Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion in the Outdoors

Abstract

Delegates from 22 countries and four continents assembled in Ireland during September 2019, for the European Institute for Outdoor Adventure Education and Experiential Learning (EOE Network) conference which was themed on the celebration of diversity and inclusion in the outdoors. Conference delegates were invited to have their presentations considered for conversion to journal articles for inclusion in a specially themed issue of JOEE. In this special issue, the majority of articles relate to the inclusion of persons with a disability, social inclusion, and issues related to inclusive practice in schools-based outdoor programming. Here, we celebrate some of the many participants in outdoor and environmental education and the authors and educators who have chosen to learn about equity and are campaigning to have more equity in their organizations and their work in outdoor education. Likely no outdoor professional intends to be ableist, racist, genderist, or sexist. However, we can, unintentionally, adopt any one of these stances if we do not educate ourselves appropriately. Diversity is a fact. The world is comprised of diverse populations of people; and within those populations there is incredible diversity on many dimensions: race (though race is artificially constructed), gender, age, ethnicity, physical and cognitive strengths, body shape, family constellation, immigration status, and more. These articles offer professionals in the field much to consider as they transform OE to be equitable and inclusive, helping more people enjoy and learn outside.

Identifying Challenges and Solutions to Early Childhood Education and the Perceived Importance of Outdoor Time: A Mixed Methods Approach in a Socioeconomically Diverse Population

“…Incorporating culturally diverse and inclusive nature-based activities in the curriculum can ensure that children from different backgrounds benefit equally from outdoor learning experiences. Research has identified the need for greater inclusion and diversity in outdoor experiences; yet, there has been a lack of systematic efforts to transform the mainstream outdoor sector and foster genuine acknowledgment of human cultural diversity [75]. Addressing this lack of diversity in outdoor spaces has the potential to increase the use of and accessibility to nature for families with diverse backgrounds.…”