The Outdoor Foundation released a Special Report on Youth, a new research report detailing youth participation in outdoor recreation. The report reveals, among other findings, that nearly 60% of American youth ages 6-24
participate in outdoor recreation. In recent years, participation has
fallen each year.
Other key findings in the report:
Frequency of Participation – American youth made an estimated 4.26 billion outdoor excursions in 2008.
Gender Disparities – Males of all ages participate at a higher rate
than females. Fifty-six percent of youth outdoor participants ages 6-24
are male.
Ethnic Participation – Minority populations are underrepresented in
outdoor recreation. Seventy-nine percent of youth outdoor participants
are Caucasian.
Top Activities – Running, bicycling, fishing, camping and hiking are the most popular outdoor activities among youth.
Youngest Activities – Skateboarding, BMX bicycling, snowboarding,
climbing and triathlon have the highest percentage of youth
participants and lowest percentage of adults.
Motivations – Parents, friends and family introduce the most youth to
the outdoors. Most youth enjoy the fun, relaxation and exercise of
outdoor activities most.
Barriers – A lack of interest and a lack of time are the top barriers
keeping youth non-participants in outdoor recreation indoors.
Adults with Children in Their Household – Adults 18 and older with
children, s 1-17, in their household participate in outdoor recreation
at higher levels than adults without children in their household.
The report explores the frequency of youth participation in outdoor activities, the motivations and barriers of young outdoor participants and the most underrepresented demographics in youth outdoor participation.
“Today's young hikers, campers, climbers and paddlers are tomorrow's adult outdoor enthusiasts and conservationists, but sadly fewer and fewer youth are heading outdoors each year,” said Christine Fanning, executive director of The Outdoor Foundation. “The United States is now facing an unprecedented public health and conservation problem. Reconnecting youth with the outdoors has become critical to the health of future generations and the health of our natural landscapes.”
With the new information detailed within the Special Report on Youth, The Outdoor Foundation seeks to provide youth organizations, public agencies, businesses and non-profits with insights needed to get youth outside. The report dives deep into youth participation in outdoor activities -from detailing the demographics and geography of youth outdoor participation to reporting the youth participation rate and median age of over 30 different outdoor activities.
The Special Report on Youth is based on extended analysis of data collected for the foundation's Outdoor Recreation Participation Report, produced annually by The Outdoor Foundation. The report draws on the responses of over 40,000 Americans ages 6 and older captured in an online survey covering 114 different activities. The survey is the largest of its type examining participation in sports and outdoor activities.
