Time for an Outdoor Family Adventure - Ajit Patel Wemet, Ajit Patel Sanda

It’s summertime, the school holidays are here and children want nothing more than to be outside playing in the sun. But today’s children are more likely to be found in their bedrooms playing computer games than outdoors enjoying the natural environment. Modern parents are generally more cautious than previous generations about letting their children play outside without adult supervision. As a result, many of today’s kids are missing out on fresh air and exercise. As a result, children today are less likely to understand the natural environment in the same way that their grandparents did.

But it’s not just about understanding nature – outdoor play has lots of other advantages for children, from encouraging exercise to building social skills. In addition, children who regularly play outdoors have also been shown to sleep better and perform better  at school.

The National Trust believes that children should be encouraged to play outdoors more and to interact with the natural environment in a positive way. They are keen to see a return to outdoor pastimes such as den building, tree climbing and camping – activities which some parents are reluctant to allow their children to try for fear of injury. 

To inspire and encourage families to get out and about into the great outdoors, the National Trust has an on-going campaign that revolves around 50 things to do before you are 11 ¾. The list includes exciting activities such as flying a kite, catching a fish with a net and even to canoe down a river.  The National Trust believes these activities represent things that every child should experience and says that enjoying outdoor adventures helps children connect with the natural environment, builds confidence and promotes creativity.

The National Trust’s list of 50 things was compiled by the charity’s staff who were asked which childhood memories had contributed to their own love of nature. The diversity of the list includes simple things that a child could do with their friends such as ‘play conkers’ to more structured activities that can be enjoyed as a family – for example, ‘cook on a campfire’.

Although it’s important to educate children about dangers, the benefits of playing outdoors are plain to see. By teaching children to act sensibly and by making sure they know what to do in an emergency, kids can experience all the wonders that the natural environment has to offer. The National Trust website even gives safety tips for each activity so there is no excuse for not being adventurous. Discovering the natural environment from a young age is important for developing a life-long love and respect for nature that children can enjoy for years to come and pass on to future generations.

Beware of Summertime Dangers
Before you send your kids out on their supervised adventures, take steps to minimise the following potential problems that summer fun can pose.

Sunburn
With summer comes that sun and, if you’re not careful, sunburn. Make sure children always wear sun cream (at least factor 35). Apply frequently and always after splashing about in water. In hot weather children should not be out in the noon sun, unless adequately protected with appropriate clothing, hats and sunglasses.

WaterChildren love water, but drowning is one of the biggest nightmares during the summer months and can happen even when they’re only out of sight for a few minutes. Make sure that children are supervised all the time they’re near water whether it’s a shallow paddling pool, river or the beach, and always use proper flotation devices. Most cheap water wings and armbands aren’t suitable. Check before you buy. Make sure you empty paddling pools after use and if you have a permanent pool use a safety cover or a fence to keep children out.

Dehydration
And while we’re on the subject of water, make sure your child drinks enough water during the summer months. Very often, dehydration can creep up unnoticed, because children are too busy playing and having fun to drink enough fluids.

First Aid
Children get more knocks, bumps and scrapes during the summer months than any other time. Make sure your first aid kit is fully stocked for the inevitable falls, cuts and insect bites. And never let your children play outside unsupervised without first teaching them the importance of road safety.

Have plenty of family fun, but stay safe!

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