Many parents remember playing freeze tag and Wiffle ball during the summertime when they were kids. Playing outside often meant the freedom to have fun until the streetlights came on. Unfortunately, a new trend has shifted from the great outdoors to the indoors for more recent generations of children. As a result, more kids have gotten out of shape and sick due to weakened immune systems. Encouraging kids to play active camp games outside during the summer may have more benefits than most parents would think, especially when structured in group settings and when they’re out on school playground equipment. Playing games for summer camp outside keeps kids active, entertained, and socializing. It also helps to build essential skills that could go with them as they grow older. Consider these fun summer camp games and activities to help your kids stay active and lively during the summer.
Nature games are played outdoors in natural settings, such as scavenger hunts, bird-watching, or tree-climbing challenges, and allow children to connect with nature, exercise, reduce stress, and get in touch with their creative side. Playground equipment suppliers have also started to offer nature-inspired playground equipment that can be incorporated into an outdoor setting as yet another way to incorporate elements of the natural world into our children’s playtime.
Water games, like water balloon fights, swimming, and sprinkler-play, promote physical activity, engage children in multi-sensory experiences, and offer a great way for kids to cool down during hot summer days.
Structured games based on popular team sports or cooperative sports, like basketball, soccer, and relay races, are great for young children who are learning about what it means to be a team player and a good sport. Sports-related games that can be played with commercial playground equipment and accessories also promote physical health and motor skills, teamwork, perseverance, and so much more.
Team-building games are activities that require children to work together to achieve a goal, such as building a tower from blocks or completing a group puzzle. The benefits of these types of games include building social skills, communication skills, and conflict resolution. Children who participate in peer-collaboration are able to practice problem-solving that can translate to everyday situations.
Circle games are simple group games played in a circle, like "Duck, Duck, Goose" or "Hot Potato." The games promote the concept of turn-taking and allow children to practice patience. Many also support children’s motor skills and require them to listen and focus on the task at hand.
Rainy-day indoor activities are suited for days when outdoor play on the school playground equipment isn’t possible or safe, such as board games, puzzles, or creative crafts. Solving the rainy day boredom, these games are a great way to bond at a covered picnic table outside or inside as a family or a group of friends, as kids use their imagination and motor skills.
Adaptive games are designed to be inclusive of children with disabilities or different needs, allowing everyone to participate at their own pace and ability. They are often customizable, promote empathy, and are a great way for children to build confidence.
This page was last updated on September 26th, 2024 by author Kim Hart
