Considering camping this summer?
Here’s how to make it active!
Camping is a great way to take a break from the stresses of modern day life – work pressure, deadlines, the Internet, social media, traffic, cell phones – because it allows us to be outside in nature and provides time and opportunities to be active. All that fresh air and vitamin D is bound to relax us and improve our moods. In fact, studies show that spending time in nature can provide health benefits like reduced blood pressure and stress.[i]
To take advantage of the time and space that a camping trip can provide, try some of these ways to stay active and feel great:
- Hike the campground trails (turn a hike into a scavenger hunt for kids)
- Take a bike ride (bring your own or rent)
- Try morning yoga on the beach or another scenic/serene spot
- Go for a jog or brisk walk (leave the earbuds out and take in the sounds of nature)
- Take a swim in the fresh water
- Bring sports equipment and active games for use at the campsite or beach (like soccer, badminton or Frisbee)
- Find a hill or staircase to climb (or maybe even a tree!)
- Canoe or kayak (early in the morning is best, before other boats are out)
- Visit the nearest outdoor adventure shop to find out what active excursions and rentals they offer (like zip lining, rafting or mountain biking)
Whether you’re camping in the backcountry, car, yurt, RV, or even ‘glamping’, just getting outside and enjoying nature can produce some truly awesome memories along with the added health benefits. Now keep calm and go camping!
Get started:
Parks Canada
Go Rving Canada
Learn to Camp
Camping Trip Checklist
[i] Park, B. J., Tsunetsugu, Y., Kasetani, T., Kagawa, T. & Miyazaki, Y. The physiological effects of Shinrin-yoku (taking in the forest atmosphere or forest bathing): evidence from field experiments in 24 forests across Japan. Environ. Health Prev. Med. 15, 18–26 (2010).
Used with permission from Participaction.
