Five reasons to camp with kids

I camped with my family as a child and it created some of the most special memories of my youth. It was no surprise, then, that I was keen to get Amber involved almost as soon as she was born. Twelve years later, she is as addicted as I. The benefits are endless:

1. Independence and responsibility

Camping gives kids the chance to stretch their boundaries, literally and figuratively. Most campsites are very safe so wandering around meeting other kids, hanging out on the playground and walking to the amenities block on their own enables them to gain a little independence they may not be able to experience at home. Packing their own bag, helping set up the tent, or learning how to build a campfire are all useful life skills, and ones most kids will cherish if you give them the chance.


2. Time away from electronics

I have a ‘tween’ and time at home is often spent dragging her away from her mobile phone, iPod, laptop or the TV. All this goes out of the window when we camp and I couldn’t be happier. Throw in a few good mates and the great outdoors and any potential addiction to electronics is forgotten. Of course, we did set down a few ground rules ages ago… and now the electronics stay in the car.


3. Bonding time

Let’s face it: It’s not just the kids who can be distracted with the phone and the laptop. So leave YOUR electronics at home too! Opt for old fashioned board games instead… we love our new game: Pentago but Pictionary and Mastermind are always great backups. Why not create scavenger hunts, go on hikes and toast a few marshmallows too? In our busy daily lives, it’s easy for time to just fly by. The older the kids get, the harder it becomes to schedule quality family time together. We recommend starting early!


4. Low cost holidays

Amber and I got back from a weekend at Borumba Deer Park on Monday. This amazing escape is only about an hour from home, yet a world away. For the month of February, owners Wendy and Col have decided kids stay free, so the entire weekend cost us $44 for two adults and one child. Now where can you get an entire weekend away for that kind of dosh? (Of course, you do have to have a tent!).


5. Good dirty (or clean) fun

Our world has become far too sanitized and planned, in my opinion. Camping offers families the ability to travel back in time to an era where kids fell in the mud, climbed trees and scuffed their knees. This weekend, the four ‘tween’ girls camping together with us spent almost every waking minute floating down the fast moving water and running back up! They created a cubby in the bushes and set up their own private tarp and camping area.

It doesn’t matter if you camp 10 minutes’ down the road, or a state away, the results are the same: Camping offers an escape from your normal schedules, a chance for kids to stretch their envelope and an opportunity to get to know the members of your family in a different way. With a little forethought, (and very little money), your next family escape awaits! Simply search for our favourite campsites near you at www.kidswelcome.com.au