Children today spend only half as much time playing outdoors as their parents did, according to a survey of UK families. If you’ve ever wondered why they could benefit from a camping trip, this is surely proof that we need to unplug our mobile phones and reconnect with nature!

A study by the National Trust has revealed children aged between 4 and 14 play outdoors for an average of only four hours a week. Twenty years ago, the previous generation of children played outside for double that.

Today, while four out of five parents believe their kids need to learn how to use technology, a massive 96% of 1,000 adults surveyed want their offspring to connect with nature more.

The National Trust is urging families to stop their children from playing constantly on their mobile phone. Instead, the charity believes childhood should be about going on outdoor adventures. Kids should use their imagination, see more of the natural world and enjoy fresh air and fun.

Is camping getting popular again?

Camping was most popular in the early to mid-20th century, before the cheap package holidays of the 1970s attracted people to go abroad. However, it increased in popularity again after the UK’s Covid lockdowns finally ended in 2021.

One of the major reasons people decided to camp again was because they saw it as a “time to relax, escape stress and clear their mind”, according to surveys. People wanted to reconnect with nature and with each other.

Experts say if children grow up without feeling connected to nature, they will place less value on the natural world. This is a bad thing for our countryside and conservation. Young adults won’t fight to preserve the environment if there is this disconnect.

Why should parents take their children on camping trips?

The total number of camping and caravanning trips in 2022 rocketed to an estimated 16.7 million, with both domestic and overseas holidays enjoying a strong demand among Brits. Research revealed 81% of campers said their main goal was to spend more quality time with family and friends.

People who may not have been camping for years, or those who have never been before, are finding out the many advantages of a family camping holiday. Some 53% of campers choose tents to sleep under the stars, while 25% prefer cabins on a campsite and the remainder use a caravan.

Giving kids the opportunity to express and test themselves in new outdoor environments is not only a great way of reconnecting with nature, but it also enables them to use their imagination, rather than aimlessly scrolling social media feeds or TikTok videos.

Camping is great in so many ways, but here are just a few:

1. Teaches survival skills

When you camp as a family, your children will learn the basic skills for survival. If your kids are usually indoors, they will probably lose their affinity with nature. Some may even fear the great outdoors because it’s an unknown environment.

Teach your children how to behave when surrounded by nature. Make sure they have a healthy respect for the natural world around them, especially animals, birds and insects. Teach them what plants are edible and warn them about those that shouldn’t be touched. Show them how to make a campfire and other basic outdoor safety skills.

This will build their self-esteem and while they will probably never have to chase off a bear, or end up lost in the woods, the whole camping experience will give them more confidence, should an emergency ever arise.

2. Builds family bonds

Having the freedom to enjoy relaxing family time, with the kids playing, exploring and generally behaving the way children should, is vital to modern life. Normally, children spend their leisure time visiting friends’ houses today, rather than playing in the park.

A family-friendly campsite enables everyone to enjoy bonding in a safe environment, where people can feel a sense of freedom. Children can use their imagination to entertain themselves, while the whole family can play games together – something we typically don’t do when at home.

Without the distractions of work and technology, adults can really bond with their kids during a camping holiday.

3. Good exercise

Children who are spending increasing amounts of time indoors are more at risk of becoming obese. No-one can run round and burn energy while sitting at a gaming console in the bedroom!

Camping is a chance for plenty of healthy exercise. Family activities can include going hiking, gathering firewood for your campfire, or paddling in a stream. Children can just enjoy running around in the sunshine, having fun and enjoying the next adventure.

Having exercise outdoors is better for us both physically and mentally, as it alleviates stress and induces a greater sense of wellbeing. Parents will love the fact their kids are more likely to fall asleep quickly and have a good night’s sleep after a day of exercise in the fresh air.

4. Builds resilience

When children spend much of their time indoors, their environment is predictable and secure. Spending too much time in the house, with the constant stimulation of mobile devices and gaming consoles, doesn’t permit children to develop resilience.

Working out challenges such as pitching the tent, finding shops on the campsite and picking up supplies are all good ways of building extra resilience. Kids will learn how to deal effectively with situations that are normally outside their comfort zone, making them more robust individuals.

5. Feeling closer to nature

Surveys show many children today are unable to identify even basic flora and fauna. Experts have dubbed this “nature deficit disorder”. According to the National Trust, only 33% of kids in the UK recognise a magpie, but the majority are very familiar with the Facebook and McDonald’s logos.

Camping will make kids feel closer to nature, especially if they live in an urban or city environment. Make sure they experience the beauty and wonder of the great outdoors while they are young.

How to pack for camping

When you’re planning a camping trip with kids and family, you need to pack at least the basics to make the trip a success. Invest in a family sized tent so everyone has enough room to live comfortably during the holiday.

Always take camping tables and chairs so you have a place to gather round and dine together.

A basic requirement is a first aid kit, containing items such as plasters, bandages, antiseptic cream, paracetamols and insect repellent.

Is there anything that should be left at home?

Mobile phones, tablets and games consoles should be left at home – or at the very least keep them under lock and key just for emergency use. Electronic devices become distractions on a camping trip.

Taking time out from social media and having a nature-based holiday can relieve stress and simply promote happiness. Never underestimate the power of an outdoor holiday for the whole family!