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Archive for Family and Kids

5 Fun Outdoor Activities for Kids

Posted by My Camp Kitchen //
 May 2, 2014
Family Bird Watching

In our last few blogs, we’ve discussed the dangers of nature deficit disorder and the benefits of spending more time in nature. Now it’s time to start combating the disorder and strategize about ways to get kids outside. That’s why I’ve compiled a list of fun outdoor activities for kids! Whether you’re on a family camping trip or at the local park, these outdoor activities are a great way to pry kids away from their video games and tablets so they can spend more time connecting with nature.

1. Bird-watching

Birds are incredible creatures, and quietly appreciating them can make for a profound experience. Before you head to a local nature preserve or hiking trail with the kids, stop by the nearest library to find a book about different kinds of birds. Then grab your binoculars and sunscreen and enjoy a relaxing afternoon of bird-watching in the park.

2. Go on a scavenger hunt

On your next camping trip, start an adventure by creating a scavenger hunt! Have the kids go around in search of natural elements like pinecones, a wildflower, or river rocks. Whoever finds the most wins! This is a great way to get children to open their eyes to what’s around them and identify various types of trees and plants.

3. Hula hoops

Visiting local parks is a great opportunity to spend time in nature. On your next trip, bring hula hoops for your kids and start a contest to see who can go the longest without the hula hoop falling to the ground. This is a fun way for kids to stay active, and it doesn’t even feel like exercise!

4. Go on a hike

Plan a day trip and go on a hike with your kids to enjoy the amazing scenery of various nature trails. Hikes allow you take in everything nature has to offer and to really savor its beauty. Bring a lunch made using your portable kitchen, then enjoy eating while sitting on a rock in the sun without distractions.

5. Take a swim in the lake or ocean

Why go to a pool when there are beautiful lakes and oceans to enjoy? On a really hot day, pack up your beach things and head to your favorite water spot with the kids.

The weather is starting to warm up, so try any of these fun activities with your kids. A simple dose of nature is the best cure for nature deficit disorder and will put everyone in a good mood.

Books That Inspire: Last Child in the Woods and The Nature Principle

Posted by My Camp Kitchen //
 April 25, 2014
Reading a Book Outdoors

Last Child in the Woods

If you’ve never heard the term “nature deficit disorder” or the theory behind the phrase, you might want to read Last Child in the Woods. Written by Richard Louv in 2005, this powerful book sheds light on the physical and emotional effects experienced by children who spend too little time with nature and too much time with technology. Overall, this one of those books that inspire and completely change the way you think about outdoor activities.

Planning outdoor activities like camping isn’t just a good way for kids to stay active (although that’s also a great benefit). It’s also a way to improve both children’s and adult’s overall well-being. Last Child in the Woods presents developing research on this topic, and the book will make you eager to spend more time outdoors with your kids. Now is the perfect time to get outside since the weather is warming up!

The Nature Principle

Richard Louv isn’t just about causing a scare. He’s also about providing hope and solutions. In The Nature Principle—his follow-up book to Last Child in the Woods—Louv calls people to bring about a happier future. Louv inspires us to spend more time with nature by describing the ways it can boost creativity, happiness, and wellness. He also calls us create more sustainable solutions for businesses and communities.

Are you ready to make a change? Think about how you can incorporate nature more into daily life for you and your kids. Learn more about nature deficit disorder by reading these meaningful books.

The Man Behind Nature Deficit Disorder: Richard Louv

Posted by My Camp Kitchen //
 April 18, 2014
Mother and Child with Dandelions

Richard Louv may not be a doctor or a psychologist, but that hasn’t stopped him from influencing the way we think about nature and our well-being. A journalist, Louv has conducted extensive research into our relationship with nature. Featured in his book Last Child in the Woods, the condition he calls “nature deficit disorder” has raised critical issues every parent should consider.

In case you haven’t heard of nature deficit disorder, the term refers to the mental and physical symptoms that can occur when kids don’t spend enough time outdoors. These symptoms include anxiety, depression, obesity, and attention deficit disorder (ADD). As you can probably guess, we at My Camp Kitchen believe in the positive effects of the great outdoors and are interested in Louv’s theories.

Louv’s thesis is more than just a theory, though. His books have started an international movement to bring kids and nature back together, and they have inspired campaigns across North America. He has won prestigious awards for his work, including the Audubon Medal given by the nonprofit environmental organization National Audubon Society. Louv has been featured on national TV shows such as ABC’s Good Morning America. With Louv gaining recognition, more parents are becoming aware of the damaging effects of spending too little time outdoors on their kids. We hope they will be compelled to take action.

So what’s the solution for nature deficit disorder? According to Richard Louv, it’s more time spent outdoors. In his latest book, The Nature Principle, Louv discusses his hopes for the future and challenges readers to rethink their relationship with nature.

