The Colour Green | Natures Classroom

Have you ever said you’re not an “outdoorsy” person? Or heard someone else say it, like it’s a fixed trait—something you either are or aren’t?The truth is, even if we’re not all keen hikers, gardeners or camping enthusiasts, there’s a part of all of us that craves fresh air. That likes the smell of rain or freshly cut grass. Who dreams of tropical getaways with crystal-clear water and green palm trees overhead.

That craving isn’t random. It’s built into us.

Spending time in nature doesn’t just feel good; it’s good for us. Studies have shown that time outdoors can reduce stress, lower anxiety, improve mood, and boost concentration. Even short bursts of green space, like a walk through the bush or time spent sitting under a tree, can help reset our nervous systems and improve our sense of wellbeing. For children, this can mean fewer meltdowns, an increased ability to regulate emotions, and better focus at school. Nature offers space to breathe, to rest, and to reset. In a time where green spaces are becoming less accessible and we’re spending more and more time on screens, time outside is something we must actively seek out.

It’s why we, as a species, love indoor plants - and why interior designers seem to be using the colour green for everything. Humans naturally seek out green because it makes us feel calm, safe, and motivated. Before screens and concrete buildings, green meant food, water, shelter - green meant security. That instinct to surround ourselves with green is hardwired into us through thousands of years of evolution. Whether it’s found in grass, trees, forests, or even scrappy shrubs, it plays a vital role in our wellbeing.

Outside, kids learn in a different way. They learn how to take risks and solve problems. They learn how to work together - pitching in, sharing a laugh when things don’t go to plan. They learn patience, resilience, and independence. And they learn how to be still. To sit with their thoughts.

To feel connected to something bigger than themselves. Green spaces aren’t just nice - they’re necessary.

It’s not just learning about the outdoors - it’s learning because of it.

It’s not forced, it just happens. It’s where children before them have been learning for millennia. Empowering children - especially in an age of indoor living, fear of bugs and aversion to dirt - to head outside and enjoy the same benefits as generations before them is a big part of why I love my job.

At Camp Sunnystones, I see firsthand how time outdoors changes kids. They meet me for the Walk In feeling unsure, often a little nervous - anxious about ants, nervous to be away from home, unsure about the hike ahead. By the end of camp, they’ve walked further than they thought they could. They’ve cooked a meal outside, faced challenges head-on, tried new things, they stand a little bit taller, and they have discovered parts of themselves they didn’t know were there - all under a wide, open sky and surrounded by the colour green.

Nature isn’t an “extra” in a child’s education or upbringing. It’s fundamental to how they learn and grow. Just like we make time for reading and maths, we must make time for stillness, reflection, movement, and green space. And all of that is waiting in abundance - right outside.

Because when we spend time outdoors, we’re just a little bit better - I know I certainly am.