In today’s tech-centric world of smartphones, streaming, and video games, it’s easy to become glued to our screens and pull kids (and parents!) away from the wonders of the natural world.
However, what if we told you that by introducing your child to the art of bushcraft, you’re not just offering them an exciting outdoor activity, but also equipping them with essential life skills like problem-solving, resilience, and teamwork?
In this blog, we’ll explore the incredible benefits of bushcraft survival skills for kids during their adventure camp as they learn to navigate nature and be resourceful, all while having loads of fun!
What is bushcraft?
Before we dive into the benefits, let’s answer the question: What exactly is bushcraft?
Bushcraft is the practice of living in a natural environment using traditional skills and knowledge. It encompasses a range of outdoor abilities such as:
- Fire lighting: The art of creating fire using techniques like friction, flint and steel, or the bow drill—vital for warmth, cooking, and signalling in the wild.
- Whittling: Carving wood into various shapes using a knife. This traditional craft not only hones dexterity and focus but can also create practical tools, utensils, or decorative items in nature.
- Shelter building: The ability to construct a protective structure using natural materials like branches and leaves, providing warmth, safety, and protection from the elements.
- Food foraging: The practice of identifying and gathering edible plants, berries, mushrooms, and insects from the wild. It requires knowledge of local flora and fauna to ensure safety and nutrition.
- Water purification: This involves methods like boiling, filtering, or using chemical tablets to make water in the wild clean and safe to drink.
- Navigation: The skill of finding your way in the wilderness using natural cues, such as the position of the sun, stars, or landmarks, or using tools like a compass or map.
These bushcraft survival skills are rooted in centuries-old practices developed by indigenous peoples and early explorers who depended on the land for their survival. Today, bushcraft has evolved into a popular outdoor pursuit that teaches people how to live harmoniously with nature.
For kids, it’s an incredible opportunity to unplug and experience hands-on learning in the great outdoors, whether through day trips, family outings, or attending a specialised bushcraft camp.
Five benefits of bushcraft for kids
Recent studies have revealed that British children spend over 14 hours a week on screens compared to less than four hours of exercise.
This imbalance makes it more important than ever for kids to gain a deeper connection with nature, and learning bushcraft survival skills could be the solution.
From improving health and wellbeing to building resilience and confidence, here are five reasons why every child can benefit from bushcraft.
1. Builds self-reliance & resilience
Bushcraft isn’t just about learning survival skills; it’s about facing challenges head-on without relying on technology or outside help. Whether it’s lighting a fire without matches or building a shelter from pieces of wood, children quickly learn to utilise their creativity and resourcefulness to overcome obstacles.
As a result, they become better at handling adversity and develop the mental fortitude to keep trying, even when things don’t always go to plan. In short, these tasks help nurture independence and self-assurance; two qualities that are valuable in their daily lives.
2. Boosts confidence
With bushcraft survival skills under their belt, kids can tackle whatever problems nature throws their way. From identifying the right plants to cooking their own meals outdoors, each experience provides them with a genuine sense of accomplishment, building their self-confidence over time.
It reinforces the idea that they are capable and competent, which can be transferred to other areas of life such as school, sports, or personal relationships. The problem-solving and decision-making skills learned in bushcraft also help them approach everyday issues with a calm and determined mindset.
3. Teaches collaboration and teamwork
In the wilderness, teamwork is essential! By working together to build a sturdy shelter or navigate their way through unfamiliar terrain, kids learn how to communicate effectively and support each other to achieve common goals. Sharing ideas, delegating tasks, and relying on each other’s strengths are all part of the collaborative process.
Plus, the outdoors has a way of breaking down social barriers. In the woods, it doesn’t matter who’s the fastest runner or the best at maths; it’s about how well you can work together to solve problems and challenges, creating a sense of community and belonging.
4. Promotes environmental awareness
One of the biggest benefits of bushcraft survival skills for kids is the chance to cultivate a deeper appreciation for the environment. From identifying plants to tracking animal footprints and understanding weather patterns, kids develop a keen sense of environmental awareness and the interconnectedness of all living things.
They learn that nature isn’t something to be conquered, but rather a system to live within and respect. Many bushcraft camps like ours incorporate lessons on conservation, sustainability, and Leave No Trace principles. As such, children often grow into adults who are passionate advocates for protecting our planet.
5. Improves health and well-being
Beyond the practical skills acquired, bushcraft also offers a host of benefits for children’s health and well-being. Spending time outdoors, breathing in fresh air, and engaging in physical activities all contribute to improved fitness and energy. For example, hiking strengthens the cardiovascular system through sustained walking, while exposing the body to sunlight to regulate vitamin D production.
Additionally, being in nature also reduces stress and lowers cortisol levels by switching our bodies from a “fight or flight” state to a more relaxed one. In turn, this helps improve mood, sleep quality, and mental clarity, acting as a refreshing break from the pressures of school, social media and life in general.
How to introduce bushcraft to your kids
Now that we’ve explored the many benefits of outdoor survival skills for kids, it’s time to get started! Here are some simple ways to introduce your children to bushcraft:
- Start small: Explore local parks, countryside or forests and focus on identifying different trees, plants, and animal tracks. This will spark their curiosity about the natural world and lay the foundation for more advanced bushcraft skills, like foraging or navigation.
- Get hands-on with outdoor activities: Use branches, leaves, and other natural materials in your garden or local park to practice building mini shelters. Through trial and error, they’ll learn how to work with the environment, develop problem-solving skills, and get creative.
- Teach basic navigation with a compass: Show them how to use a simple compass to follow directions and understand how to read a map. This not only develops spatial reasoning but also improves problem-solving skills and boosts confidence in their ability to navigate.
- Instil “Leave No Trace” principles: Encourage them to clean up after themselves, properly dispose of waste, and minimise their impact on the environment. By practising these principles, children learn to respect nature and understand the consequences of their actions.
Remember, the goal is to make learning bushcraft exciting and approachable. Over time, you’ll see your children’s skills (and their love for the outdoors) grow!
Book a bushcraft camp with PGL!
Ready to embark on the ultimate bushcraft adventure? Join us on an unforgettable experience filled with discovery, friendship, and fun!
Our bushcraft camps are led by experienced tutors who are passionate about sharing their love for the outdoors with young adventurers like yours.
From mastering survival skills to creating lifelong memories, there’s no adventure like it! So grab your gear, pack your outdoor clothing, and get ready to explore the wild with us!
We also have a full range of other amazing outdoor adventure camps, including multi-activity holidays, Watersports, Cool Science, and more! Get in touch with our friendly and experienced team today to see how we can help.
