Kids have so much fun when they are camping. It seems like every day is filled with play and the joy of exploring with friends. Underneath all that fun, though, is that they are learning life skills as they run, swim, play, and help around the campsite. There are lots of ways parents and grandparents can help to foster this learning simply by sharing what they know with their little information absorbing children.
They learn teamwork as they pitch in with packing the car, unpacking at camp, picking up around the campsite each night, and helping to fold blankets, hang up towels, and tidy up the sleeping space. Camping is a unique situation in which kids can more easily see that everyone pitches in so everyone can enjoy the fun stuff together.
Exploring nature is another benefit of camping. The sights, sounds, and smells of being outdoors is an entirely different experience from being at home or at school. They’ll get sand in their hair, have dirty feet, and run until their little legs can hardly go another step. You can take the time to point out details about the birds you see, the sounds you hear, constellations in the sky, and how to safely manage a campfire. They will love learning all you can share with them.
They’ll make lifelong friends. Many of our campers met as kids and still look forward to seeing each other each year along with their own little families. Kids get to spend time talking to parents and grandparents in a way that everyday life just doesn’t allow. Life slows down a little when you are camping and they will be able to spend more time talking and sharing with others.
All this camping time is good for the whole family. We love to see the elders guiding the youngers while they are here and we know those lessons follow them all of their lives.
