The Outdoor Play, Leisure, Activity and Education Special Interest Group (Outdoor PLAE SIG) of the Children’s Research Network was delighted to host a conference focusing on the importance of outdoor places and spaces for children and young people.
Outdoor places and spaces provide opportunities to support play, healthy physical, social and emotional development, as well as mental well-being. Additionally, both natural and well-designed outdoor spaces offer a chance for children and young people to learn more about the environment, climate change, sustainability, as well as opportunities for exercise, recreation and independent mobility.
The conference took place Thursday 25th 2023 at DCU, Glasnevin Campus, Dublin 9. It was great to hear from presenters on the important research being conducted around children and young people and the outdoors. From outdoor education, to children’s outdoor experiences, to connecting local environments and communities, it is clear there is a wealth of knowledge out there, as well as more work to be done.
Our two keynote speakers for the conference are John Mitchell and Dr Sarah O’Malley!
John Mitchell is the Head of Partnerships for Barretstown. Barretstown is a not-for-profit organisation located in County Kildare which provides life-changing therapeutic recreation programmes for children affected by serious illness and their families. John began his career with Barretstown on student placement in 2004. After completing several seasons as contract staff, he joined the programme team full-time in 2010, progressing through the ranks to Camp Director in 2014. John worked on several teams throughout his career in Barretstown both in programme and as part of the wider organisation. His background is in Health & Leisure Science and in his current role, he is raising awareness of Barretstown’s life changing therapeutic programmes and how to access them.
Dr Sarah O’Malley is an EU Projects Officer with Limerick City and County Council. Projects (H2020 GoGreenRoutes) focus on implementing nature based solutions through stakeholder engagement, and the co-creation of green space for nature connection, physical activity and biodiversity. An Irish Research Council Scholar, she was awarded her PhD in the School of Political Science and Sociology at NUI, Galway. Sarah’s research critically examined the underpinning concepts of environmental education provisions and to what extent they (re)connects children with the natural environment. She has lectured, researched and worked in the areas of outdoor learning, (dis)connection with nature, environmental sociology, (environmental) education, disability and inclusion. She has published on these subjects. In her spare time, she is by, in, or on the sea!
We are looking forward to hearing their experiences and perspectives on the benefits of outdoor spaces for children and young people at the conference.
The programme for the CRN Children and Youth Outdoors Conference has been released! There will be four sessions of presentations overall, as well as posters and keynote speakers. If you are interested in attending, click the link below to buy your ticket and register!