Photo courtesy of Camp Lebanon

Did you know that the average American child spends about 4 to 7 minutes a day playing outside and over 7 hours a day in front of a screen? (Child Mind Institute)

This statistic is surprising. It might cause you to think back to your childhood and be grateful it was full of time spent playing in nature. After all, being outside is great for kids.

“Spending time outside builds confidence, teaches responsibility, promotes creativity and reduces stress” shares the Child Mind Institute.

According to Generation Wild, “Children’s stress levels fall within minutes of seeing green spaces. Studies confirm that spending time in a forest can help reduce concentrations of the stress hormone cortisol, lower pulse rate and blood pressure, and decrease anxiety”.

How can we get kids outdoors and help them create a love of nature? Sending them to camp is a great place to start!

At camp, kids have the opportunity to flip the statistic from spending 7 hours a day in front of a screen to spending over 7 hours a day outdoors. Many camp activities such as big group games, hiking, rope courses and sports take place outside. Kids get to experience a schedule full of fun while enjoying nature and experiencing the mental and physical health benefits that getting outdoors can bring.

Perhaps some children have never had the opportunity to find what they enjoy doing while  being outside. Camp gives them a chance to discover what outdoor activities they like.

Maybe your child will choose to spend free time at camp playing basketball, canoeing, hiking, or chatting with friends under a shady tree. Or they might enjoying swimming, creek stomping, archery or volleyball. Whatever they choose, it’s likely that they’ll find an activity they enjoy and will get to incorporate that into daily life once they go home.

Find a camp for your kids to attend this summer.