Why should children participate in camping, hiking, trekking?
The query is for parents actually –
Let’s see what children can gain by participating in a well-organized camping with hiking or trekking. By getting out of the familiar environment of the house and camping for a few days, children learn to become self-reliant. In those few days together, they get a taste of community life. They learn to help each other. They get rid of fear through hard work with fun. They learn to evaluate the environment and situation. They develop the confidence to make decisions. And by identifying natural resources, it also becomes a very important lesson about the need to protect them.
Children participating in camping learn to pitch a tent, learn to cook simple but healthy food being in amusement. They are informed about the rules and regulations of first aid. They learn the rules and strategies of walking carefully on mountain and forest paths and crossing small rivers. Nature is then the school. They learn to recognize animals, birds, insects, etc. of the mountains and forests. A sense of empathy towards other life is developed at an early age. This important realization that the world is not just for humans is acquired at childhood.
A camping trip is actually a huge classroom in nature outside the four walls. Children from the city, covered in dust and smoke, are amazed by the starry sky when they are in the open nature. They breathe deeply and come alive.
A good camping trip, including trekking or hiking, can change a child’s outlook on life. The world is becoming increasingly complex and dangerous. A hike, a trek, a camping trip can give children a taste of the vibrant life. Give them the opportunity, and your child will understand what real life is.
Parents can take their children out hiking or trekking on their own initiative. However, when some children of the same age participate in hiking or trekking along with camping, the atmosphere changes. If one falls, the other holds his or her hand and pulls him or her up. Friendship is formed between the children traveling together through various activities. After the camping, your son or daughter will return home energized.
India’s largest trekking organization Indiahikes arrenges summer camps every year. Indiahikes is organizing 9-day camping-cum-trekking in Uttarakhand for children aged between 10-14. Experienced guides-cum-teachers will be with the little ones with all their good wishes.
Contact number for Indiahikes: 080 468 01269. The company has offices in Dehradun and Bengaluru.
Email: info@indiahikes.com
Photo courtesy: Indiahikes.
