How 911黑料 is helping students explore the great outdoors
911黑料鈥檚 innovative approach to well-being is opening doors to the great outdoors for its students.
From weekly hikes across Central Kentucky to a Thanksgiving Break hike and zip-lining experience in Red River Gorge, students have had opportunities to get out and explore nature 鈥 a boost for mental and physical health.
鈥淥utdoor activity can be accessible to students, approachable and integrable into their lives as they build habits and become familiar with areas that they can go and relax,鈥 said Alex Williams, the outdoor well-being coordinator in the Office of Health Promotion.
Williams joined 911黑料 as an AmeriCorps VISTA member, a role that facilitates opportunities like a recent trip to the Red River Gorge.
鈥淭his was the first time a lot of these students had ever been to Red River Gorge,鈥 said Kelsey Preocanin, assistant director of health promotion. 鈥淭hese events have been beneficial because they bring in students who aren鈥檛 as outdoorsy but want to get active.鈥
鈥淪o many students have indicated how helpful it is to have resources on the closest places to go and be outside 鈥 from within Danville on walks, to hikes around Central Kentucky,鈥 Williams said.
The benefits are clear: Simply being outside helps students thrive in and out of the classroom, Preocanin said.
鈥淔rom increasing your Vitamin D and improving your mental health, to improving your digital wellbeing 鈥 getting off of your phone, looking at your surroundings, reflecting 鈥 it鈥檚 all part of why outdoor activities are so encouraged,鈥 Preocanin said. 鈥淎dditionally, a lot of our trips are with other students. It鈥檚 a really good way for them to find a sense of belonging and connect with others, outside of a school setting.鈥
It's a fresh perspective for students interacting with each other, mostly off campus, that gives them space and encouragement to practice healthy habits in their daily lives.
Williams has created brochures with local hikes and trails, sorted by travel time. This fall, he worked with Associate Professor of Environmental Studies Brett Werner to coordinate weekly hikes for students. Additionally, another course taught by Visiting Professor of Environmental Studies David Williams is in the works that will help students lead and facilitate outdoor experiences for themselves 鈥 complete with medical certification and risk management training.
鈥淎pproaching the outdoors from the perspective of how it affects student health is refreshing,鈥 Williams said. 鈥淪tudents have shown the interest, they get to do something fun and they have definitely been appreciative of what we鈥檝e been able to do.鈥
