Behavioral Sciences, an international peer-reviewed open-access journal published by MDPI, is inviting submissions for its special issue, “Positive Youth Development Through Outdoor Recreation.” The manuscript submission deadline is October 16, 2026.

The special issue will examine how outdoor recreation and nature-based experiences can support young people’s personal, social and emotional development. It draws on the positive youth development (PYD) framework, which emphasises young people’s strengths and their capacity to become active contributors to society.

Scholars, practitioners and educators are invited to contribute work addressing youth resilience, personal growth and the development of life skills through outdoor participation. Topics include innovative out-of-school-time programmes, community partnerships, accessibility and inclusion in outdoor activities, and longitudinal research examining developmental outcomes. The call also highlights connections between outdoor education, environmental responsibility and young people’s relationships with nature.

The guest editors are Dr. Eddie L. Hill of Weber State University, Dr. Amy A. Direnzo of the State University of New York at Cortland, and Dr. Edwin Gómez of East Carolina University.

Research articles, review articles and short communications are welcome. Prospective authors may also send a proposed title and an abstract of approximately 250 words to the journal’s Editorial Office for an initial assessment.

Manuscripts must be submitted through MDPI’s online submission system. Submissions passing the preliminary editorial checks will undergo single-anonymised peer review. Accepted articles will be published individually as they become ready and collected on the special issue webpage.

The stated article processing charge for publication is CHF 2,400. Authors should consult the journal’s submission guidelines before preparing their manuscripts.

Further information and submission details are available on the official special issue webpage.