Roughing It: The Benefits of Tripping at Summer Camp
Too often today are we surrounded by life’s luxuries, so much so that we can begin to take these things for granted. There seems to be an endless supply of food and water, sturdy shelters, and freedom from the primal forces of nature. However, for those who are brave enough to go venturing into the wild to go camping with no more than necessary equipment and provisions, they find themselves not only on an outdoor adventure, but also a personal journey. One group who can particularly benefit from these experiences are children, and summer camps can provide this opportunity to them. While there are tripping camps, designed so that the majority of the camp experience is with tripping, there are other camps that also can provide these experiences, though perhaps less often. These trips at a Minnesota Summer Camp can create life-changing experiences, allowing campers to grow both their skills in tripping and in life.
The first and most basic goal of tripping is for campers to learn how to live and work with nature. No longer can they go and get food or water from the fridge, but now must survive with what they have, and what they can even scavenge. Being in nature provides a great opportunity to teach campers about how to purify water, fire safety, edible and medicinal flora, and so much more. As they go on more and more trips, campers will grow their outdoor experience, making them better at tripping, but also more knowledgeable of the natural world around them. Camp can provide a unique experience for campers to be leaders. Not every kid that goes to camp has spent a night in the woods with not much more than a tent, but some have, and these campers can be turned to as leaders that can assist and pass on their tripping knowledge. Giving campers responsibility in these scenarios allows them to develop various skills, another important aspect of tripping.
Another goal of tripping is self-improvement and development. Trips are not always easy, in fact, they can be extremely challanging. There are so many factors that are outside of our control that suddenly can change everything, like weather, accidents, or the particular environment you are camping in. These challenges are both an obstacle to be overcome and a lesson in life. It teaches campers to focus on the things they can control rather than the things they cannot control, to work efficiently and effectively, and with certain tasks, to work together and synergize. Maybe the trip was more difficult than anticipated, but that too can have a positive effect. This can show them that they overcame a great challenge, and if they say that it was the hardest thing they ever did, then show them how impressive it is that they rose to the challenge. Along with this, you can take this chance to teach skills that are much more applicable to everyday life. While they may not always use a campfire as their heat source, you can teach campers how to cook. Theres always cleaning up to do after taking camp down, so teach them how to do dishes and make sure they leave no trace. The importance of these developments cannot be understated and can have a hugely positive impact on the camper’s whole life.
Lastly, the goal of Adventure Camp Trips is to allow campers to have fun. It allows for a change of pace in life, to try new things, see spectacular places, and live in it all. Go canoeing if you can, try swimming up river and float back down. There are unique experiences offered on trips that simply cannot be replicated in other places. Making the actual trip to the location can be an adventure itself. When hiking, make sure to look around more and make up silly games and songs to keep it more engaging for campers. Canoeing can offer fun places to have a mid-paddle lunch right next to the river or lake. If a trip has taken a turn for the worst, adding a little bit of fun can boost morale enough to make it home, and there may be no better feeling than getting home from a trip in the wild.