Nature Deficit Disorder: Why Spending More Time Outside Is Good for Your Children’s Health

Posted by My Camp Kitchen //
 April 11, 2014
Kids Lying in Autumn Leaves

You might think of camping as just a fun family activity, but it’s far more than that. Camping provides a reason for your kids to break away from technology and spend quality time outdoors, which is extremely beneficial to a child both physically and mentally, according to the nature deficit disorder (NDD) theory.

Nature deficit disorder was coined by author Richard Louv in his book Last Child in the Woods. It describes the ill effects that can occur in those who spend little time with nature—especially children, who are still in crucial developmental stages.

In his book, Louv argues that kids have become so consumed by technology that many of them have never developed a connection with the natural world. This isn’t surprising considering the multitude of screens children are exposed to from birth. Even toddlers use smartphones, computers, televisions, tablets, e-readers, and more.

Nature deficit disorder is a serious issue and can result in symptoms such as attention problems (e.g., ADD), anxiety, depression, and obesity. The good news is the solution to these symptoms is right in your backyard! Make outdoor activities a priority with your children and look for opportunities for the whole family to spend more time with nature. A little dose of fresh air now could be the best medicine.

5 Tips for Making Your Kids’ First Camping Experience More Enjoyable

Posted by My Camp Kitchen //
 February 12, 2014
Camping with Kids

Camping with kids for the first time can make any parent feel worried and a little unsure. Make the experience as enjoyable as possible for both you and your kids by following these five tips:

1. Do a practice run

If your kids have never been camping before, it’s a good idea to spend a night “camping” in your backyard. That way your kids can get a taste of what’s to come, and you’ll have a better idea of how they handle sleeping in a tent or camper.

2. Start small

You might prefer to camp in the wilderness with no running water, but a child may be most at ease camping in a more developed area. Start at a campground close to home with toilets and running water. You want to ease kids into the camping experience—not scare them away from it.

3. Get the kids involved

Letting your kids be involved in the planning process will help build their excitement and make them feel more comfortable with the overall camping experience. Have them help you plan out meals and let them pack their own bags. It will make them more aware of the responsibilities that come with camping so they’re prepared in the future.

4. Establish camp rules

Kids should have fun while camping, but it also important that they stay safe. Set up boundaries so they know where it is okay to roam while unsupervised and which areas are off-limits. You can also create a buddy system. If your kids wants to go off by themselves, they should always tell an adult first.

5. Plan activities

If your kids are used to being entertained by televisions, cell phones, computers, and other electronic devices, they might feel lost without technology. Plan fun activities though like hiking, swimming, and games to help your kids forget about their video games!

Camping with kids takes a little more work and planning, but the cherished memories you’ll create together make the extra effort worth it.

For more information on how to camp, check out our other posts:

Camping Activities to Keep the Family Entertained

Posted by My Camp Kitchen //
 January 31, 2014
Relaxing on the Water While Camping

The whole family is packed and ready for a week of camping fun. But what are you actually going to do once you arrive at the campground? Be prepared come rain or shine with these fun camping activities in your back pocket.

Active

  • Hiking: A long hike is the perfect opportunity to bond with friends or family while enjoying lush natural landscapes.
  • Swimming: When the sun is shining and the weather is hot, cool down by spending a few hours swimming in the lake.
  • Capture the Flag, Ultimate Frisbee, or Sand Volleyball: Any game that gets you moving will work, but these are popular choices for camping.

Leisure

  • Fishing: Even if you don’t catch a single fish, going fishing is a great way to relish peace and quiet.
  • Floating: Tired of swimming? Grab a tube and enjoy the water without the work.
  • Lying on the beach: On the beach, you can read a book or just sit and relax. Just don’t forget to wear sunscreen!

Rainy days

  • Card games: Cards offer variety, so when you get sick of playing one game, simply switch to another.
  • Reading: Use a rainy day as an opportunity to finally start that book you’ve been meaning to read.
  • Crafting: Do you like to draw or knit? Bring your supplies with you in case of bad weather.

Nighttime

  • Storytelling: While everyone is sitting around the campfire and roasting marshmallows, have people share a scary ghost story.
  • Catching fireflies: Are you fast enough to catch a firefly? Wait until the sun goes down and then find out!
  • Late-night swim: Night swimming offers a totally different experience from a daytime swim. Take the necessary precautions and always bring a buddy.

A camping trip should never be boring. Keep a few activities in mind for every occasion and make your camping trip a success!

