09/03/2026
Raising kids who feel at home outside starts by letting them be part of it.
Not just bringing them camping, but giving them a role in camp.
Let them unroll their sleeping bag. Have them choose where their pillow goes. Ask them to help set up the tent, carry a little bit of gear, collect what you need for dinner or pack things away in the morning.
It might take longer. Their sleeping bag probably won’t be straight. But little by little, they start to understand how camp works and, more importantly, that they belong there.
They learn how to take care of their gear, contribute to the adventure and turn a patch of dirt in the forest into home for the night.
And those are pretty incredible little life skills to grow up with.
Next time you camp, give your little explorer one job that is completely theirs. You might be surprised by how seriously they take it.
Save this one for your next family camping trip.