On average, children between the ages of 8 and 18 spend 7.5 hours per day in front of screens. While technology has benefits and can connect us, it can also be detrimental to the development of young children and teens.

We understand that technology is a part of modern, everyday life. However, spending time outdoors is good for everyone – including children, teens and adults.

More time outdoors can have a positive impact on children’s health, well-being and overall development. Camping is one of the best ways to get out into nature and can have a lifelong positive impact on children and youth.

6 Ways Camping Can Positively Impact Child Development

#1: Camping Encourages Independence and Confidence

Self-esteem, confidence and independence are incredibly important during childhood. Childhood is a crucial period for development, when kids and teens begin to learn more about themselves, develop their sense of identity and begin to explore their independence.

Camping is an amazing way to help kids develop both independence and confidence. Depending on the age of your child, you can ask them to help you with a number of tasks, including:

• Setting up the tent or trailer
• Packing food and meal planning
• Foraging or fishing*
• Collecting wood for the campfire
• Brainstorming “rainy day” plans
• Planning trips to the beach or simple hikes
• If applicable, taking care of furry-friends

*Foraging can be fun, but be sure that you know exactly what you pick to avoid accidental poisoning!

Most kids love to help – they just need the opportunity to practice their skills. Parents love camping because it provides a slower environment for their family. This kind of setting is perfect for allowing kids to take initiative, try new things without pressure, and gain confidence through hands-on experiences.

Whether it’s cooking over a fire or figuring out how to zip up a sleeping bag, these little moments help build a strong foundation of self-esteem and independence.

#2: Camping Supports Physical Health and Gross Motor Skills

Physical activity is important during childhood. It not only builds a strong foundation for a healthy lifestyle as they grow up, but can also impact other areas of their life – such as their academic performance.

According to the CDC, regular physical activity in childhood has many benefits, including:

• Improved memory and attention span
• Healthy development of bones, muscles, cardiovascular system and the brain
• Reduces the risk of depression
• Regulates body weight
• Maintains normal blood sugar levels
• Reduces risk of developing chronic diseases

Camping provides a wonderful space for children to be physically active. The very nature of camping encourages physical movement and the development of gross motor skills, such as climbing, swimming, hiking, biking, paddling, and running.

Without even realizing it, kids get hours of exercise while exploring trails, gathering sticks, splashing in the lake, or playing outdoor games, all of which contribute to their overall health and development in a fun and engaging way!

#3: Camping Fosters Problem Solving and Resilience

According to the CAMH (The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health), developing resilience is an important part of growing up. Resilient kids are more equipped to solve the challenges that life throws at them, resist peer-pressure and develop healthy coping strategies?

So, how can camping help? Kids who go camping will naturally experience small, manageable challenges that help build resilience over time. For example, maybe it starts to rain and they need to help figure out how to keep the firewood dry. Or, maybe their marshmallow falls into the fire and they have to deal with that frustration!

While these experiences might seem small or minor to adults, they help children practice adapting to unexpected situations, thinking creatively, and bouncing back from setbacks.

Camping offers countless opportunities for kids to problem-solve in a supportive, low-stakes environment. These experiences build and all help children develop emotional strength and self-reliance.

#4: Camping Boosts Mental Well-Being

Scientific studies repeatedly show that spending more time in nature boosts mental well-being and improves mental health for children and adults. Some experts have also specified that these benefits are more noticeable when people spend time in “high-quality” nature – that is, highly natural spaces without litter and an abundance of wildlife and flora.

Camping provides the perfect space for children to experience “high-quality” nature. Being surrounded by trees, lakes, fresh air, and natural sounds can have a calming effect on the nervous system.

This can lead to:

• Reduced anxiety
• Improved mood
• Increased focus and concentration
• Increased emotional regulation.

For kids who may feel overstimulated by too much screen time or busy environments, camping offers a peaceful, grounding experience that encourages mindfulness and connection to the world around them. Even a weekend away can leave children feeling more balanced, focused, and emotionally refreshed.

One of the reasons why childhood development experts warn against excessive screen time is because it have a detrimental impact on a child’s social skills. A recent study from the University of Alberta found that toddlers who spent too much time watching TV or using devices like tablets had underdeveloped social skills compared to their peers.

Spending time outdoors with family and friends can help strengthen familial bonds and help children, especially young children, develop crucial social skills.

Spending time outdoors with family and friends can help strengthen familial bonds and help children, especially young children, develop crucial social skills. Camping provides an ideal environment for quality connection without the distractions of screens or busy schedules.

When kids spend uninterrupted time with others in a relaxed, outdoor setting, they have more chances to:

• Practice turn-taking and cooperation during games, meal prep, or shared activities
• Communicate their needs and ideas more clearly
• Resolve minor conflicts and learn negotiation skills
• Build empathy by observing how others feel and respond to shared experiences
• Strengthen family bonds through storytelling, teamwork, and shared routines
• Develop a sense of belonging and self-worth through meaningful connection

These kinds of social interactions are the foundation for healthy relationships, both in childhood and later in life. Camping creates space for those moments to naturally unfold.

#6: Camping Nurtures Curiosity

Children are naturally curious. The great outdoors provides the best place to feed that curiosity and allow children to explore nature at their own pace.

Camping gives kids the chance to slow down and take in the world around them. Whether they’re out spotting animal tracks, watching ants build a colony, or identifying different types of trees, nature invites endless questions and exploration.

Unlike structured indoor learning, nature-based discovery is hands-on, open-ended, and led by the child’s own interests. This kind of unstructured play and observation helps develop important traits like creativity, patience, and critical thinking.

A few nature-inspired activities that spark curiosity while camping include:

• Bug hunting or birdwatching with a magnifying glass or binoculars
• Journaling observations, leaf rubbings, or sketching interesting finds
• Stargazing and learning about constellations
• Collecting natural treasures like pinecones, smooth stones, or feathers
• Learning basic survival skills like fire building or reading a compass

Making sure that you are prepared for your camping trip can help ensure you and your kids make the most of your adventure. Check out this great camping pack list from blogger Healthy Mama Kris if you are planning your first camping trip.

Camping With Kids? Get The Best Family-Friendly Trailers at Keith’s Trailer Sales

Ready to start your next family adventure? Choosing a trailer is an excellent way to keep the kids comfortable during your upcoming camping trip.

Located just north of Hillsburgh, Ontario, Keith’s Trailer Sales has been a beloved part of our small town since 2014. As a family-run business, we are dedicated to providing top-quality service and building lasting relationships with our customers. At Keith’s, we offer all of our customers an exceptional experience, including personalized service, competitive pricing on all of our products and quality assurance.

Planning to go camping with your family but don’t know where to start? The professional and experienced team at Keith’s believes in going the extra mile for our customers. With every trailer purchase, you’ll receive a full walkthrough and hands-on demonstration, so you feel confident operating your new unit. We offer a one-year manufacturer’s warranty on all of our trailers.

Browse available trailers now!