For more information on how to camp, check out our other posts:

C&NN Releases Updated Edition of “Together in Nature: Pathways to a Stronger, Closer Family” Tool Kit

Posted by Sky //
 July 15, 2013
Parent and Child Together in Nature

I follow Richard Louv and his work on getting kids and families back to nature. He is the man who termed the phrase “nature deficit disorder.” As a psychotherapist, I see this all the time. Anyway, here is link to a recent post by them well-worth reading:

Children and Nature Network (C&NN) Releases Updated Edition of “Together in Nature: Pathways to a Stronger, Closer Family” Tool Kit

30 Blogs That Help Parents Develop and Maintain a Family Routine

Posted by Sky //
 January 16, 2013
Family Toothbrushes

I wanted to share with you Carol’s blog. She has many posts on developing healthy family relationships through routines. Please click here to find great information on how routines can help your family!

Kids and Nature … What a Beautiful Thing

Posted by Sky //
 December 13, 2012
Child Embracing Nature at Sunset

I was reading through my emails this morning and found my C&NN newsletter. Opening it up, I read two beautiful pieces that I want to share with you.

Tierra y libertad

The first is written by a young man after camping with his family for the first time: TIERRA Y LIBERTAD: A Camping Trip Illustrates Nature’s Place in Family and Heritage.

Peace in nature

And the second, which I actually read first, was written by a young girl contemplating a beehive: PEACE IN NATURE: Aylee Tudek, 16, Shares Her Sense of Wonder.

Both are beautiful and so well-written. I could not say it better. Thanks, Juan and Aylee.

Memories of Camping: Create Yours This Summer

Posted by My Camp Kitchen //
 December 12, 2011
Family on Beach at Sunset

My earliest memories are of waking up at 2:00 am and getting in the car (which my dad had already packed for our annual two weeks of camping at Sheep Creek, Kings Canyon, California) and then singing or counting animals or seeing how many state license plates my brother and I could find (with mom’s help). That time spent in the car together was just the beginning. We spent the days swimming, horseback riding, hiking, fishing, and playing hide and seek in the dark forest, sleeping under the stars and never being afraid. My brother, cousins, and I are now (65+ years later) the best of friends. I think these experiences together of total freedom are so important. Take your kids camping so you can start creating their wonderful childhood memories!

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“We love our Camp Kitchens! Our old patrol boxes were built from plans. They were very heavy, and the legs were hard to assemble. Our Camp Kitchens were easy and fun for a group of Scouts to put together. The instructions were easy to follow, and the parts were well-organized. Everything fit together perfectly. The Camp Kitchens are well-designed and much easier for our Scouts to carry. All of our necessities fit neatly inside. In addition, set-up is easy when we arrive at camp. Thanks, My Camp Kitchen!”

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—Alison Richards, Senior Editor of Science & Food, NPR, Washington, DC

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—David Esarey, Henderson, NV

“You make an awesome product! … Arrived home today to My Camp Kitchen waiting on my porch. Couldn’t wait to open it up and see the new improvements. I could not be happier!! The new legs are fantastic!! And having the extensions be able to stay with the box and not have to tote separate is just the ticket. We just placed our three kids’ names in a hat and drew the lucky winner of our old unit. Our oldest daughter won and promised to share with the other two and keep it in the family always. Thanks again for making a great quality product that we can be proud to pass on.”

—Scott Hall, Happy Camper, Grand Rapids, MI

“Everything worked just great. You can see how much I have stored in the box—literally everything I need for cooking/preparation of food. The couple I went camping with were really taken with the unit—thought it was the greatest thing since sliced bread!”

—Dave Weed, Happy Camper

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“I want to tell you how delighted I am with the camp kitchen. We went camping this past weekend and found cooking to be easy and storing the gear convenient. Thank you also for the towels, coffee filters, and wine glasses. We used these as well. I will recommend this unit to everyone I know who camps.”

—Teresa Theesfeld, Happy Camper

“My Camp Kitchen was the central spot for all the food and drink as everyone found it to be a great camping asset. It was at a comfortable height for preparation, and all the tools I needed were right there in easy reach. My Camp Kitchen is a wonderful product that I will continue to enjoy and tell everyone about.”

—Bill and Jodi H., Colorado

“The Camp Kitchen is just absolutely perfect and fits exactly how we wanted it to in our four-wheel pop-up camper. It is really well-thought-out, and I’m SO glad I didn’t try to build a DIY as I was previously planning. You have put a lot of camping experience into every little detail. And it is built for an air drop! It’s funny how excited my wife and I are about The Outdoorsman kitchen box, considering we have tens of thousands of dollars tied up in all sorts of technical outdoor gear. Your camp kitchen is truly worth every penny. Congrats on a classic.”

—Brooks Montgomery, Owner of Hart-Montgomery Outdoor Sales, Bozeman, MT

“Nothing competes with camping. There is no remote-control camping. So when you get a kid out there making a fire, prepping foil dinners, roasting marshmallows, playing silly campfire games, and walking around in the dark with a flashlight, he is thrilled in a way that cannot be duplicated by technology. Go, Dad!!!!”

—Analisa Macias, Avid Camper and Daughter of the Snogrens