Kids Benefit from Spending Time in Nature
A recent report released by the Child Mind Institute confirms a long-held belief of many in the Camp Community: Kids benefit from spending time outdoors.
Researchers agree that while the average child only spends less than 10 minutes outside each day, going outside is about more than just play, it teaches skills that will be used throughout life.
The report identifies seven ways being in nature supports a child’s developing mind:
- It builds confidence.
- It promotes creativity and imagination.
- It teaches responsibility.
- It provides different stimulation.
- It gets kids moving.
- It makes them think.
- It reduces stress and fatigue.
At Camp Ondessonk, we see children grow in these ways all summer, and throughout the school year when they step away from screens and into the woods. Many go on to carry this love of the outdoors throughout their lives.
To read the full report from the Child Mind Institute, or to obtain some ideas to get your child outside and into nature when they’re away from Camp, visit https://childmind.org/article/why-kids-need-to-spend-time-in-nature/.
Click here to learn more about Camp Ondessonk Summer Programs.