How to Camp the Homeschool Way

Are you looking to getaway? Want to just unplug, relax, and get back to nature? However, you are worried about falling behind in your homeschool! Right? Now is the perfect time to plan an educational vacation. Camping is not only affordable but bursting with learning opportunities. Leave the books and gadgets behind, so you can learn how to camp the homeschool way.

Learning on a Hike

What is camping without a hike? Hiking is great exercise for your body and your mind. It brings you close to the learning and gives you the chance to explore the great outdoors. So, find a trail or forge your own and see what learning opportunities come across your path. However, be prepared! Make sure to carry water, a compass, first aid supplies, and a map. Going off the beaten path is exciting, but be sure you can find your way back. Once everyone has proper clothing, bug protection and basic necessities, it is time for the learning to begin. Take the opportunity to learn about the following on your homeschool hiking expedition:

• How to identify plants and trees
• Orienteering and using trail blazes
• Trail safety, including what to do if you get lost.
• Nature rubbings
• Preserving flowers that you find
• Identifying and tracking wildlife
• Geology and rock formations
• Bodies of water habitats—ponds, streams, and lakes

Fishing for Learning Opportunities

Now that you have worked up a sweat and an appetite, it’s time to cool off by the water. Fishing is fun and educational. You can choose to catch and release or fish for your supper. Either way, you will be catching multitudes of lessons along the way. Be sure to check local fishing regulations and licensing restrictions. Cast your line into learning with these fishy lessons:

• Learn to identify fish
• Learn about the fish habitats
• Identify other creatures in the lake ecosystem and how they relate to the fish you want to catch
• Experiment with lures, baits, and different methods of fishing
• Create fish art prints as a souvenir.
• Learn how to clean the fish and prepare them for a meal.

Set Your Homeschool Learning on Fire

At the end of a camping day, everyone loves to sit around the campfire. This is a chance to tell stories, recap your day, and just relax. Campfires are a quintessential camping experience. However, they are also an amazing classroom for more learning. Now, always check local fire warnings and requirements before setting up a campfire. However, sitting around the fire is a perfect place to have family learning. This will ignite the fire of learning in your homeschool and create memories that last a lifetime. Here are some lessons to incorporate into your camping fire experience:

• Fire safety
• How to start a fire
• Cooking on a fire—it’s really different than the stove at home!
• The art of storytelling
• Campfire songs and folk songs
• The anatomy of a flame—what do the colors mean and how do fires burn?

Homeschooling while Camping

Camping does not mean homeschooling needs to end. In fact, it could be the best way to keep you learning the rest of the year. Sometimes you need to get out of the classroom and invest time learning as a family. While you are camping, you can explore other topics as well. Bring along nature guides and basic tools, like a magnifying glass, tweezers, collection bags, and a camera. Be prepared to learn and to be safe. First aid is a life skill that is great to practice before you need it. Take the time to meet with a park ranger and discuss local wildlife, habitats, and how you can help protect the natural wonders you are enjoying. Most importantly, let the learning come. You will be surprised how much a little time in nature can teach you, even when you leave the lesson planning book at home!

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