Outdoor Activities That Will Get Your Children Excited About Summer Camp

A special article today from one of our guest authors….Kristin Louis   info@parentingwithkris.com   Parentingwithkris.com

Attending summer camp can be an invaluable part of childhood. It’s a time where children can explore the world beyond their immediate surroundings, develop lifelong healthy hobbies, socialize with peers, and learn about themselves. But it is not without hurdles. For many children, summer camp is their first experience away from their families. Dealing with homesickness, separation anxiety, and nervousness is common and can be difficult for both the children and the parents.

One of the best ways to minimize stress levels for everyone is to get children excited about attending summer camp by introducing them to the outdoor explorations and activities that await them. This gets children focused on the positive and will make the transition smoother, and parents can have peace of mind knowing their children aren’t going into a new situation completely blind.

Here are four activities to consider introducing to your children in preparation for summer camp.

Hiking

The more comfortable your children are with being outdoors, the better off they will be when faced with an outdoors-focused summer camp. Hiking and exploring outdoor spaces in your local area is a good way to get them used to being in nature, plus it’s great for everyone’s minds and bodies.

When planning a hike with your children, you need to plan around their physical ability and comfort level, but don’t be afraid to push them a little. Get them used to being in situations that are unfamiliar and uncomfortable, yet still safe and supervised. It will test their mental capabilities and problem-solving skills.

Birdwatching

If your child needs more mental stimulation while hiking or spending time outside, consider pairing hikes and walks with an activity like verbal games or bird watching. As Birdwatching Magazine notes, birdwatching is loaded with opportunities to engage your child with nature, and at the same time hone in on learning. Add tools like binoculars or a microscope so your youngster can observe habits, learn to identify different birds, explore minutiae and learn about flight.

Water Balloon Fights

Parents typically nudge their children toward the outdoor activities they are interested in. While some children will immediately become interested in those things, others may be disinterested. That’s why it’s best not to forget about activities that happen outdoors but aren’t necessarily categorized as “outdoorsy” hobbies. Things like water balloon fights and scavenger hunts can get your kid away from technology and screens and get them used to spending time outdoors in focused ways. And it may be the gateway activity that gets them into other outdoor activities.

Campfire Songs and Stories

Children who gravitate toward creative endeavors like storytelling, singing, or dancing may have an easier time adjusting to outdoor activities if you incorporate some of those typically indoor activities into outdoor time. Capitalize on an active imagination by sitting around a firepit and crafting stories using the scenes and natural materials around you.

Teach them campfire songs as part of your memory making and camp prep; Today’s Parent suggests classics like “She’ll Be Coming ‘Round The Mountain” or “This Little Light of Mine.” The earworms will get stuck in your head for days, but it’s worth it to get your children excited about their upcoming adventures at summer camp. If you don’t have access to outdoor space, consider a creative indoor alternative. Set up a tent, turn off all the lights, and do things by flashlight.

Ensure Safety

As your child engages in outdoor activities, it’s important to keep health and well-being in mind. Take precautions like preparing a first aid kit for minor booboos, learn how to identify poisonous plants, teach kids about campfire safety, and consider installing a fence around your property’s perimeter. If a major DIY project isn’t on your summer to-do list, you can research on websites like Angi to find a reputable fence company. The important thing is to ensure your youngster is safe and secure while getting into the outdoors and getting into camp mode.

The more excited your children are about the activities that await them at summer camp, the easier the transition away from home will be for them (and for you). As a parent, you will still have to deal with some separation anxiety and homesickness—that is only natural given the situation—but you will be setting your children up for success in the long run.

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