When you're feeling overworked and under-appreciated, the only real solution is to unplug and recharge your batteries somewhere away from all the stress. Too bad it seems like an impossible dream for those with families, careers and commitments.
But wait! What if you could take your family with you?
You could reconnect with your kids. You could have actual conversations with your spouse again. Even the dog would benefit from fresh air and exercise!
Still not convinced? If you're not sure a family camping trip is right for you, here are four reasons to pack everyone up and spend some time away from the big city.
1: Re-Learned Cooperation
As children, everyone is encouraged to share. Parents and kids eat off the same plate; siblings play out of the same toy box. When children get older, however, they're given their own iPods and Samsung tablets, and parents actually encourage selfishness because they don't want playmates to break expensive technology. Putting everyone in front of a shared camp fire will help kids of all ages learn how to cooperate and work together once again.
2: Making Group Decisions
Where do you want to go? What do you want to see? Unlike a trip to Disney World where everything is decided for you, an outdoor trip allows everyone to have a say. For example, if you're all gung-ho about nature, you might make a communal decision to go camping in the middle of nowhere with nothing but your RV. If you prefer something a little more accommodating, you can find rentals at Broken Bow Lake that are rustic but still modern.
3: Improved Cognition Function
According to the National Wildlife Federation (NWF), children who are taken away from technology and encouraged to play outdoors are much more likely to develop vivid imaginations and group (or "social") intelligence. Even just exploring a riverbank is better than wasting away in front of the television!
4: Bonding Through Difficulty
No matter how much you prepare, something will go wrong during your vacation. That's just a fact of life. But you can turn these trials and tribulations into a positive thing if you focus on the funny instead of the frustrating during various mishaps. For example, when your tent just won't stay up, don't get angry. Get amused.
These are just four benefits of a family vacation away from the city and into the woods. If you're ready to have fun and reforge some lost bonds, grab your bug spray and start planning!
Most of the pictures were taken during my church's (Blessed Hope Christian Community Church) Family Camp last March 2014.
No comments:
Post a Comment