A study carried out by the Institute of Education at Plymouth University in conjunction with the camping and caravan club has shown that children who enjoy the outdoors, and go camping with family are healthier, go on to do better at school and are happier according to their parents.
The study looked at correlations between education and camping, whether that be in a tent or motorhome. The children involved in the study were asked a series of questions and these questions were designed to assess the emotional, psychological and social aspect of each child.
The research showed that of the parents, 80% believed that camping had a positive impact on their child’s school edication, while 98% thought that camping helped their kids connect with nature, and almost everyone said that children seemed happiest when camping and were learning important life skills.
In fact the children asked as part of the research said exactly the same thing, but connecting this to fun rather than education. Learning new skills and rock pooling and nature walks were cited as the most fun from the children’s perspective, but us parents know how valuable it is to have fun while learning.
There has been a real boom in camping and caravanning in the UK in recent years and this study is only going to compound the idea that getting back to basics is perfect, not just for children but for the whole family too!
The whole study is being used as the backdrop for a new campaign from the Camping and Caravan Club called ‘Get Kids Camping’, and as this week is National Caravanning week, they’re touring the country to show people what camping is really like, and how much fun you can have!
By: Kath Cross
