The Character Company connect boys with absent fathers to positive role models. Beyond human connection, they’ve found that time in nature is essential to the youngsters’ growth, and we can all take notes!
South Africa (19 December 2024) — From the ancient wisdom of cultures entrenched in indigenous knowledge to the roots of Westernised medicine, the healing power of nature has long been understood by humans across eras.
But, in an age where we spend more time indoors than ever before and tend to explore the world mostly through smartphones, it seems many of us have exchanged our understanding of time in nature as an essential for something different. Now, it feels like a luxury and something reserved for off-time. And it’s the younger generation suffering the brunt of this mindset shift.
Take South Africa’s context into consideration. We have some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the world to explore. Yet, many of our children have never experienced even a fraction of our natural spoils.
Phones and privilege aside, children from underserved communities too are impacted by less time outdoors for different socio-economic reasons.
So, what happens to the healing power of nature when? According to the non-profit The Character Company, which is transforming the lives of young boys without fathers by connecting them with positive male role models, time in nature needs to be made a priority. Whether the initiative comes from parents or child-focused charities, a little more time in nature can do the world of good.
The Character Company Experience
TCC explains that nature is an important backdrop for their programmes.
In their experience, it has helped facilitate their activities, which centre around values like respect, courage, self-discipline, kindness and honesty.
Through weekly mentorship sessions, weekend camps and adventure trips, TCC provides not just fun nature-based experiences but opportunities for personal growth and character building.
The Nature Connection
Jaco van Schalkwyk, founder and CEO of The Character Company, explains why nature plays such a pivotal role in what they do:
“Children are adventurous explorers, and for our boys, being outdoors fulfils so much of what we need—exercise, sun on our skin, wind in our hair, and the adventure of it all. But it’s more than that,” he says.
“Nature pushes us to grow. Whether it’s climbing a tall tree or taking a leap into a river off a high rock, these moments teach boys courage in the safe spaces we create for them. Helping set up a camp site and sitting around a campfire having conversations and listening to others’ stories foster collaboration and empathy and give boys the opportunities to build meaningful relationships with their adult male mentors and other boys.”
For any child, a connection with nature is also a connection to a world bigger than their own.
Problems seem much smaller when we’re looking at them from the foot of a mountain—the resilience of a tree following a terrible storm.
It is inspiring to anyone. And the trust a bird has in its own wings is its own kind of nod to believe in oneself.
Children need help putting these things into perspective. And luckily for us, Mother Nature is a wonderful teacher.
Trading the Digital World for the Natural One
Jaco emphasises the importance of unplugging when spending time outdoors.
“When we go on these trips, there’s no tech allowed except for taking photos. You leave the internet and gaming environments behind and reconnect with the real world by scrambling over rocks, rafting down rivers, and going on scorpion hunts at night.”
By unplugging in this way, the kids can focus not on the photos they’ll post or feel anxious about responding to messages. They get to be present and focus on one another and the glorious spaces surrounding them.
The Psychological Benefits of Reconnecting with Our Planet
According to Janine Kendall, Counselling Psychologist and the Head of Learning and Teaching at SACAP (South African College of Applied Psychology), nature-based activities have profound emotional and psychological impact.
“Engaging with nature reduces stress and anxiety while enhancing self-esteem and resilience,” she explains. “It’s a setting that promotes emotional regulation and supports overall mental well-being.”
Janine also highlights the unique social benefits as well—essential for childhood development.
“Group activities in nature encourage teamwork and communication, building trust and social competence. These shared experiences, such as hiking or solving challenges together, create bonds that foster a sense of belonging.”
For fatherless boys, this is especially significant.
“Interactions with male mentors in these settings provide much-needed role modelling,” Kendall says. “Boys gain not just guidance but also the sense that they are valuable and cared for—something every child needs.”
More About The Character Company
The Character Company’s programme is more than just weekend camps or an adventure holiday. It’s a combination of consistent experiences that address the gaps left by absent fathers.
“When a mentor takes the time to go fishing with a boy or shares a hike, it fills a void,” says Jaco. “It doesn’t replace the father, but it shows a vulnerable boy that he’s valuable and cared for by a good man. He grows in his self-worth.”
You can find out more about their epic work for the next generation here.
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