Parents and children are busier than ever today. From long hours at demanding jobs to school with its endless homework and all those after-school activities, it can be nearly impossible to bring everyone together. This doesn’t have to be the case, however. For 13% of adult campers, the reason they take camping vacations is out of a desire to spend more time with their families. Over one in ten campers will go camping with their immediate family. If you’re looking for a way to bring your family together this year, consider the many benefits of camping vacations.
- Connect by disconnecting
Yes, this is an article about connecting, but in today’s society, the only way to truly connect with those around you is to disconnect from electronics and the media. Help your family stop texting, tweeting, and scrolling through your Facebook news feed by taking them on family camping vacations. Without the distraction of our smart devices and TV, you’ll find it far easier to connect. Who knows, you may even get more than one syllable out of your teenager. - Bonding over shared activities…
Camping vacations are a great opportunity to encourage family bonding time. Not only is it hard to get closer to someone than when sharing a tent, but camping offers a whole host of activities the family can do together. From hikes to learning how to kayak or fish, there’s bound to be a campground with activities your family can enjoy together. - … and shared memories
Bonding doesn’t end with shared activities. The memories you make while on camping vacations will bond you and your family for years to come. Remember when Joey caught that monster fish? Or how about when Dad accidentally lit his hair on fire trying to start the bonfire? One of the greatest things you’ll take away from camping vacations are the memories you share. - Appreciation for the great outdoors
The other benefit you’ll likely take away from family camping trips are a renewed appreciation for the great outdoors. This can be life-altering for your kids. Studies have found that 57% of campers who were introduced to the activity as children also engaged in other outdoor activities on a regular basis throughout childhood. On the other hand, only 25% of non-campers were found to similarly partake in outdoor activities. - Relaxation
We could always use a bit more relaxation in our lives. A family vacation shouldn’t have you returning to work more haggard than you left. Everyone will be able to recharge their batteries in wilderness while on a camping trip. Even if you spend the day in separate activities, sometimes time alone can be the best way of bringing a family closer together. Since there’s usually no TV on camping vacations, a day spent apart will open the door to great conversation over dinner. - Shared meals
Speaking of dinner, camping vacations are a great opportunity for mealtime bonding. With the hectic work and school schedules so many of us have today, it can be a rare thing for the whole family to sit down together at the same time. Even if family dinners are a rule in your house, family breakfast likely isn’t. Nor is cooking often a family event, but it can be. With many campsites offering places to prepare meals and keep food cold, you can plan a menu that will get everyone’s hands busy. If you really want to get the whole gang involved, why not let each person choose the menu for one night you’re away? - Escape
You’d think with all the conveniences of modern civilization we’d never need to leave. But this couldn’t be farther from the truth. We all need an escape from the stress, congestion, and constant whir of activity that surrounds us every day. - It’s fun
For 47% of adult campers, the simple act of camping itself was the reward in and of itself. They’ll tell you that you don’t need an ulterior motive to take camping vacations; simply do it because it’s fun.
There are so many wonderful reasons to take camping vacations. If you’re looking for a way to bring your family closer together, look no farther than your local camping sites. Who knows, you may have just found a new annual tradition.
