The school summer holidays are the perfect opportunity for young people to disconnect from screens, explore the outdoors and build skills that will stay with them for life. Whether it’s hiking, camping, climbing or simply spending more time in nature, outdoor adventures offer far more than just fresh air; they help shape confident, resilient and capable young people.

At Grangers, we believe everyone should have the opportunity to experience the outdoors. That’s why we’re proud to be the first official aftercare partner of the Outward Bound Trust, supporting its mission to help more young people discover their potential through adventure.

 

The benefits of spending time outdoors

Childhood and adolescence are key stages in personal development, and time spent outdoors can play a vital role in supporting both physical and mental wellbeing. Outdoor activities encourage young people to be active, work together, solve problems and step outside their comfort zones.

Whether navigating a walking route, tackling a climbing wall or pitching a tent for the first time, these experiences help develop valuable life skills, including confidence, resilience, teamwork and independence. They're lessons that can't always be taught in a classroom but are often learned through real-life challenges and shared adventures.

What the science says:

     According to findings in Nature Sustainability, adolescents who regularly engage with forest environments demonstrate improved cognitive growth and experience fewer behavioural or emotional challenges compared to their peers.

     83% of children say being in nature makes them very happy, and this rises to 91% among children who spend more time outdoors.

     Nearly half of children say the best thing about spending time outdoors is that it's quiet and relaxing, highlighting the important role nature can play in supporting mental wellbeing (Children's People and Nature Survey, 2025).

 

Helping young people discover what they're capable of

For more than 80 years, the Outward Bound Trust has inspired young people to build confidence, resilience and self-belief through immersive outdoor learning experiences. Its courses are designed to challenge participants in supportive environments, helping them develop skills they'll carry into education, work and everyday life.

The charity is committed to ensuring that young people from all backgrounds can access these opportunities, working to remove financial barriers so that more children and teenagers can experience the transformative power of the outdoors.

 

A partnership built on adventure

As the Outward Bound Trust's first official aftercare partner, Grangers is proud to support its work by helping more young people get outside.

Alongside supporting bursaries that make outdoor experiences more accessible, we're also championing the importance of caring for outdoor clothing and equipment. Looking after waterproof jackets, walking boots and insulated clothing helps keep kit performing for longer, reducing waste and ensuring it's ready for every adventure, whatever the weather.

By teaching future generations how to care for their outdoor gear, we hope to inspire more sustainable habits whilst helping them make the most of every outdoor experience.

 

Make the most of the summer holidays

The school holidays don't need to be filled with expensive days out to make a lasting impact. A family walk, a camping trip, or an organised outdoor course can all help young people build confidence, connect with nature, and create memories they'll never forget.

This summer, why not encourage the next generation to step outside, embrace adventure and discover what they're capable of? At Grangers, we're proud to support organisations like the Outward Bound Trust that make those opportunities possible – and help keep every adventure going for longer.