activities that align with their interests, involve friends where possible and focus on enjoyment rather than achievement. Independence is often a stronger motivator than persuasion.
Are these activities expensive?
Not necessarily. Walking, navigation, conservation volunteering and many outdoor skills can be pursued at very little cost. Local clubs, charities and community groups often offer subsidised programmes for young people.
What skills do teenagers gain from outdoor adventure?
Problem-solving, resilience, teamwork, self-reliance, leadership, practical competence and confidence are among the most valuable skills developed through outdoor pursuits.
