The Vital Role of Outdoor Time in Preparing for Collapse

30 Minutes a Day Won't Cut It

In an era where digital screens dominate our lives, surveys and studies a many have starkly highlighted how little time modern Americans and others around the world spend outdoors. This trend is more than a lifestyle choice; it's a growing concern, especially when considering preparedness for the withering decay of civilization. Being physically, mentally, and intellectually ready for such challenges necessitates a fundamental reconnection with the outdoors. Let's explore why.

Children and Majority of Adults Spend Less Time Outdoors Than Prison Inmates

In a variety of publications, one can find data showing that children spend less than 30 minutes outdoors every day. Another more in-depth study says Americans spend 92.4% of their time indoors. That’s from 2001, so I imagine it has gotten much worse with technology, streaming, and the Pandemic.

Prison inmates are allotted two hours every day by law, otherwise it is deemed “cruel and unusual punishment.” It would seem the nature of our lifestyle has become cruel and unusual punishment in its own right (on many different levels).

What We Gain From Outdoor Time

The outdoors is a natural healer and teacher. Physically, it helps combat modern sedentariness, boosts vitamin D production, and supports overall well-being. Mentally, it's a sanctuary for reducing stress and enhancing mood. Intellectually, nature fosters creativity and sharpens problem-solving skills – essential attributes for navigating collapse scenarios.

Lost Skills

Our modern, indoor-centric lifestyle has led to a gradual erosion of essential outdoor skills that were once common knowledge. Navigation, for instance, is a skill that has been largely outsourced to GPS devices. Many of us would find it challenging to orient ourselves using a map and compass, let alone navigate by the stars or landmarks. Wilderness survival skills, such as identifying edible plants, creating shelters from natural materials, or even starting a fire without matches, have become foreign concepts to a population accustomed to the conveniences of modern living. These skills, once a part of everyday life, are now rarities, creating a gap in our collective ability to adapt to and survive in natural environments.

Practical, Hands-on Experience in the Outdoors

There’s a profound difference between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Reading about survival tactics or watching online tutorials is one thing; applying these skills in real-world scenarios is another. Practical, hands-on experience in the outdoors is irreplaceable. It teaches us not just the 'how' but also the 'why' behind survival techniques. It builds confidence, hones instinctual reactions, and embeds deep-seated knowledge that can be called upon instinctively when needed. This hands-on experience also fosters a profound connection with nature, encouraging a respect and understanding of the environment that is essential for survival.

Self-Sufficiency and Resilience

In a collapse scenario, the ability to be self-sufficient becomes paramount. Outdoor skills play a critical role in this regard. Knowing how to source and purify water, forage for food, create shelter, and provide basic first aid are not just skills; they are lifelines. They empower individuals, reducing dependency on societal structures that may no longer be reliable or accessible. Furthermore, these skills cultivate resilience – both mentally and physically. The mental fortitude developed from overcoming challenges in the wild, coupled with the physical toughness required for outdoor survival, creates a resilient individual. This resilience is crucial not just for survival, but also for thriving in the aftermath of a collapse, enabling individuals to rebuild, adapt, and flourish in new realities.

Strategies for Integrating More Outdoor Activities into Daily Life

In a world where the indoors often captivates our attention, finding ways to integrate nature into our daily routine is essential. It begins with small, manageable changes. Start by identifying idle or less productive times of your day that can be shifted outdoors. This could be as simple as enjoying your morning coffee in the garden, taking your work or study sessions to a park, or opting for walking or biking for short commutes. Make it a habit to spend at least one part of your day outside, even if it's just for a few minutes. Regular exposure to sunlight, fresh air, and the natural environment can significantly impact your overall well-being and gradually foster a deeper appreciation for outdoor activities.

Nature Walks, Gardening, Outdoor Sports

Nature walks offer a great way to spend quality time together while exploring the outdoors. These can be leisurely strolls in a local park or more adventurous hikes in nearby trails. Gardening, another fulfilling outdoor activity, teaches patience, care, and the cycle of life, apart from providing a hands-on experience with nature. For individuals seeking more active pursuits, outdoor sports like cycling, kayaking, or backpacking offer both physical exercise and mental rejuvenation.

Encouraging children to play outside, perhaps by scheduling regular family outdoor games or enrolling them in outdoor sports, can build their affinity for the natural world from a young age. The key is to find activities that align with your interests and lifestyle, ensuring that the time spent outdoors is enjoyable and sustainable in the long term.

Community Initiatives to Promote Outdoor Engagement

Community initiatives play a pivotal role in promoting outdoor engagement. Local groups and organizations can organize clean-up drives, tree planting activities, or community gardens, offering residents a chance to contribute to their environment positively. Workshops or outdoor education programs can be held to teach survival skills, wildlife identification, or environmental conservation.

