Remember as a child, getting home from school and bursting out the back door into the yard, field, or woods to climb high up in the trees, dig in the dirt, or go exploring? Maybe there was digging in the dirt to do (while looking for squirmy, icky things) or a creek that needed to be investigated.
Today, a child’s life after school is often filled with soccer practice, dance class, club meetings, music lessons and baseball games. All of which have value, but leave children with very little “free” time. The mantra that many of us heard while growing up, “Go outside and play,” has been replaced with “Get in the car. We’re going to be late.” Even when kids are home, they are often more compelled by indoor activities involving computers, TV and video games.
Camping provides children with many opportunities for playing in nature. Whether the kids are making up games or tossing bugs into a spider’s web, playing freely outdoors allows kids to make their own rules, dream up their own stories, and experiment and come to their own conclusions—all at their own pace. And unlike playground equipment and toys that respond the same way every time they are used, nature changes at the whim of the life that inhabits it. An overturned log may reveal a nest of bugs on one day, and a spongy mushroom the next. Meeting small challenges like climbing a tree or crossing a stream on a log bridge can build confidence and self-esteem in in kids.
Here are some ideas to encourage kids to “Go outside and play” when camping:
Venture into the woods to see who can spot the most species of wildlife? Bring along bug jars and see who can catch the “yuckiest” looking creature … or the one with the most legs!
Go on a “scavenger hunt” and collect items from the campground property such as different kinds of leaves, wildflowers, pinecones, feathers and smooth stones.
Bring along a disposable camera and take photos of trees, animal tracks, birds, spider webs and butterflies.
Here’s a tip for the parents: Leave most of the kids’ toys out-of-sight when camping, especially video games and DVDs—save them for rainy days only!
Select from the various articles below to learn more about the camping and recreation vehicle lifestyle.
Remember as a child, getting home from school and bursting out the back door into the yard, field, or woods to climb high up in the trees, dig in the dirt, or go exploring? Maybe there was digging in the dirt to do (while looking for squirmy, icky things) or a creek that needed to be investigated.
Camping provides children with many opportunities for playing in nature. Whether the kids are making up games or tossing bugs into a spider’s web, playing freely outdoors allows kids to make their own rules, dream up their own stories, and experiment and come to their own conclusions—all at their own pace. And unlike playground equipment and toys that respond the same way every time they are used, nature changes at the whim of the life that inhabits it. An overturned log may reveal a nest of bugs on one day, and a spongy mushroom the next. Meeting small challenges like climbing a tree or crossing a stream on a log bridge can build confidence and self-esteem in in kids.
