NEWS | New Research Finds Children who go camping are healthier, happier and do better at school
According to parents, children who camp in the great outdoors at least once a year go on to do better at school, and are generally healthier and happier too.
That’s the finding of a UK study carried out by the Institute of Education at Plymouth University and The Camping and Caravanning Club, who collaborated to discover perceptions of the relationship between education and camping.
The Research
Parents and children around the UK were asked a series of questions which looked at the educational, psychological and social benefits of the camping experience to children of all ages.
The research led by Sue Waite, Associate Professor at the Plymouth Institute of Education, found that more than 4 out of 5 parents thought camping had a positive effect on their children’s school education.
- 98% of parents said camping makes their kids appreciate and connect with nature
- 95% said their kids were happier when camping
- 93% felt that it provided useful skills for later life
Escaping Technology & Supporting the Curriculum
Some parents (15%) reported that escaping technology (laptops, tablets, mobiles, etc) is a good thing for their children and one of the benefits of camping and is a theme i’ve explored previously in Why We Need Time Away From Our Tech.
A fifth of parents (20%) said camping gives their kids freedom, independence and confidence; and more than two thirds (68%) felt camping helped their children to enjoy learning in the classroom, because they can share their camping adventures and experiences such as visiting exciting educational or historical sites.
Sue Waite said; “Interestingly, the parents surveyed believed camping supported the key curriculum subjects of Geography, History and Science and actually, that stacks up because the most common camping activities were natural – such as rock pooling and nature walks – where children were getting to understand ecosystems and identify lifeforms, respecting nature and the environment.”
The children who took part in the research were asked what they love about camping and the most common themes were making and meeting new friends, having fun, playing outside and learning various camping skills. Children also recognised camping’s value for curriculum subjects and for problem solving and working together.
Get Kids Camping Campaign
This compelling link between education and camping is the focus of a new campaign, ‘Get Kids Camping’, which is being launched today (21st May) at The Deck, London by Julia Bradbury, The Camping and Caravanning Club President. Between midday and 2pm, she’ll reveal the main research findings to the media.
To mark National Camping and Caravanning Week (25th to 31st May), there will be a series of pop up campsite roadshows around the UK* where families can come and get a taster of what camping is really like. They will have opportunities to put up a tent, take a look inside state-of-the-art caravans and motorhomes, enjoy cooking demos, and have a go on cycling, rowing or cross-trainer equipment to simulate the activities campers enjoy while on holiday. And all visitors to the roadshow venues will take away a fun camping goodie bag.
Find out more
To find out more information about the ‘Get Kids Camping’ campaign, and the roadshow locations it’s travelling to, visit www.nccw.co.uk
So now it’s confirmed, kids who camp really are a happier and healthier bunch, and even do better at school. If you haven’t taken your family camping before, why not give it a go, it’s an adventure they’ll love and will benefit from. What more of an excuse do you need to grab your tent and head into the great outdoors?
Where to next?
- CAMPING GEAR | 10 Of The Best – Family Camp Furniture
- CAMPING | Space Saving Family Camping Furniture, Accessories & Tents Updated 2019
- The Perfect Family Holiday at Sunêlia Domaine de la Dragonnière Campsite in the South of France
- CAMPING | Summer Camping Holiday – Hot Picks For The Whole Family
- CAMPING | Seaside Campsites For The Perfect Family Holiday
From open water swimming, snowboarding and kayaking to hill walks and meditation, Shell shares her travels and microadventures here on the blog and in various publications she's written for, Shell has a particular interest in promoting wellbeing and the many benefits of nature therapy.
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