Camping is generally considered a time for unplugging, unwinding and enjoying nature. It can also be a hands-on classroom for the entire family, though. Parents can use the trail, campsite, trees, and night sky as educational camping activities instead of packing books.
The best part? Children don’t always know they are learning.
Everyday moments can be fun learning activities while camping, with a little planning. Children can learn science, math, reading, problem solving and observation skills as they explore the outdoors. Best of all, they can learn in their own time without worksheets or screens.
If you’re just getting ready to take your first family camping trip or want to add more value to your regular camping vacation, these ideas can help make your next camping trip an educational experience.
You can even plan a multi generational camping trip everyone will enjoy!
Why Educational Camping Activities Work So Well
Learning is best achieved through the child’s experience of real-life situations. Those experiences are available to those who go camping.
A child can study plants by studying leaves, for instance. They can learn about simple physics by creating a simple shelter. They can practise counting resources or making estimates about walking distances when doing maths. In the meantime, a nature walk will introduce them to birds, insects, weather and animal tracks.
Most of all, children get an opportunity to ask questions while they are camping.
Don’t just explain to them how something works, instead, let them explore it. Request that they predict what they believe will occur. Then allow them to test their ideas.
This makes camping to be more of an active learning experience than a passive observation.
Turn Nature Walks Into Educational Camping Activities
One of the simplest ways to enhance a camping experience with learning is to take a nature walk. The length of the trail is not important. There’s a lot to see around the campground even during a short walk around.
Set a straightforward challenge before children before they go out. Have them search for various leaves, animal tracks, rocks or sounds.
You can make a mini scavenger hunt.
Help children watch, but not disturb, animals or plants. They can note down, sketch, or take pictures using a camera.
In addition, pose questions throughout the process. Why is one leaf different from the other? Why is the bark of some trees rough? What animals could be found around the house?
These are simple questions that will make them observe and think.
Explore Science Around the Campsite
Camping is packed with science lessons.
Start with the weather. When leaving the house, look at the weather forecast and ask children what they think the day will be like. Check the forecast with the weather at the campsite.
Talk about clouds, wind, temperature and rain can also be discussed.
Another simple science lesson is the plants. Observe various trees and plants. Discuss the things needed for plants to grow. Children discover moss, fungi, fallen leaves – use these to explain how things change over time in nature.
Keep in mind, however, that children don’t require complicated explanations. Make the lesson brief and allow questions to direct the lesson.
Use Camping to Practice Math Skills
Math doesn’t always have to take place at a desk.
There are many opportunities to use numbers in everyday situations when camping. For example, children can count the number of water bottles needed by the family. Older children can assist in determining the amount of food to be prepared for each day.
A simple budget for kids’ camp snacks can be provided as well. Allow them to select items within the limits. This is an introduction to money skills and decision making.
Teach Navigation and Map Skills
Reading maps can make any walk into an adventure.
Give kids a basic map of the campground or trail before they depart. Describe symbols, landmarks and directions. Older children can assist in determining the location of the campsite.
You can also teach simple compass directions as well. Help children understand that north, south, east and west are directions. Then, challenge them with small challenges.
For instance, have them show north or locate a specific trail on the map.
Young children should always be with an adult, of course. Navigation activities should be used to facilitate exploration, not to be a substitute for adult supervision.
Make the Night Sky a Learning Experience
Learning doesn’t have to end at sundown.
One of the most memorable camping activities is the night sky. During a clear night, go without the flashlights for a few minutes and just look up.
Show the moon and the stars that can be seen. Teach your children a few constellations, and let them know. Discuss the shape of the moon and the movement of the stars in the sky.
Take a basic star map or use a kid-friendly astronomy guide. Give children the opportunity to discover patterns for themselves.
If you can’t name many stars, it’s ok. Knowing all the constellations is not as important as curiosity.
Turn Camp Cooking Into a Lesson
Cooking outside can be a great way to teach kids some skills, while also adding some science and math.
Allow children to participate in age appropriate, safe activities. They may weigh ingredients, count portions, mix food or arrange supplies.
Explain how heat affects food. Why does water start to boil? Why does bread toast? Why is it that food cooks quicker when it’s cut up into small pieces?
Keep the lesson simple for younger children. Older children can be introduced to the concepts of temperature, measurements and food safety.
Never leave children near open flames, hot cookware or sharp objects unless they are under the direct supervision of an adult who is doing a suitable activity.
Encourage Journaling and Creative Learning
Not all lessons have to be fact and number based.
Take a small book and encourage kids to have a camping journal. They can sketch a picture of a plant, write about the weather, write about an animal they saw or write about their favourite part of the day.
You could also have them write the story of their adventure.
This is a blend of creativity and reading/writing. Oh, and those little journals can turn out to be great keepsakes for the family.
Let Kids Solve Problems
One of the best things about camping is that things don’t always go according to plan.
Setting up a tent may be challenging. A water bottle may roll off. If it rains, you may have to adjust your plans for hiking. Don’t jump to a solution for all problems, allow children time to think.
Ask, “What might we do?
Then, ask them to propose solutions.
This helps to teach patience, flexibility and problem solving. These skills are important much more than at the campsite.
Keep Educational Camping Activities Fun
Parents’ worst error is to make it a lesson.
Children also require time to play, unwind, get dirty and just have fun outside. So make sure to balance structured activities with free exploration.
A quality day of camping can consist of a morning nature scavenger hunt, free play in the afternoon, and some stargazing at night.
Don’t be rigid about activities either. If the children’s interest in a butterfly is captured, follow it. Let them build if they wish to build with sticks.
The aim is not to follow a curriculum. It is for the purpose of making children curious about what is happening around them.
You can even start family camping traditions!
Make Your Next Camping Trip a Learning Adventure
There are already myriad learning experiences for campers. It’s just a matter of seeing them.
Outdoor learning opportunities can enhance family fun and make an outdoor trip more meaningful, whether it’s a nature walk, map reading, cooking outdoors, or stargazing. It’s better if children can learn something useful while they are having fun.
So, pack the tent, bring a note book and leave some space for curiosity. There are many lessons to be learned outdoors.
Plan Your Next Educational Camping Activities
Ready to make your next camping trip more fun, active, and memorable? Visit ZooLand Family Campground to discover family-friendly outdoor experiences and start planning your next adventure.
