Whether pitching a tent in the backyard or sleeping under the stars in a provincial park, experts agree that camping is a way for busy families to reconnect and build strong relationships.

At a time when kids spend as much as six hours a day online and watching television, it is important to participate in activities that encourage enjoyment of the outdoors and family bonding.  

According to Dr. Karyn Gordon, a Toronto family therapist and Generation Y expert, “Camping is an activity that engages the whole family and encourages everyone to work as a team, from setting up the tent to cooking over the campfire to gathering around to tell stories. It’s a great opportunity to connect as a family without the distractions of television, computers, electronic games or cell phones.”

Here are Dr. Karyn Gordon’s top 10 reasons why families should consider a camping adventure:

Camping as a family is a great way to . . .

1. Bring everyone together in a calm and relaxed space, leading to meaningful family conversations.

2. Create silly and funny memories, think tents falling down, bear alerts and raccoons in your food – your teen sons will especially appreciate the laughter!

3. Provide an opportunity for kids to teach their parents how to unwind and relax (many Gen Y’s tell me they wish their ‘uptight’ parents would relax more).

4. Create the ideal environment to be still, calm and emotionally present and plugged into each other.

5. Show your kids how much fun you can have without spending a lot (a simple way to teach an important principle of money management).

6. Create powerful family bonding moments not only for parents and their kids, but also between siblings (think roasting marshmallows, star gazing and sharing a tent).

7. Teach children many new skills which can help to build their confidence – for example, canoeing, kayaking, making a fire and cooking on a Coleman stove.

8. Get families working together as a team; think meal preparation, setting up the tent and fishing together.

9. Create a natural way to “unplug” (it’s not only good idea for teens to take a break from their electronic devices but for parents as well).

10.  Give parents a chance to share family legacy stories, like “when I was a kid . . .” around the campfire.

Bonus Reason!

11.  Get active by swimming, hiking, canoeing and simply enjoying our beautiful outdoors together!

Release Source: Coleman and Canadian Tire

Photo Credit: Oakley Originals, www.flickr.com