New Year’s Resolutions for the Adventurous: Make 2025 Your Year with UKSN

The New Year is a time for fresh starts, new goals, and the perfect opportunity to challenge yourself. If you’re a member of the UKSN community or simply an outdoor enthusiast looking to embrace adventure and self-sufficiency in 2025, these resolutions will inspire you to step out of your comfort zone. Designed with UKSN values in mind, they’re family-friendly, achievable, and guaranteed to enhance your outdoor skills and appreciation for nature. Let’s dive in!

Attend a UKSN Camp

There’s no better way to kickstart your New Year’s resolutions than by attending one of UKSN’s camps. These events provide a safe and supportive environment where members can:

• Practice bushcraft skills: Whether it’s fire-making, shelter building, or other survival techniques, you can hone your abilities in a secure setting.

• Build connections: Meet like-minded individuals who share your passion for the outdoors.

• Immerse in nature: Spend quality time away from screens, surrounded by the beauty of the British countryside.

UKSN camps don’t usually include structured activities but offer the perfect opportunity for self-directed skill practice and camaraderie. Make it a priority to experience at least one camp this year.

Get Outside More Often

In our busy lives, it’s easy to lose touch with the great outdoors. Commit to spending more time outside in 2025. Here are some simple ways to make this resolution a reality:

• Take weekly nature walks: Explore local parks, forests, or trails. Even a 30-minute stroll can do wonders for your physical and mental well-being.

• Try wild camping: For a true adventure, pack your tent and head to a remote spot (always check local regulations first).

• Engage the family: Bring your kids along for an afternoon of tree-climbing, den-building, or wildlife spotting.

Time in nature not only improves health but also deepens your connection with the environment—a core value of the UKSN community.

Boost Your Fitness with Outdoor Activities

Adventure and fitness go hand in hand. This year, incorporate more outdoor exercise into your routine. You don’t need expensive gym memberships when you have nature as your playground. Here’s how:

• Hiking: Start with gentle trails and gradually increase the distance and difficulty.

• Trail running: Swap the treadmill for a forest path and enjoy a more dynamic workout.

• Cycling: Explore scenic routes while building cardiovascular strength.

Fitness doesn’t have to feel like a chore when you pair it with exploration and adventure.

Learn a New Skill

Expanding your knowledge and skillset is always a great resolution. While UKSN doesn’t run courses per se, you can still explore skills relevant to self-sufficiency and preparedness through local classes or online resources. Here are some ideas:

• First Aid Training: A must for any adventurer, learning first aid ensures you’re prepared for emergencies.

• Map Reading and Navigation: Leave GPS behind and master the art of orienteering.

• Firecraft and Shelter Building: Hone your bushcraft basics to enhance your confidence in the wild.

By investing in these skills, you’ll gain practical knowledge that supports your outdoor adventures.

Build a Personal Emergency Kit

Preparedness is at the heart of UKSN values. This year, resolve to create or update your personal emergency kit and B.O.B. Include essentials such as:

• First aid supplies

• Water filtration system

• Non-perishable food

• Multi-tool and torch

Make sure your kit is tailored to your family’s needs and always ready for unexpected situations.

Get the Family Involved

One of the most rewarding aspects of being part of UKSN is the family-friendly ethos. This year, encourage your loved ones to join your adventures. Ideas include:

• Organising a family camping trip

• Hosting a backyard bushcraft session

• Joining or creating a local UKSN Charter together

Teaching children survival skills and fostering a love for the outdoors creates lasting memories and equips them for the future.

Focus on Sustainability

A commitment to self-sufficiency and the environment is central to UKSN’s mission. Make 2025 the year you:

• Reduce waste: Embrace reusable items and minimise single-use plastics.

• Grow your own food: Start a vegetable patch or even a few potted herbs.

• Learn new sustainable practices: Composting, rainwater harvesting, or making natural cleaning products are excellent skills to acquire.

Every small step contributes to a healthier planet and aligns with UKSN’s principles.

Document Your Journey

As you embark on your resolutions, consider documenting your progress. Share your experiences with the UKSN community through photos, videos, or social media posts. This will:

• Inspire others: Motivate fellow members to pursue their own goals.

• Celebrate milestones: Reflect on how far you’ve come.

• Preserve memories: Create a keepsake of your adventures for years to come.

Your story could even encourage someone to take their first step towards outdoor exploration.

Final Thoughts on New Year's Resolutions

As you plan your resolutions, remember that every small step counts. Whether it’s joining UKSN, attending a camp, creating/joining a Charter, taking a family hike, or learning a new skill, each action contributes to a more adventurous, self-sufficient, and fulfilling year. Let 2025 be the year you embrace the spirit of UKSN and make unforgettable memories in the great outdoors.

Are you ready to take on these resolutions? We’d love to hear about your plans and progress. Share your goals with the UKSN community and let’s make 2025 a year to remember!