When planning your summer activities, one outing is guaranteed to be memorable: camping.
Camping is like a sugar detox: most adults know that it would be good for them, but they also don’t want to give it a shot. Kids and adults alike balk at camping, and perhaps for good reason. There is unpredictable weather, uncomfortable sleeping arrangements, spooky noises of wild animals, 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. 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.
2. Promotes 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.
3. Increased Physical Activity
Camping encourages physical activity that promotes a healthy lifestyle. Pitching tents, gathering firewood, hiking, and exploring give physical activity a purpose, and therefore make 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. Nature Immersion
Americans spend 90% of their lives indoors between work, school, and home. Less than 125 years ago the opposite was true. Americans spent the majority of their time outdoors.
Being inside, surrounded by artificial lights, unnatural electromagnetic fields like WiFi and Bluetooth, static airflow, and other man-made substances, is not conducive to proper development. All humans need to be connected with nature!
Camping is a fully immersive experience! Parents and children are constantly surrounded by beneficial natural elements.
Be bold and plan a camping trip this summer! Start small by camping in your basement so everyone gets used to sleeping in the same room. Then camp in your backyard, and then find a campground close to your home. A summer camping trip may be your next family tradition!