There may not be Wi-Fi in the forest, but you will find a better connection.

Being online today means being able to connect with the world 24 hours a day and with a whole world out there to explore, many believe that they can do it virtually by experiencing what others do. But does that compare to being able to explore and experience these things yourselves with real hands on experience?

We’re saying no, and it doesn’t have to be one or the other, you can actively do both in equal measure to ensure you are experiencing these things yourself and then you yourself can share them with the world.

Instead of taking virtual tours,  reading someone else’s blogs about travel and watching someone else’s adventure on YouTube, create your own! Come to Avon Tyrrell and try it first-hand. In the New Year you probably made resolutions to be more active, get your kids more active and try different and exciting things. Well, now’s your chance. “There may not be Wi-Fi in the forest, but we promise you will find a better connection.”

‘Let’s create a better internet together’.

With Internet Awareness Day taking place on Tuesday 10th Feb and with coordination across the UK by the UK Safer Internet Centre, hundreds of organizations will get involved to promote safe and responsible use of digital technology for children and young people.

Whilst Avon Tyrrell is an outdoor activity centre, last year we ran a number of Surf and Turf Camps aimed at giving young people the opportunities to experience technology, yet combining it with the outdoors, to show that these two things can interlink to develop creativity online and showcase how the outdoors can interact with different online platforms in new and exciting ways.

Online safety today is just as important as being safe when you are outdoors and today children are just as vulnerable when they log on to their computer. By offering opportunities and highlighting positive uses of technology, and exploring the roles we play in helping to create a better and safer online community, we are doing our bit to ensure we are actively involved with different elements influencing the lives of young people. A better internet is ultimately up to us all, and as a young person’s charity, it is our duty to ensure they are aware of the issues when uploading their content online.

Keeping your kids safe online

• Restrict access to all over 18 sites
• Restrict access to social media networks and chatrooms
• Put time restrictions on online usage
• Limit internet access for homework
• Check internet history after use
• Talk to them about the dangers online

Get them off their computers, get them outdoors and get them reconnecting with nature and experiencing the wilderness. With fields, forests, parks, beaches, outdoor centres and even gardens, it is important to help improve fitness, mental alertness and general wellbeing.

Encouraging your child to go outdoors with their friends by not giving them access to social media and not giving them unlimited access to the internet will also help protect them and give them better experiences and help develop life skills and better awareness of life.

Check out Google Maps to see virtually what Avon Tyrrell has to offer or even better, come to the centre and choose to check it out yourself!

Avon Tyrrell