This is also a great place to meet and collaborate with like-minded individuals and create better community, which is another vital element of collapse preparation. We have to think “us” not “me” when it comes to collapse. The individualistic prepper is just a pipe dream.

Specific Outdoor Skills Vital for Survival in Collapse Scenarios

In a collapse scenario, certain outdoor skills become survival necessities. Key among these skills is shelter building, a fundamental requirement for protection against the elements and maintaining body temperature. Equally critical is the ability to forage for food – understanding which plants are edible, how to identify them, and how to harvest them without depleting resources.

Other vital skills include:

• Water sourcing and purification: Locating safe water sources and understanding methods to purify water.

• Fire making: Knowing different techniques to start and maintain a fire under various conditions.

• Basic first aid and wild medicine: Understanding how to treat injuries with limited resources and utilizing natural remedies for common ailments.

• Navigation: Being able to navigate without GPS technology, using a map, compass, or natural indicators.

Training Programs and Resources Available

For those looking to acquire or hone these skills, numerous training programs and resources are available. Programs like my vision for 21Scout offer structured learning experiences that cover a wide range of survival skills. These programs often combine theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on training, ensuring that participants are not just familiar with survival techniques, but also proficient in applying them.

Additionally, there are online resources, books, and community workshops that focus on specific skills such as bushcraft, herbal medicine, and wilderness first aid. Facebook, Reddit and other online forums like BushcraftUSA.com come to mind. Joining local survivalist groups or outdoor clubs can also provide valuable learning opportunities through shared experiences and knowledge.

Personal Experience

When I was approximately 13 years old, I was skiing with my father and we were caught in a hellish snowstorm near a high summit. Visibility was down to mere feet. The wind had us bound to the ground. The bottom line was we were just going to have to wait it out. Trying to ski under those conditions was asking for severe injury.

In that particular instance, some quick problem-solving skills, and preparedness helped ensure we would make it through the storm. We sought shelter from the wind under a large, live green tree. We looked out for ‘widower makers’ which are dead trees that wind can knock over. Our preparation with the clothing on our bodies kept us warm. That is one reason I started with instructions about proper attire in my guides, because in past experience, it has literally saved by life. Attire and my skis were the only gear I had.

The Layered Clothing System for Survival

We hunkered down for what seemed like an eternity in that torrential tempest. I’m not going to lie, there may have been some prayers said in that moment, as might be expected when someone faces such a threat. Thankfully, we were ready when there was a break in the storm. We made a run for it all the way to the base of the mountain. It was nightfall and the storm picked up even stronger just as we made it in safe.

Such anecdotes underscore the importance of being prepared for the unexpected. They highlight how outdoor skills can be life-saving in emergency situations and demonstrate the empowering nature of self-reliance. As we face an increasingly uncertain future, these skills don't just prepare us for survival; they equip us to thrive in the face of adversity.

Mental Barriers: Overcoming the Fear of the Unfamiliar

One possible barrier to spending more time in the outdoors is the fear of the unfamiliar. I’ve had people tell me they went camping once and were miserable. So if you don’t already spend a bunch of time out there, its important to understand there is a learning curve. Here’s some tips to overcome this obstacle.

• Education and Familiarity: Fear of the unknown can be a significant barrier. Educating oneself about the outdoors can alleviate many of these fears. This can be as simple as learning about local wildlife, understanding basic survival skills, or familiarizing oneself with the area's geography. I’ll be honest, moving to a temperate rain forest with bear and wolf populations from a desert was an adjustment. I had to brush up on my wet fire skills, shelters, and knowledge about bears.

• Start Small: Begin with short, simple outdoor activities and gradually increase the duration and complexity as confidence grows. Even if this means sleeping in your vehicle at first on a campout, its a start.

• Buddy System: Engaging in outdoor activities with a friend or family member can provide a sense of security and make the experience more enjoyable.

• Reflect on Experiences: After spending time outdoors, reflect on the experience. Recognize the fears that were overcome and the enjoyment and benefits gained from the activity.

By addressing these barriers, we can make outdoor activities more accessible and enjoyable. This not only enhances our connection with nature but also prepares us for situations where survival skills and resilience become crucial. Remember, the journey to becoming more outdoors-oriented is a personal one, and even small steps can lead to significant changes in our relationship with the natural world.

The importance of outdoor time in preparing for a collapse scenario cannot be overstated. It's about more than just enjoying nature; it's about fostering a resilient and well-prepared mindset. Now is the time to step outside, to learn, to prepare, and to reconnect with the essential skills that nature imparts.

I urge you, assess your connection with the outdoors and take proactive steps to strengthen it. Explore the resources available on this blog and beyond. Share your journey and experiences with our community. Together, let's build a resilient, nature-connected, and prepared society for whatever the future holds.