When planning your summer activities, you want to choose the ones that will give you the most memories. There is one outing that is guaranteed to be memorable: camping.
Camping is intimidating for many parents. The weather is unpredictable, sleeping arrangements are uncomfortable, wild animals make spooky noises, and everyone is at least a little scared of bugs when it’s completely dark.
But here are just a few reasons why you should consider–and even plan–a camping trip with your kids this summer.
1. Immersion in Nature
Americans spend a staggering 90% of their lives indoors. Less than 125 years ago, Americans spent most of their time outdoors and lived radically healthier lives.
Being inside all day has its downsides. Surrounded by artificial lights, unnatural electromagnetic fields like WiFi and Bluetooth, static airflow, and other man-made substances, are not conducive to proper development. All humans need to be connected with nature!
Camping fully immerses parents and children in beneficial natural elements.
2. Develops Life Skills
There are valuable life skills that kids can learn that only camping can provide. Things like pitching a tent, safely starting a campfire, identifying various plants and animal tracks, foraging, a sense of direction and use of a compass, teamwork, and survival skills are most impressive when camping. These are the memories that will stick with your kids for the rest of their lives!
3. Increases Physical Activity
Camping encourages physical activity that promotes a healthy lifestyle. Pitching tents, gathering firewood, hiking, and exploring gives physical activity a purpose, and therefore makes it exciting and enjoyable. When kids (and adults!) see the benefits of being physically active, they’ll be more likely to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
4. Encourages Creativity and Imagination
Kids these days are rapidly losing their creativity and imagination, but camping has a way of opening the door to imaginative play. A leaf in the creek becomes boats they can race, acorns and acorn hats become a tea set, and mud pies are the most decadent desserts.
It can take an hour or longer for kids to settle into creative play, so don’t be surprised if at first, they see sticks and stones and not the materials for a fort. Time, encouragement, and modeling creative play can help get the ball rolling.
5. Fosters Quality Bonding Time
Camping takes you away from the pressing needs of present society and creates a little bubble for quality family time. When everyone is unplugged, in the same location, and working towards the same goals (like pitching a tent or roasting marshmallows), you may be surprised how much your family will bond during a camping trip, with plenty of memories.
Be bold and plan a camping trip this summer! You can start small by camping in your basement (so everyone gets used to sleeping in the same room), then camping in your backyard, and then a campground close to your home. A summer camping trip may be your next family tradition!