Benefits of Family Camping
Bringing the whole family on a camping trip not only creates memories that will last a lifetime, but also instills important life skills for parents and children alike. But the real challenge comes from finding a venue that provides families with an opportunity to come apart for a time to focus on the task of Christian discipleship.
In this fast-paced world, family camp can provide that well-needed hiatus from our modern headaches by providing us with an intentionally structured time for the sake of discipleship, all the while increasing cognitive focus, encouraging a healthy lifestyle, improving family function, and ultimately, contributing to a longer, happier life.
Unplugging and Reconnecting
Making the trek to the wilderness often means breaking away from cell phone towers and escaping to the solitude of nature without the tethers of an internet connection. A report by Common Sense Media indicates that teens devote a mind-blowing nine hours a day to media and screen time, verifying our desperate need to disconnect.
Spending time away from our electronic devices allows us to invest more time engaging with one another face-to-face, something families frequently forget to do. In fact, according to a 2016 study by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average family spends as little as 31 minutes a day caring for one another. Thankfully, a natural environment like camping helps facilitate quality bonding time between parents and child.
Moreover, enjoying more time outside together can help reduce stress levels for each member of the family. According to a study by the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, participating in the activities in a natural setting actually reduces the production of cortisol, the stress hormone. By reducing your cortisol levels, you also lower your chances of developing:
- Depression
- Digestive problems
- Heart disease
- Learning difficulties
- Lowered immune function
- Weight gain
Engaging Mind and Body
Disconnecting from modern media and immersing ourselves in nature can boost mental functioning. A study published in PLOS One shows that participating in the outdoors can increase higher order cognitive functions including selective attention, problem-solving, inhibition, and multi-tasking. When parents and children partake in camping together, the entire family unit benefits from heightened mental dexterity.
Today, exercise is more critical than ever, as research from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that nearly one in five children and teens are overweight, while more than a third of adults are obese. To combat weight gain, families should have fun while staying active by playing sports, games, or simply taking a hike in the woods
Thankfully, physical activity is often encouraged simply by a camp’s natural surroundings. From hiking and horseback riding to water sports and obstacle courses, there are nearly endless opportunities to stay in shape.
A Collective Experience Together
Unlike traditional family vacations where mom and dad have to create an entire itinerary, the staff at Miracle Mountain Ranch will take care of all of those odds and ends by planning activities, providing meals, and structuring time to draw apart for the sake of discipleship. By removing the chore of outlining every last detail of your vacation, parents have more time to spend with their children.
Moreover, like-minded families come together at family camp, sharing experiences and perspectives with each other and creating bonds that will last a lifetime. Biblical instruction, Christian fellowship, and time set apart for discussion and prayer will help families to also clarify their vision, direction, and convictions as disciples of Jesus Christ.
Miracle Mountain Ranch is here to help your family unplug and recharge while also providing opportunities to focus on the task of Christian discipleship. To learn more about our family camp, call (814) 664-7673, or click here for more information.
