Camping is fun, and you can totally just leave it at that. If you’re looking for opportunities to instill your family’s values and priorities in your children, though…what better way than with a little fun? Here’s how camping can help.

1. Community

Ever try to set up a tent by yourself? It’s possible, but it’s definitely easier together. Lots of tasks like this are shared among families and friends when camping. So we all have to trust each other to show up and do what we committed to—whether bringing a meal to share or being the designated fire tender/ghost story teller. We have to respect each other’s needs and belongings in close quarters, and also follow rules that protect the safety of ourselves and others. And kids won’t even notice what they’re learning—they’ll just learn to jump in to grab a handle of the cooler. Because that’s just what we do.

2. Respect for community

Community goes beyond your campsite. The whole campground is a microcosm of society and an opportunity to role-model a welcoming attitude and respect for boundaries (both literal and figurative). There aren’t many fences on a campground, and there sure aren’t any cones of silence. 

When just about every culture promotes some version of the Golden Rule—treating others the way you want to be treated—there must be something to it. You may just think of this as being aware and respectful of those around you. Here are some ways to practice your version of this when camping in a shared campground:

• Stay in your area (unless invited)

• Don’t be loud, especially while others are sleeping

• Keep your pets on a leash

• Smile and wave!

3. Respect for the earth

If you’re a crunchy family or just crunch-curious, camping is a great way to show kids sustainability and respect for nature in action. First and foremost, you get to just enjoy all that nature has to offer. It can also expose kids to simply considering other living things, whether locking up food to protect it from critters (and vice versa), watching out for poison ivy, or staying on a path to let growing things grow. 

Camping fosters patience, listening skills, and a sense of responsibility to both the community and the environment, for today and future generations of campers.

4. Independence 

If you’re nervous about being a free-range parent or it’s just not your jam, camping is one place where kids can stretch their comfort zones. Under the safe watch of your community, they can explore, make new friends, start a fire, get dirty, and have some old-fashioned fun.

And with the inevitable unexpected challenges of camping, your children can work together to solve problems. This strengthens their ability to communicate, negotiate, and find creative solutions. Learning they can work hard, adapt, and try new things builds confidence that extends way beyond the campground.

5. Gratitude 

Wait, no screens?!?! We don’t judge.your camping rules, whatever they may be. But we do know that time in nature forces us to be more present, to appreciate our surroundings, and to get a sense of our place in the great wide world. Not to mention connecting with each other. 

There is nothing like listening for owls or watching for shooting stars to make you slow down and experience pure awe. Watch your kids take that home and point out beautiful sunsets or call you over to see a cute animal. It’s pretty great.

 

All families, values, and beliefs are different, but we’re all just out here trying to raise good humans who will live healthy lives and contribute to the world around us. What a great excuse to plan another camping trip. :)