"Tell me, and I will forget. Show me, and I may remember. Involve me, and I will understand."

Experiential education is a process for learning through action; learning outside the classroom allows children to test their abilities, use initiative, take risks and make mistakes without the fear of failure.

An outdoor education programme can enhance the following skills:,

• teamwork
• outdoor survival
• spirituality
• leadership
• problem solving

Children are at their rawest level when outdoors. We remember that we are part of a greater ecosystem and are not as bound by social customs and norms. In essence we are more true to ourselves and it is easier to see each other as people, regardless of race, class, religion etc. Outdoor education also helps instill the basic elements of teamwork because we are forced to work together and rely on others. For many children a timber trail or an outdoor activity zone may stretch their comfort zone and cause them to challenge themselves physically, which in turn can lead to challenging oneself mentally.

Through the Playforce Play Elements we can examine and develop the role of children's play as part of appropriate practices for young children.