Children learn a lot from camping. It is not simply about letting them spend some time outdoors but also about practical learning that academic study may not be able to provide. Aside from being a fun recreational activity, children can gain a lot more from overnight camping than they would reading about it.

Camping 

Camping evokes scenes of pitching tents and roasting marshmallows around camp fires. As a school activity, its basic aim is to provide survival skills to participants. It can provide the same benefit as a family activity as children are introduced to a lifestyle that is hinged on necessities rather than luxury.

For one to join a camping activity, the child needs to be provided with the basic equipment and clothing requirements suitable for this outdoor activity. This would allow child participation in a safe and worry-free manner, making his mind and body ready for the related activities. This is especially so for camping activities that are done away from the family.

Learning from Camping

Children who get to regularly participate in camping activities soon find out that they are gaining much more from the activity than what they anticipated. Many of these learning cannot be provided by books. In this kind of activity, there can be no substitute for real experience. 

1. Independence and Self-Reliance

Without family members tagging along, children will learn to be independent and self-reliant since many situations in camping will require them to make practical decisions. They gain confidence as they accomplish the tasks assigned to them on their own. With no one else to rely on, they will be forced to do things by themselves to abide by instructions.

2. Responsibility

Taking care of one's self becomes the responsibility of children when they are away from home. So is taking care of personal things. Children also learn to be responsible in relation to others by choosing decisions that will not adversely affect their companions.

3. Appreciation of Nature and the Basics of Life

Camping activities usually pull children away from technological dependence not only in accomplishing tasks but also in entertainment. Without any gadgets to hold on to, children have the chance to appreciate nature and the simple joys of life. They will get to discover the magic of storytelling, building camp fires, singing, cooking, and many others.

4. Team Work

Camping activities are typically geared at developing team work and camaraderie.  Aside from teaching self-reliance when the situation calls for it, camping also teaches participants to look our for one another. Games are especially designed to teach children the importance of being able to trust their group while teaching them to do their part for the group.

5. New Skills

If there is one specific advantage of camping activities, it is the chance to develop new skills that are useful in everyday life. Children who are taught early on about basic survival techniques are at an advantage over their counterparts who have no such knowledge. Seemingly simple things such as tying a secure knot, lighting a fire without any lighting implement, and knowing the poisonous plants to avoid, are all valuable even in adult life.

My Say

I was a girl scout during my younger days and I had the chance to participate in several camping activities in school and other outdoor settings. I believe camping was my first activity away from my family and the comforts of home. I have good memories of those that remain vivid even with the passing of time.

That said, I think I should try to provide my children a similar experience. If things go as planned, maybe I can make that happen soon. If we cannot make it to any camping site, then our backyard will have to do for the time being.