As a parent, it can be difficult to let our children go. Many school and group activities provide children with opportunities to attend camping trips. These camping trips teach them valuable outdoor skills and allow them to interact with other children their age. If your child is attending a group camping activity, ease your fears and concerns with the following planning steps. These will ensure that you understand the logistics of the trip and that your child is truly prepared for their first overnight camping trip without the family.
Location
Camping trips can take place almost anywhere. Your child can camp in a local camping park at a nearby park or they can camp in a friend?s backyard. Knowing the exact location of your child?s camping trip can ease your worries. You will know how to access them if an emergency occurs. You will also have the ability to check up on them, if needed. Most local camping sites are easy to get into and you can even visit your child during their camping activities.
Those in attendance
It is likely that you already know who will be attending the camping event. If it is a school trip, your child?s school friends will be there with them. If it is a Girl or Boy Scout trip, they will be accompanied by their pack mates. However, inquiring about the chaperones can help ease fears. Request the contact information of the specific chaperone who will be overseeing your child. This way, you can contact them with any questions or to simply check up on your child. Your child?s chaperone will also have your contact information, allowing your child to quickly reach you, if needed.
Specific activities
Camping in itself is harmless. Tent camping simply means sleeping in a tent and doing regular activities outdoors. However, most camping trips also involve recreational activities. Approximately 87% of campers participated in multiple outdoor activities. Find out ahead of time what these activities are. You may even be asked to sign permission slips for camping activities that could be dangerous.
If you are worried about your child?s safety in specific camping hobbies, you can consider chaperoning. If the camp resort is close enough, you may be able to offer your assistance services, while also giving your child the freedom that they desire. Most camp resorts are very safe with emergency plans and safely testing outdoor activities.
Length of trip
Some children adjust to time away from their families easier than others do. If your child has never been away from home for an extended period of time, you may be concerned about their ability to do so. However, if the camp resort is local, your child will have access to you. They may also have contact in the form of cell phones or letters, easing their feelings of home sickness. Although campers travelled an average distance of 186.7 miles for camping trips, most school related camping trips are much closer to home.
Plan a future family vacation
It may seem weird to have your child on a vacation without you for the first time. Instead, attempt to shift your focus into planning a family vacation that includes a camp resort. This will allow your child to introduce you to the fun things and facts they learned on their camping trip. Early fall camping trips can be especially exciting because of the color changing seasons and it can be a great last vacation before kids return to school.
Approximately 99% of camping participants said they were likely or very likely to camp next year, according to the 2014 American Camping Report. Camping is one of the most popular types of vacation in the country. However, it can be difficult for a parent to let their child go on their first camping trip without the family. Find out all of the facts of your child?s trip and know their location and you will find that it gets easier with time. They will experience so many benefits and the trip will be great for them.