Preschools are really active as they become more aware of the capabilities of their bodies. They love to roam around and play with other kids. They are also termed as the little explorer as they become more curious on how the world operates. They want to know a lot of stuff. At this stage, they like to imitate mom and dad. At home, they will love to play toys that are close to what mom or dad is working on. There are so much stuff that these little kids love to do because they start to be aware of new skills. I think this stage is also the perfect time to introduce new activities such as camping. Although it looks like there are so much to learn about camping (e.g. how to camp, camping gear for kid and stuff), I think this activity could complement the development these preschools are undergoing.
Since they are becoming active and they are more confident with their bodies then taking a hike on the wilds can be very much possible. You do not have to drag them around, instead they can run and climb like you. They have developed their fine motor skills as well meaning they are able to hold anything no matter how tiny the object will be. This is an added factor for outdoor adventure especially for kids as they will learn to hold on to a lot of things when they need to do it. They are also strong enough to carry their own camping tent while they are walking. This clearly shows that you will not have to worry much about them because they are intelligent enough to understand the physical movements needed for them in playing with outdoors.
I also believe that preschools love to explore. Well, the world is a perfect venue for these little kids to understand the wilderness and how different it is to the urban zone. They can learn more about science and the various creatures. They get to explore the night and the surroundings. You can give them one coleman kids that they will love: the binoculars. They will love to discover new things near or far from where they are situated and I know they will have fun.
Since this is the stage of role-imitation. Then I guess this will be the perfect time for your kids to have hands-on experience on what camping is all about. You can let them work on their kids camping gear like setting-up their own sleeping bags or tents or you can let them help with cooking. But of course this is not to be done alone; it is strictly to be done with supervision.
Actually there is no perfect time on when to start camping because even some infants are taken already to experience the outdoors. What more if you can rely on your kids to carry their own camping gear for kids or they are already capable of moving on their own without much assistance. So if you have not taken out you preschools for a camping trip, there is no other perfect time to get them to meet the wilds. |