What is hobbies, life experience and adventure?
Hobbies are defined as any enjoyable leisure activity that we engage in freely and consistently in our spare time (1). The hobbies, life experience and adventure focus area is about funding activities for children and young people that allow them to cultivate areas of interest and self-identity, develop new skills and have new, engaging experiences, particularly in the natural environment.
Why is this important to Ormiston Trust?
Funding projects to help young people develop their interests and hobbies are important to developing their self-identity and finding a community of like-minded peers. Hobbies are a key aspect for teenagers and young people to develop their identity outside of school and family, which has benefits for developing future career interests (2). Participating in hobbies and adventures with peers builds young people problem solving and interpersonal relationship skills, builds self-esteem and boosts confidence when encountering new challenges (3). Specifically, outdoor adventures have the added benefit of connecting young people with the outdoors in our increasingly digital age, giving them an appreciation for the nature around them (4).
By investing in projects that help young people develop personally, find areas of interest and build their identity Ormiston Trust is investing in young people’s futures. This is to ensure children and young people grow up into well-rounded adults, with varied interests and well-developed skills and confidence for their future in the workplace.
Grant programme examples: Adventure residentials, team building skills, after school clubs and competitions, chess and debating competitions etc
Note: We have on rare occasions funded the cost of residentials and trips, but these activities are less likely to be funded because these programmes often have significant difficulties associated with becoming self-sustaining without OT funding.
Desired Outcomes:
References
(1) Tara Parker-Pope. “How to find a hobby”. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/guides/smarterliving/how-to-find-a-hobby
(2) Agnus Whyte.“Why teenagers should have hobbies”. Evolve Treatment Centres. https://evolvetreatment.com/blog/why-teenagers-should-have-hobbies/
(3) White Hall- Derbyshire County Council. “Benefits to young people”. White Hall- Derbyshire County Council. https://whitehall.derbyshire-outdoors.org/about-us/benefits-to-young-people/
(4) The Journalist’s Resource. “Mental health benefits of outdoor adventures on young adults”. The Journalist’s Resource. https://journalistsresource.org/home/the-benefits-of-outdoor-adventures-on-teens-and-young-adults/
