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).
During the summer it can be exceptionally difficult to connect with your kids because of work responsibilities. If you have one available in your area, then you may want to consider summer camp for the kids. There are many different programs for kids; it does not have to be a sleep away camp. It can be for a few hours every day or perhaps a two-week long camp. If your child has never been camping before, then you may want to make the first time a day camp. Of course, with everything there is to do, like making crafts, leaning about wildlife and camping, they may want to stay longer.
The closeness that can be achieved with camping as a family is amazing. You do not need the latest in camping equipment or the best RV camper. Try just sitting around the campfire and talking. Or perhaps have a sing-a-long. The hiking and camping skills that may be learned are completely secondary to learning, or re-learning, things about your family. Take the time to enjoy your kids while they are young; it doesn’t last long.