One in four children have never gone fishing, swum in a lake or played on a tree swing, according to new research. A study carried out by the Global Myopia Awareness Coalition (GMAC) has revealed many kids are missing out on traditional outdoor activities.
Caravan or motorhome holidays are a great opportunity to introduce children to the delights of the British countryside. With autumn fast approaching, it could be time to right the wrongs of 26 per cent of kids never having played conkers and 33 per cent not experienced in building a campfire.
Some 2,000 parents of children aged between four and 12 were interviewed for the research, with 42 per cent saying playing outside sparks their kids’ imaginations. The GMAC wants to highlight the benefits of children spending time in nature, as just 76 extra minutes outside a day can reduce the risk of short-sightedness by 50 per cent.
Camping holidays are a great way to facilitate this time away from screens, with many sites offering safe ways to interact with traditional pastimes. Some include access to natural swimming spots, while others offer woodland where collecting conkers from horse chestnut trees may be easier than it is at home.
Lisa McAlister, chair of the GMAC, said: “It is so important that we are supporting the future of children’s long-term eye health – myopia affects one in six children in the UK and is one of the biggest threats to eye health.”
With this in mind, the organisation has worked with optometrists to put together the Sight Sanctuary Guide. It offers lots of ideas for parents looking to spend more time in the great outdoors with their kids. From making an obstacle course to creating a birdwatching space, it’s a good way to tap into the individual interests of each child.
While some parents will want to approach the idea strategically, heading out in a caravan or motorhome with the kids is almost inevitably going to lead to more time outdoors. Sandford Holiday Park in Dorset, for example, boasts a woodland setting, a rope course and nature trails for families to enjoy.
Meanwhile, Nantcol Waterfalls Campsite in North Wales is a great place for kids to enjoy fishing or wild swimming. They also allow campfires, meaning there’s an opportunity to tick another of the activities off the list of those the GMAC said many children hadn’t tried.
Also popular with families is Wharfedale Club Campsite in North Yorkshire, due to its location within the national park. From rock climbing and pony trekking to geocaching and canoeing, there’s plenty to tempt everyone out of the caravan.
Photo credit: Unsplash/Daiga Ellaby
