The children are the future, and this is truer now than ever before - with global climate change threatening their future, and the futures of those that follow them. The message is clear, we must act now, and how better than by educating the next generation on eco awareness? From kids camps to Mongolian Yurt camping holidays - here's how to get your kids thinking green, and have fun doing it too!
Holiday camps are great for both parent and child alike. Kids learn independence and social skills from meeting others their own age in a fun and safe environment, while their parents get some well earned time out. Here are the best kid's camps that promote a green theme:
Forest School Camp
One of the most established kids camp in England is Forest School Camp. An educational charity, FSC was set up in 1948 and grew from the progressive schools movement. Here, your kids will go feral; digging holes (there are no loos!), learning to build shelters and cooking on fires outdoors. Activities include woodcraft, storytelling, hiking and sleeping beneath the stars in remote regions of the UK like the Welsh heartlands or the Lake District. They aim to teach your children to live with independence and self confidence, learning to do things on their own rather than being told - great for personal development (and meeting new friends). For two weeks, prices start at around £280, which includes food and travel. But you will also have to spend on the regulatory kit list, which includes items such as walking boots, waterproofs and other paraphernalia.
For more information visit www.fsc.org.uk
Do It 4 Real
Do It 4 Real summer camps were set up in 2005 by the Big Lottery Fund. They run week-long camps for kids from all backgrounds between the ages of 11 and 17 years old. Camps take place in different UK locations, and are each themed by activity, with survival camps, watersport camps, singing, creative writing and more. Four of the camps run 'Environmental Action' weeks where kids live in outdoor camps, while learning skills such as shelter building, climbing and abseiling. Kids also get the opportunity of visiting a working farm and mine, while learning about animals by visiting a zoo and a falconry centre. As well as this, other eco activities include night bat walks and nature trails, while the children learn conservation skills and put them into practice in real conservation projects. For first timers, the cost of the camp is £100 per week all inclusive, but thanks to lottery funding, kids whose parents are on benefits or government assistance may be eligible to attend for only £25.
For more information visit www.doit4real.co.uk
Woodcraft Folk
An alternative to Brownies, Cubs or Scouts, The Woodcraft Folk run weekly day camps at local level where kids can take part in varied programmes that include drama, discussion, crafts, singing and dancing, as well as following an educational programme based on awareness of both local and global issues. At weekends they also host camping and hostelling excursions, all run by volunteers throughout the UK. The focus is about empowering kids to take an active role in the world around them, promoting an understanding of the need to protect the environment, as well as learning social skills and developing their existing skills and enthusiasm - and making some new friends! To take part, children must pay a small subscription fee to become a member, normally around £1 a week. Visit www.woodcraft.org.uk to find your local club and for more details.
Yurts in Cornwall
If you think tents are a bit old hat, and you fancy something a little different, then why not hire a traditional Mongolian yurt in Cornwall - the height of bohemian chic. A yurt is a portable structure made from wooden poles that connect lattice-work walls insulated with felt and canvas. In Cornwall you can hire either a 16-foot yurt which sleeps 4, or a 20-foot yurt which sleeps 6. Each is luxuriously furnished, and comes complete with wood-burning stoves inside and a separate bathroom yurt with a roll top bath below an open ceiling through which you can watch the stars as lantern light flickers from the walls. The reception area comes with fridge freezer and organizers can provide locally produced charcoal, organic sausages and bacon, plus fresh eggs from their hens. Prices range from £45 - £375, depending on length of stay, season, and number of people. Visit www.yurtworks.co.uk for more information, or if you fancy an even more luxurious yurt experience situated in the Ardèche in France, check out www.canvaschic.com
The Forest Tented Lodges
If you feel like a safari holiday, but are conscious of the cost of the carbon emissions of a flight to a safari destination like Africa, head to The Forest Tented Lodges in Pembrokeshire. Based on owner Rob Thomas's experiences of camping in Kenya, here campers can get amongst nature by taking part in informative and fun walking and cycling tours, while enjoying the luxury and comfort of a more traditional safari trip. The camp has no permanent structures or mains connections, and uses only solar power and water recycling, to minimise the impact on the environment. Kids can explore the adventure zones and nature trails with their families and in the evenings learn about making fires and open air cooking. Each 'tent' has its own veranda and private shower, and guests are even brought a cup of tea in the morning. The evening meals usually consist of locally sourced fresh meat and fish, with home-grown cheeses and the all important Pembrokeshire new potatoes! Prices start at £300 a week.
For more information visit www.tentedlodges.co.uk
Shambala Family Camp
A great way to meet other like-minded families is to go to the Shambala Family Camp, which takes place for one week in August in Devon. It offers families who like camping a creative festival-like experience amid a 'green' environment. Here kids can enjoy DJ master classes, performance workshops, nature treasure hunts, survival nights and more, while adults can relax and listen to live music on the Acoustic Stage, relax in the saloon bar with an organic beer, or spend their evenings star gazing with local experts. There are the all-important compost loos, lots of solar and wind power, and locally sourced fresh food. The organisers have a laid-back, fun approach to the week, claiming that they are 'not driven by money, glory or God'. The cost for the week is £125 for adults, and £40 for kids between the ages of 5 and 16 - under 5's go for free!
For more information, visit www.family-camp.org
Green tips for travelling with small kids
Melissa Corkhill, author and editor of The Green parent magazine www.thegreenparent.co.uk has some great 'green' travel suggestions for eco minded parents of young children.
- Pack a homeopathic first aid kit
Helios Homeopathy (www.helios.co.uk) produce a travel kit with 36 remedies to treat common problems encountered when travelling, everything from car sickness to insect bites. - Stay protected
When travelling to warmer climes with young children, sun protection is very important. Apply SPF 30+ sun lotion to exposed skin, even when it is overcast. Reapply every hour, especially after getting wet. Cover up with hats and long sleeved cotton tops during the hottest part of the day (12-3pm). Natural sun cream (without parabens and other suspect chemicals) is available from Lavera at www.lavera.co.uk. - Go organic
Visit www.whyorganic.org for a range of great organic holidays in the UK. Choose from self-catering or B&B. These are often located on a working farm and food served is usually locally sourced and organic.