Camping Can Be Fun For Kids
By Abby Johnson
At the mention of the word ‘camping’, why do children and even
adults get excited and chomp at the bit to be off? For an
urbanite, it affords a change from the restriction imposed by
city life. The out of doors fills you with a sense of freedom
under the open skies. The giving up of creature comforts
doesn’t seem to matter when adventure beckons. The common worry
is how to keep the children occupied. Can their favourite TV
channel or computer game be compensated for? Children are
adaptable and you will find that they bring a great deal of
enjoyment to the outing. With a little ingenuity, you can make
it an experience they’ll never forget.
Children can never resist water. It doesn’t matter if the body
of water is a small stream or a large lake, as long as you can
find a convenient spot to paddle or swim in. They can spend
hours splashing about, revelling in every minute of it. The
pleasant change from the artificial pools of the city and the
novelty of the natural surroundings add to their joy. First,
check if the water is safe. Camping books usually supply
adequate information suggesting safe pools and warning against
the dangerous ones. Don’t let the children swim without
supervision, and it’s safer not to dive.
You can’t ask for a better way to take in the scenery than from
a bike. Walking could be tough going and hot work as well. Hit
the bike trail with a map. Take stock of your bearings and ride
together. You don’t want anyone getting lost! Explore the
surroundings in a leisurely manner.
Prepare yourself by reading up on the fauna and flora of the
region. Campsites usually have pamphlets on the birds and
animals you are likely to spot. Have fun looking for them. Make
a game of it. Vie with each other and total up the number of
animals each one has seen. Compare the nocturnal fauna to the
ones you’ve observed during the day. See that the children
don’t get carried away and get too close to the animals. Take
care not to agitate the latter.
When you play games, don’t get so noisy as to disturb the quiet
that the animals are used to. Treat yourself to outdoor games.
Find a clearing, without obstructions, (you don’t want
accidents to spoil your holiday). Play good old tag or run
races. Tug-of-war is another great idea.
The children’s love of going in search of things can be
exploited with the game of scavenger hunt. This physical
activity is a great way to help the kids get exercise. Instruct
them to avoid plants like the sumac, oak and poison ivy, whose
prickles are harmful.
An activity that can be clubbed with the scavenger hunt is
navigation. Show them how a compass works and give them a few
tips on map reading as you go through the forest. It will
stimulate their spirit of adventure.
Round off an exciting day with a campfire. This is
entertainment and togetherness time! In the campfire’s warmth,
sing and narrate stories. Some may have some eerie ones to
narrate as well. Word games and riddles are fun too while
toasting marshmallows and chomping on goodies like hotdogs.
Teach the children basic astronomy. There’s nothing more awe
inspiring than to lie on the grass and gaze at the stars
dotting that vast expanse of sky. Point out the planets and
constellations you are familiar with. Wish on a shooting star
and admire the grandness of the firmament.
Don’t let a sudden downpour dispirit you. Weather is
unpredictable in some places more than in others. Take it in
your stride and use the rain to your advantage. Take the
opportunity of doing what you’ve always wanted to do—play in
the rain. However, if there’s thunder and lightning, it’s
better to stay indoors.
Above all, unwind. Give yourself up to nature. Enjoy the
tranquility of your surroundings. How often do you get the
opportunity? Feel the tension of the city leave you. Don’t
carry any appliances with you. Enjoy quality time with your
family and the friends you’ve come camping with.
These are just a few suggestions of how to keep you and the
children occupied when out camping. The possibilities are
endless. With a little imagination, you can come up with many
more ideas. Go out and have stupendous fun!
About The Author:
Abby Johnson is a staff writer at
Lifestylegazette.com and is an occasional
contributor to several other websites, including
Family-Review.com.
