10 reasons why camping is cool

Getting outside, exploring, playing games and sleeping in the fresh air, it’s where the magic happens, where adventures await, stories are told and giggles are guaranteed.

While we love to stay cosy, snuggling up beside the fire at home and sleeping in our comfortable, warm beds, we firmly believe there’s nothing better than getting outside and embarking on adventures together before snuggling up with only a layer of canvas and a sleeping bag between you and the stars.

While it may not be for everyone, with so many great reasons for children to experience camping, we believe trying at least one night under canvas can be a great adventure, even if you don’t venture further than your back garden.

Need convincing? Check out our top 10 reasons why camping is cool.

1. Reconnect with nature (and each other)

Camping is a great way to help children connect with nature and discover what the great outdoors has to offer. It’s not just fun (think bug hunting, playing games, climbing trees…), it’s really important. Living in a technological age where children (and grown ups) are surrounded by technology and distractions, it’s easy to forget about all the amazing things you can see, do and experience just by being outdoors.

Climate change and the importance of protecting our planet is filling the news feeds now more than ever, so nature and our understanding of it and how we can support it, is more important than ever. Getting children outside with their friends or as a family is a great first step to help them understand why our climate is so important.

Plus, it’s a great way to reconnect with each other. Quality time with friends and family away from distractions is a wholesome environment to build relationships and ultimately, have some fun!

Get outside for the night and reconnect

The cowboys did it, the best explorers still do it and countless people all around the world love it, sleeping under the stars and making camp is an adventure in itself. But being outside for the night is even more than that, it can help to promote a sense of adventure that will last a lifetime.

The thrill of a new experience, especially ones that make your heart race, are those that can be retold and remembered over and over again. Adventures can help children build confidence, learning how to push their boundaries and step outside their comfort zone to experience something they never knew they’d enjoy.

Not only is a tent the perfect place to tell stories, have a feast and enjoy the company of your friends and family, it also has a great ingredient for a good night’s sleep, fresh air. A whole host of scientific research has shown the amazing things that can happen when you sleep outside, from body and brain function to increased immunity. Ultimately we sleep best in cool, comfortable environments and fresh air, so a night under canvas is just the ticket.

Camping can be done in a whole host of ways – from sleeping under the stars in your sleeping bag to glorious glamping, with super comfy mattresses, pillows and duvets. Whichever way you choose to camp, it doesn’t have to cost the earth and is generally a lot cheaper than other traditional holidays. Plus, once you’re pitched and in the great outdoors, you’ve got a free playground on your doorstep.

The National Trust has a list of 50 things to do before you’re 11 ¾, many of which can be done while you’re camping. Here are a few ideas:

#3 Camp out in the wild (we definitely recommend this one!)
#6 Run around in the rain (the great British weather often helps with this one!)
#16 Make a daisy chain
#17 Set up a snail race
#18 Set up some wild art
#31 Hunt for bugs

What else could you do?

Camping is the perfect opportunity for children to escape technology for a while and do more with less, getting back to basics and using their imagination for fun, free play. After all these years of research, experts believe when children spend time outside and engage with nature, it can benefit their health, both physically and mentally.

As parents, we’re spoiled for choice with the various activity and entertainment venues available to us, but what about getting back to basics, staying at home and camping out in the garden. No need to drive the car or pack, good times in the garden with a night under canvas is sometimes all it takes.

Kids grow up really fast, right? You look at your child and wonder where the time’s gone. Camping’s great for helping slow the pace for a while. Put the phones away and work together to set up your supplies. What are you having for your camp snacks? Hang out in the tent, tell stories, play games and be silly. Fostering a love for camping in childhood can lead to a lifetime of adventures together you’ll remember forever.

Type ‘children spending time outdoors in the UK’ into Google and you’ll be given a huge list of links to articles about recent surveys showing that children today spend less time outside than previous generations. One even found that children spend less time outdoors than prison inmates! For children with loads of energy, getting outside (in all weathers) is a great way to let off some steam. Combine the exercise with fresh air and it can leave you feeling tired yet invigorated. It’s great for grown ups too, getting outside for some exercise helps us as much as it helps the kids. It can stimulate our senses and help to improve physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.

Camping outdoors is also #3 on the National Trust’s list of ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’.

Telling stories by torchlight, building dens and making up games with our mind and the outdoors can ignite imaginations. Camping provides the opportunity for fresh, fun and fabulous adventures for kids with even the biggest imaginations.

You don’t have to know anything about astrology to enjoy the experience of stargazing. On a clear night you could see a shooting star, notice a satellite moving through space or make your own shapes. Laying on a blanket or your jacket on the grass and looking up into the night sky can be the most magical experience and make for great conversations. We all love the ‘How big is the Universe?’ question, right?

10 reasons why camping is cool

6. Slow the pace

7. You get outside

8. Ignite their (and your) imagination

9. Time to stargaze

10. Camping builds confidence

Getting outside, exploring, playing games and sleeping in the fresh air, it’s where the magic happens, where adventures await, stories are told and giggles are guaranteed.

1. Reconnect with nature (and each other)

2. Develop a sense of adventure