Camping helps children to do better at school says new study
Posted on in Business News , Outdoor News
Most parents believe that children who camp in the great outdoors at least once a year do better at school, according to a new study.
Research led by Sue Waite, associate professor at Plymouth University's Institute of Education, revealed that four out of five parents believe camping has a positive effect on their children's school education.
Parents and children around the UK were asked a series of questions looking at the educational, psychological and social benefits of camping for children of all ages as part of the study carried out in partnership with the Camping and Caravanning Club.
The study found that 98 per cent of parents believe camping makes their children appreciate and connect with nature, while 95 per cent said their kids were happier when camping and 93 per cent felt that it provided useful skills for later life.
A quarter of parents said that escaping technology was a good thing for their children and one of the benefits of camping, while a fifth of parents said camping gives their kids freedom, independence and confidence.
More than two thirds 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.
Sue Waite said: "Interestingly, the parents surveyed believed camping supported the key curriculum subjects of geography, history and science.
"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 life forms, respecting nature and the environment."
The children who took part in the research were asked what they love about camping and the most common themes were making and meeting new friends, having fun, playing outside and learning various camping skills.
Children also recognised camping's value for curriculum subjects and for problem solving and working together.
This compelling link between education and camping is the focus of a new campaign, Get Kids Camping, which was launched this month at The Deck, London, by Julia Bradbury, president of the Camping and Caravanning Club.