The term “micro-adventures” was made common by British adventurer Alistair Humphreys to describe a trip or experience that is short, cheap, easy and exciting. By removing the barriers that so often prevent people from exploring, such as financial cost, long lengths of time and lack of experience, micro-adventures encourage even the most hesitant of people to try their hand at something a little different to their everyday experiences. We have listed 5 simple micro-adventures to try this summer and hope that once people give them a try, they will feel more confident to go out and have many more!
1. Build your own shelter and sleep in it
This can be done either inside or outside. If you live in a flat or have no outside space, use sofa cushions, dining table chairs, bed sheets and blankets to create a comfortable indoor shelter. Try adding fairy lights to make it a bit more cosy!
If you have a garden, or access to some outside space where you feel safe, you can use a small tarp or foliage that has fallen from trees or bushes to make your temporary shelter – make sure it’s secure and won’t fall down!
Image Source: Pixabay
2. Ride a Bus or Train to the end of the line
Have you ever wondered where the bus or train you use to get to school or work everyday actually goes to? Try staying on until the end of the line on a day off and explore the area around there. If you have been there before, pick somewhere different on the route map to explore – always pass a park that looks great to chill out in? Or a shop you have always wanted to go inside? Or maybe it’s just somewhere with a really funny name (we have a few of those near our Base here in Kent! Anyone fancy a visit to Sandwich?!) Hop off and check them out for a micro adventure somewhere new!
Image Source: Pexels
3. Volunteer somewhere new
Try volunteering for a day at a dog and cat shelter or local wildlife park if you like animals. If people are more your thing, many events need volunteers to help out – Things like fun runs and other sporting activities are always a great way of spending a day meeting people and doing something different. You might be asked to pass out water or throw paint powder at runners going past, or maybe show people where to go at a music festival. Some events even give volunteers free entrance to the rest of the event or future dates if you give them a bit of your time.
Image Source: Pexels
4. Create your own Scavenger Hunt
Create a scavenger hunt of places to go and things to find in your local area and either go out and do it yourself, in a group or even make teams and compete against your friends. Ideas of items to tick off could be to take a photo of yourself in front of 5 yellow cars, or to be dressed in the same items of clothing as a mannequin in a shop. You could have to find 3 different coloured leaves or a street name containing the letters W and I – the possibilities are endless! Creating the hunt can be just as much fun as the actual adventure itself!
Image Source: Pixabay
5. Learn 5 words or phrases of a different language and find someone to say them to
Learning a new language is a skill that will always come in handy! You never know when you many need to say “Hello” to someone in Chinese or Zulu. Pick a language that you haven’t studied before and find out how to say simple things like “Thank you,” “My Name is….” and “That’s beautiful” Then go out and find someone to try them with! With people originating from so many different countries now settling in the UK, the opportunities to try out new languages are plentiful. Often, there are programs to bring together speakers of different languages so look what’s available in your area. Also, consider learning a bit of sign language!
Image Source: Pixabay
Keep on Adventuring!
WiseUp have a whole host of exciting activities for young people to try without needed to travel long distances to an expensive outdoor centre. Our events can be run at any site available, from school fields, halls and classrooms to local parks and scout centres. Please fill in one of our easy enquiry forms below for more information on sessions we offer, including our hands on Bushcraft Challenge and Orienteering exploration.
Title Image Source: Pixabay
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