It depends on the outdoor activities. As long as it doesn't involve a lot of water you should be fine. Most digital cameras nowadays can stand the roughness of carrying them around and such. The one thing you want to avoid though is keeping it in direct sunlight or high heat.

I'd invest in a good, small camera bag that he can carry with the camera in it. Not only will it help protect it, but will also help him keep track of it and clip it to his backpack or other gear when in the great outdoors.

Is super durable. It can take a large amount of abuse. I bought one for my wife and she takes it rock climbing. despite numerous scratches, and and nics it still works like a charm.