Exhausted by togetherness during the pandemic, many parents have allowed a little more screen time than usual to keep their kids entertained and give themselves a much-needed break. The world seems to be opening up, and the outdoors is calling.  What better way to reconnect outside of the techno world than to take the family camping?

So how do we reconnect on a more meaningful level after hiding behind our screens for the past year? Here are a few suggestions for reconnecting with nature, the family and easing the kiddos away from technology.

Download an App:

While the first inclination might be to lock the phones away and sit around the campfire singing Kumbaya, kids might need a little coaxing away from the video games, movies, and social media that have carried them through the past year. Slowly shift the focus from technology to nature with a stargazing app. Kids can hold their phones up to the sky for instant identification of stars, planets and constellations, and while they’ll still be clinging to their dear friend the phone, they’ll also look up to see the breathtaking beauty of the universe.

Another excellent opportunity to engage kids in nature slowly is to take a hike with a plant identification app and have them write down and draw what they identified in a sketchbook or artist’s journal.

Bonus: Apps take up no space, and your children don’t have a sudden departure from their beloved phones, which have been their lifelines for the past year.

Play a Game:

Lots of us have had our faces in our devices during the pandemic, and initially, it might even feel awkward to hang out and connect with others face-to-face.

Break the ice with a great game like 2 Truths and a Lie. 

Each person says three statements – two truths and one lie. Everyone else has to guess the false statement. This is a great campfire game and a great way to re-connect or get to know each other again.

If that doesn’t float your boat, get an illuminated or glow in the dark frisbee – as long as the frisbee doesn’t land in the fire, this is fun!  Or check out this great list of campfire games and activities.

Bonus: Games take up little to no space and are a great way to begin socializing and opening up to one another after a long and isolating year.

Learn a Skill:

Now that the family is easing into the wonders of nature how about teaching kids a few survival skills? Teach kids to find their way with an outdoor compass treasure hunt, how to start a fire without matches, foraging, or catching a fish.

Bonus: Learning survival skills is fun for kids and could save a life one day.

We may have temporarily forgotten, but there’s a big world out there waiting to be explored! Pack up the kids and go camping. You’ll all feel more connected with some fun in nature and time to chill.