In a world where screens are becoming an integral part of everyday life, the balance between virtual and wild play has never been more important. At Forest Frontiers, we are passionate about creating a sense of awe and wonder for the natural world, and we believe that wild play—where children are free to explore and engage with nature—offers irreplaceable benefits for their growth and development.
What is Wild Play?
Wild play refers to outdoor activities where children are encouraged to explore, create, and learn in natural environments. It’s all about the freedom to climb trees, build dens, or simply observe the wildlife around them. Wild play offers countless opportunities for children to embrace their curiosity and engage with the world around them in meaningful ways.
At Forest Frontiers, we place nature at the heart of everything we do. Our sessions are designed to empower children to take the lead in their own learning journey. We believe that nature has a transformative power—one that not only fosters creativity and resilience but also enhances physical health and emotional wellbeing. Children who experience wild play become resilient nature protectors who carry forward a deep respect for the environment.
The Rise of Virtual Play
Virtual play, including video games, apps, and online communities, has its place in modern childhood. It provides opportunities for cognitive development, hand-eye coordination, and, in some cases, social connections. However, it’s important to recognize that too much time spent on screens can isolate children from real-world experiences.
Virtual play tends to offer a more passive form of engagement. While it can be fun and educational in moderation, excessive screen time can hinder social skills, reduce physical activity, and impact mental health. In a world filled with technology, it’s crucial that children also have time to step outside, breathe fresh air, and experience the world in a more tactile way.
The Benefits of Wild Play Over Virtual Play
While both types of play can be enjoyable, the benefits of wild play are profound and multi-faceted
Physical Health: Wild play encourages physical activity—climbing, running, and exploring—helping children develop strength, coordination, and overall fitness. It’s an antidote to the sedentary lifestyle that often comes with too much screen time.
Mental Wellbeing: Nature has a calming effect, reducing stress and enhancing mood. Wild play encourages mindfulness and provides children with the space to process their emotions and build resilience..
Creativity and Problem-Solving: In the outdoors, children encounter real-world challenges that require creative thinking and problem-solving. Whether it’s figuring out how to navigate a muddy path or building a den from branches, nature inspires resourcefulness and imagination.
Social Skills: Wild play fosters collaboration. As children play together outdoors, they learn important social skills such as teamwork, communication, and conflict resolution. Unlike virtual play, which can be isolating, wild play builds meaningful connections.
Connection to Nature: Perhaps most importantly, wild play helps children develop a lasting connection to the natural world. This bond nurtures their curiosity and instills a sense of responsibility for the environment—a vital trait for future generations of nature protectors.
Virtual Play Vs Real-Life Learning: The Flint and Steel Moment
A powerful example of the difference between virtual and real-world experiences came up during a recent session with a group of children. They were learning about fire lighting, and when asked how to create fire, they confidently stated they needed a flint and steel—just like in the game Minecraft. However, when we challenged them by asking how flint and steel actually work in real life, they explained, “Well, you find one and just throw it on the floor and fire appears.”
Intrigued, we decided to test their theory. To their shock, it didn’t work! This moment was a strong lesson in understanding that not everything experienced virtually reflects reality. I then showed them how flint and steel are truly used, and the resulting conversations were eye-opening. “This is hard work. I really thought that’s how fire was made. Why is Minecraft wrong? Minecraft is life… I’m shocked! But this is really cool—look, I made a spark! It’s set on fire!”
The sense of achievement and pride that followed was incredibly powerful. After persevering and mastering the technique, they gained a deeper understanding of fire-making and the real-world challenges involved. This experience was a reminder of how virtual play can sometimes blur the line between fantasy and reality, while wild play offers children the opportunity to learn through tangible, hands-on experiences.
Forest Frontiers: Where Wild Play Meets Real-World Learning
At Forest Frontiers, our vision is to create a world where children are in the driver’s seat of their learning. We believe that wild play is a magical gateway to self-discovery and a deeper connection to the world around them. Our sessions encourage exploration and curiosity, while ensuring that every child feels equal and part of a supportive community.
We understand that nature is not just a place to visit but a space that nurtures health and wellbeing. By embracing nature’s power, we provide children with the tools they need to grow into strong, resilient individuals. From building dens to foraging for wild food, our activities are designed to empower children to become playful, curious explorers of the natural world.
Finding Balance
While virtual play can provide certain benefits, it should never replace the invaluable experience of wild play. At Forest Frontiers, we are proud to offer a space where children can unplug, get their hands dirty, and reconnect with the natural world. Our sessions bring to life the core values that drive us:
- Nature is at the heart of everything we do
- We encourage exploration and curiosity
- We create a community where everyone belongs
- We harness nature for health and wellbeing
- We are a fun and enthusiastic team
- We make a difference to our world
Finding Balance
While virtual play can provide certain benefits, it should never replace the invaluable experience of wild play. At Forest Frontiers, we are proud to offer a space where children can unplug, get their hands dirty, and reconnect with the natural world. Our sessions bring to life the core values that drive us:
- Nature is at the heart of everything we do
- We encourage exploration and curiosity
- We create a community where everyone belongs
- We harness nature for health and wellbeing
- We are a fun and enthusiastic team
- We make a difference to our world
Conclusion
Wild play and virtual play both have their merits, but wild play is an essential part of childhood that builds the foundation for lifelong learning and connection to nature. At Forest Frontiers, we are dedicated to helping children become the next generation of nature protectors and curious, playful explorers. By encouraging children to step outside and experience the world with wonder, we’re helping them thrive both now and in the future.
Join us at Forest Frontiers, where every session is an opportunity for awe, wonder, and growth—one adventure at a time.
