Our modern lifestyle means that our children spend more time indoors and on computers/phones and get very little exposure to the outdoors. This has resulted in children getting limited amounts of physical activity, and the rate of obesity in kids has doubled over the past 20 years.
To make the outdoors more accessible for children, R.A.D. Camps has introduced summer day camp programs for children between the ages of 7 to 17. By enrolling in our well-structured programs, children will explore over 50 unique and pristine locations in the forests and mountains of Central Oregon. Our summer day camp programs focus on interaction with nature, camaraderie, free play, and fun.
Let’s look at some of the most desirable benefits of spending time in nature.
Makes Children More Social
Outdoors are the best playgrounds for children. In parks and other recreational areas, they interact with other children, play around freely, invent different games and determine the rules of those games. This gives them the confidence to make new friends and work as a team to win. In addition, by connecting with other children, they learn to share and solve problems through collaboration and teamwork.
Hence children who spend considerable time outdoors tend to be more social and have a wider circle of friends. In addition, playing outdoors makes them more independent because they are not always under adult supervision. Hence, they solve problems independently, make their own rules, and play by them.
Teaches Children About The Environment
First-hand interaction with our natural environment teaches children much about the world. For example, they learn the various processes taking place in nature, such as how plants and flowers grow, etc. They also understand how human activities can hurt the environment; e.g., pulling a plant from its root can cause it to die.
Children who spend more time outdoors will develop a greater appreciation of nature and become more environmentally conscious. As adults, they will be more eco-responsible, which will be reflected in all their actions. Direct interaction with the environment instills a greater responsibility to conserve nature and its components.
Improves The Physical Fitness and Health of Children
Children who spend in nature are more athletic, healthier, and physically fit. This is because they get the recommended amount of physical exercise from running, climbing, swimming, rowing, etc. This keeps their weight in control and drastically reduces their chances of being obese.
Exposure to natural elements such as sunlight and fresh air invigorates and keeps them active. Sunlight acts as a catalyst for the production of Vitamin D. Children can get enough sunlight by spending 30 minutes outdoors daily.
Nature strengthens their immune system and makes their bodies healthier and more robust. Hence, the great outdoors benefits both the mind and the body. For example, some studies have shown that kids who get their hands dirty in mud have stronger immune systems. Over time, exposing children to natural bacteria helps their bodies develop resistance, and children’s immune systems become less prone to catching diseases.
Now that we know the multiple benefits of outdoor exposure for children, it is time to enroll them in an adventurous outdoor program. So, if you’re searching for an entertaining and affordable outdoor summer adventure, enroll your child in our R.A.D. Camps summer programs.
Our summer day camp programs are located in Bend, Oregon. We have multiple fun-filled trips for children to the Deschutes and Willamette National Forests. Our motto is “no child left inside.” We connect children with nature through fun-filled activities.
For more information, visit our website or call us at (541) 410-7258.