Benefits of outdoor centre

Dear Editor,

In response to the Advertiser article [February 5] regarding the proposed closure of Kilbowie outdoor centre, I understand the financial pressures placed on our elected members during this lengthy period of austerity.

However, as an education consultant, I would like to state some of the many benefits of a residential outdoor experience for North Lanarkshire children.

Many pieces of research show that residential outdoor experience improves children’s personal development with attainment, social skills and behaviour improving.

It is important to afford school pupils the opportunity to experience this form of education, as it positively influences the next generation’s wellbeing, environmental awareness and responsibility.

Proven benefits of outdoor learning include decreased stress levels, increased motivation, better grades, improved health, better overall behaviour, improved memory, enhanced communication skills, increased self-confidence and self-esteem, better attitude towards the environment and community improvement.

This list is far from exhaustive. The many gains from such an experience last a lifetime and help to prepare young people for the demands of an ever-changing world.

Kilbowie also provides excellent value for money; based on operational costs and usage for 2018-2019, the average cost per pupil is £223.80.

The location of Kilbowie does incur transport costs but, in my opinion, the isolation adds to the adventure for the children.

I note that the local authority have “ambitious plans to develop our own local assets – for the benefit of the children of the area”.

Not knowing the detail of this plan it is impossible to comment.

However, if they are considering Strathclyde Park – while this is an excellent outdoor resource, many of the water-based activities carry risks from blue-green algae; and the benefits from the residential aspect would be a big loss.

Any caring adult can make a difference to a child’s life and I implore our council leader and elected members to show some care and compassion and reconsider the decision regarding Kilbowie outdoor centre. Gerard Shield, education consultant, via email