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Written by Webmaster
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Tuesday, 02 September 2008 |
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It has been said that teaching "survival" and camping skills to children will help them to be more self-sufficient and confident. Perhaps that is one reason why scouting has been around so long. Many experts tell us that yes, hiking camping and everything that goes along with it can be very beneficial to our children. Not necessarily in a true survivalist manner, such as being left out in the woods with nothing but their shoes, but beneficial none the less.
Your children do not have to join the scouts in order to have fun camping. It is an activity that you can do together as a family. And as far as that goes it doesn't even really have to be in a tent. You may want to consider traveling in an RV or camper and perhaps for a couple of the days, you can break out the rest of your outdoor gear and sleep under the stars. Kids love having a campfire and, sure, you can roast marshmallows and hotdogs or anything else that comes to mind. A family campground may have a few extra amenities or activities in close proximity. Try to make sure at least once while camping to go hiking; it doesn't have to be a long one, just enough to spend some time together and perhaps impart a little of your nature knowledge on the kids. (Don't worry they wont know you memorized the guidebook).
Summer can sometimes be a boring time for kids. That is one reason why a great summer camp is so popular, as it gives kids an outlet for all of that pent up energy, and gives parents a break as well. It does not have to be a two week adventure or even daily 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.
Kids are young for such a short time and you need to enjoy them as much as you can before they grow up and move away. Can hiking and camping do this? Of course, not by that alone, but yes it can help. It doesn't mean you need the best camping gear or a fancy RV camper in order to connect with your kids. Try sitting around a campfire with them and listening. You may be surprised at the depth of their thoughts or ideas. You will learn a thing or two about them and possibly about yourself as well.
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