It’s official. Taking your kids on a camping holiday makes them happier, healthier and do better at school according to new research…

Of course the findings won’t come as any surprise to VW camper lovers the world over who jump at the chance of getting away from it all in a classic Dub and know their kids love the whole experience too.

The study, carried out by the Institute of Education at Plymouth University and The Camping and Caravaning Club, quizzed parents and children around the UK about the educational, psychological and social benefits of the camping experience to children of all ages. It found that four out of five parents thought camping had a positive effect on their children’s school education.

What’s more, it showed that 98% of parents said camping makes kids appreciate and connect with nature’ 95% said their kids were happier when camping and 93% felt that it provided useful skills for later life.

Some parents (15%) reported that escaping technology is a good thing for their children and one of the benefits of camping. A fifth of parents said camping gives their kids freedom, independence and confidence and more than two thirds felt camping helped their children to enjoy learning in the classroom because they can share their camping adventures and experiences such as visiting educational or historical sites.

The kids who took part in the research were asked what they love about camping and the most common themes were making and meeting new friends, having fun, playing outside and learning various camping skills. We wonder whether ‘being seen in a totally cool VW camper’ appeared in any of the responses?

Ian

The opinions expressed here are the personal opinions of the author and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of VW Heritage.