Camping is a perfect time to bond, without all the clutter of daily life. Fresh air, no media distractions, unhurried schedules. Throw in some natural learning experiences, and camping qualifies as an excellent family vacation.
Adjusting to this freedom might take a little time. In the wilderness, with minimal amenities and few distractions, creative activities can be enjoyed with just a small amount of preparation. This will help ease children (and parents) into the slower pace of camping trips.
Try some of the following activities on your next camping excursion:
Photo Scavenger Hunt
Make a list of a dozen or so categories for your children to take pictures of. The broader the categories are, the greater the room for creative interpretation. Here is a list that might fruit some interesting photos:
- Shiny
- Colorful
- Smooth
- Shiny
- Cruncy
- Dripping
- Bright
- Wrapped
- Beautiful
- Massive
- Synthetic
- Protected
Upon returning from your trip, you can make a digital or print scrapbook collection of all the photos to cherish for years to come.
Identification Game
Take a few field guides on your trip. Birds, Trees, Reptiles, and Wildflower Field Guides are excellent choices. As you go about hikes or trail walks, take notice and point out to your children some wildlife. See if you can find them in the field guide together. Making an ongoing list of wildlife you’ve discovered helps generate a sense of accomplishment and adventure with children.
Family Trip Collection Box
Bring a sturdy container around the size of a shoebox with you on your trip. As your family finds natural treasures, stash them in the box for safekeeping. Explain to your children that they should not take or destroy things that affect the natural environment and its rhythm. Things that appear unique or simply resonate with you should be included. Some examples are: a turkey feather, an odd shaped stone, an empty hermit crab shell, a crawdad claw, a discarded chrysalis, and an insect-nibbled leaf. Children love to look over their collections from time to time and reminisce about their trip.
Nature Journal
Stock a satchel with pencils, pens, and either a journal or sketchbook. Spend free time with your children journaling whatever aspects of the camping experience they desire. They might sketch the squirrels they saw, or write a short poem about the river they crossed. They might press some wildflowers they found, or fingerprint with some wild berries they crushed. This will help connect them with the outdoors and enhance family collaboration.
Cairns and Fairy Houses
Nature provides with limitless building materials. Children love to build and create with whatever materials are provided. Stones become cairns. Acorns and twigs become fairies. Twigs become tiny rafts. Bark becomes a ship. Nature’s storehouse is always full and available for endless creations.
Camping is a family experience that has an appeal to all ages. The abundance of free time and unstructured days can lead to family togetherness, learning experiences, and fun. Enjoy the trip!
“Some national parks have long waiting lists for camping reservations. When you have to wait a year to sleep next to a tree, something is wrong.” ~George Carlin
Dianna Griffis - Dianna, better known as Sunny, could write before she could walk. She knew professional writing would be her lifeline from a very early ...
