September 25th, 2009
One of the greatest benefits of camping with children is the chance to pass along a love of nature and a great respect for our earth. Camping is a marvelous series of teaching opportunities disguised as fabulous fun, so consider conversations like these during your camping trip.
Part 3: Respecting Nature
1. A Word About Safety.
While it’s true that kids can get into mischief most anywhere, camping seems to provide ample opportunities for just that. From a roaring campfire to a swiftly moving stream, to unusual species of bugs and insects, to woodland animals, to other campers and their dogs, children require quite a bit of guidance and instruction in order to enjoy a safe and fun camping experience. It’s best to begin these conversations long before arriving at the campsite, and continue throughout the trip.
Don’t be discouraged if you feel like the safety police during the first family campout — remember, this is an entirely new experience for your children, and it’s your first experience parenting them through it. Just do your best to be watchful yet patient, and remember that each subsequent campout will require far less policing from you.
2. Respecting Nature.
Children who have the opportunity to participate in camping and outdoor activities tend to have a greater respect for the earth and its creatures. Camping provides a great opportunity for parents to talk about preservation, conservation, the symbiotic relationships found in nature, and more. Who knows? You all just might want to hug a tree while you’re enjoying the fresh, clean air.
3. Building Outdoor Skills.
Most kids love to do the activities that are required at the campsite. Hunting for wood, collecting kindling, helping pitch the tent, prepping food for the campfire, stoking and feeding the fire, filling water jugs — all these are interesting and unusual activities kids tend to love. Plus, there’s something about being outdoors that makes it feel less like a chore and more like fun. Evening walks are extra-fun with the addition of flashlights, and fishing is a special treat.
In the next installment, we’ll talk about what to pack for your family camping trip.
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