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 Lifestyle Gazette and is an occasional contributor to several other websites, including Family Review.
Muncie Astronomy Club @ Muncie Public Library
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