Camping With the Kids

When you were a youngster, were you a member of the Boy Scouts? If not, then you probably missed a lot of fun -- and opportunity to learn new things -- with children your own age. If so, then do you remember everything you learned... all the new skills? Do you remember all the fun you had? You may have learned some basic survival skills and working as a team, but you also learned how to be more self-sufficient. Learning the majority of these skills is usually done through the experience of scouting activities such as hiking, camping, canoeing and fishing. Experts tell us that teaching children age appropriate life skills is very beneficial to them for their entire lifetime.

Your children do not have to join the scouting in order to learn while having fun camping. It is an activity that you can easily do together as a family. And as far as that goes, it doesn't necessarily have to be in a tent. You may want to consider traveling in an RV or trailer, and perhaps for a couple of your days away, you can break out the rest of your outdoor gear and sleep under the stars. Kids love having a campfire and roasting marshmallows, hot dogs, or anything else that's edible and handy. A family campground may have a few extra amenities or activities in close at hand. Try to make sure at least once while camping to go hiking. It doesn't have to be a long jaunt, just enough to spend some time together, view nature's beauty, and share a little of your knowledge and experience with the kids. (Don't worry, they'll never know that you committed the guidebook to memory).

Summer vacation can sometimes be a boring stretch for kids. That is one reason why a good summer camp is so popular. It gives kids an outlet for all of that pent up energy, gets them out into the fresh air, and gives parents a well-deserved break as well. It does not have to be a two-week adventure or even day camp for two weeks, because your child may take time getting used to that environment. However, there is no doubt that once they start with the activities and camping, they will want to stay.

Many times when a family camps all together they learn things they didn't know about each other, or that had been forgotten. You may be surprised at some of the topics and thoughts that come out when sitting around a campfire; bringing up past memories or talking about 'old times' is always a favorite pasttime. It's not about having the latest camping gear, or the best campground RV. Even the hiking and camping activities become secondary to becoming a close-knit family. Anyone who has raised kids knows that children are young for such a short time, so enjoy it while you can!

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Bruce Manta is an avid camper, rock climber, hunter and fisherman, and also likes to review backpacks, tents, North Face jackets, and other outdoor clothing and equipment. Living at the foot of the Rockies, he has opportunity to enjoy his hobbies all year, whether for an overnighter or a week of survival camping in harsh environments.

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