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Growing green: responsible travel ideas for kids
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.
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Created: 08/06/2006 Updated: 15/05/2007
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