UK Study Shows Camping Boosts Education and Social Skills

We have long known that camping is great for children. They absolutely love escaping to the great outdoors and getting closer to nature. We have always thought that children that go camping are more balanced, have a much greater grasp on reality and are generally more fun to be with.

Now it seems it may go further than that. A study from the UK suggests that Children who go camping do better at school and are happier and more socially integrated.

What further excuse do you need to go camping?

Check out the article below…

Children who go camping do better at school and are happier and healthier, Devon study suggests

By Exeter Express and Echo | Posted: May 22, 2015

Children who camp in the great outdoors at least once a year go on to do better at school, as well as being healthier and happier, according to their parents.

That’s the finding of a study carried out by the Institute of Education at Plymouth University and the Camping and Caravanning Club, who collaborated to discover perceptions of the relationship between education and camping.

Parents and children around the UK were asked a series of questions which looked at the educational, psychological and social benefits of the camping experience to children of all ages. Research led by Sue Waite, Associate Professor at the Plymouth Institute of Education, found that more than 4 out of 5 parents thought camping had a positive effect on their children’s school education.

It showed that 98% of parents said camping makes their kids appreciate and connect with nature; 95% said their kids were happier when camping; and 93% felt that it provided useful skills for later life. Some parents (15%) reported that escaping technology (laptops, tablets, mobiles, etc) is a good thing for their children and one of the benefits of camping. A fifth of parents (20%) said camping gives their kids freedom, independence and confidence; and more than two thirds (68%) felt camping helped their children to enjoy learning in the classroom, because they can share their camping adventures and experiences such as visiting exciting educational or historical sites…

…that stacks up because the most common camping activities were natural – such as rock pooling and nature walks – where children were getting to understand ecosystems and identify lifeforms, respecting nature and the environment…

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