When planning your summer activities, there is one outing that 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. Nature Immersion
Between work, school, and home, Americans spend 90% of their lives indoors. Less than 125 years ago, this statistic would have been opposite, with Americans spending 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.
2. Skill Development
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 memories will stick with your kids for the rest of their lives!
3. Increased 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.
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!