Being eco-friendly is just as important as learning how to build a shelter or light a fire.
1 Pack Reusable Everything
First rule of eco-friendly camping: ditch the disposables! Teach your kids to pack reusable water bottles, snack containers, and cutlery. Not only do they reduce waste, but they’re way cooler than flimsy plastic forks and cups. You could even make it a fun pre-camp project by letting them decorate their water bottles with stickers or design their own eco-friendly snack bags!
2 Litter? What Litter?
One of the golden rules of camping is to leave no trace, meaning your kids need to know the importance of picking up after themselves. Before they leave, give them a quick “trash talk” about taking everything they bring into nature back out with them, whether it’s a sweet wrapper, a juice carton, or that odd sock that always seems to go missing.
3 Master the Art of Upcycling
Why buy new when you can upcycle old stuff into camping gear? Encourage your kids to get creative. Old T-shirts can become DIY bags for holding supplies, and an empty jar can be turned into a lantern with a little LED light inside. This teaches them to think twice before throwing things away and adds a fun, crafty vibe to their camping experience.
4 Eco-Friendly Snacks = Yummy and Green
Pack snacks that are delicious and earth-friendly. Teach your kids about avoiding single-use plastic packaging by opting for bulk snacks in reusable containers. Homemade granola bars, trail mix, or fresh fruit are great zero-waste options. It’s a win-win: healthy eating and no extra litter!
5 Say No to Wasting Water
It’s important for kids to learn how to conserve water. Teach them to turn off taps while brushing their teeth, take quick showers (if showers are even part of the camp!), and only use what they need. Water is precious, even when you’re surrounded by it!
6 Become a Wildlife Guardian
Campgrounds are often home to all sorts of cool creatures, from birds and frogs to bugs and squirrels. Before your kids head off, talk to them about respecting wildlife. That means no feeding the animals (even if the squirrels look really cute) and not disturbing their homes. This helps preserve the ecosystem and keeps both animals and campers safe.
7 Choose Biodegradable Toiletries
Camp bathrooms might not be glamorous, but your kids can still be eco-friendly there. When packing their toiletries, look for biodegradable soap, shampoo, and toothpaste. This way, if the products end up in rivers, lakes, or the soil, they won’t harm the environment.
8 Solar Power Superstars
If on a camp that allows gadgets like flashlights or lanterns, make sure your kids are equipped with solar-powered versions. They’re a great way to harness the power of the sun, and they eliminate the need for batteries, which can be harmful to the environment if not disposed of properly.
9 Campfire Cooking with Care
S’mores might be a campfire favourite, but there are other ways your kids can learn to cook sustainably in the great outdoors. Teach them about the importance of using firewood wisely. Lessons on cooking over a fire are a great chance for your kids to learn eco-friendly cooking techniques.
10 Appreciate the Great Outdoors
Finally, encourage your kids to take time to truly enjoy nature. When they pause to appreciate the beauty of their surroundings they’ll naturally want to take care of it. Help them develop a deeper connection to the outdoors by reminding them to be mindful of how their actions impact the environment.
Ready, Set, Camp!
By teaching your kids these 10 simple, sustainable practices, you’re setting them up for an epic summer camp experience where they’ll not only have a blast but also learn to be sustainable adventurers. Plus, these lessons will stay with them long after camp ends, making them more aware of their impact on the world.
