Bushcraft for kids is becoming increasingly popular, providing an abundance of learning opportunities to interact and connect with nature, develop valuable life skills, and improve overall health.
At PGL Adventure Camps, fun, exploration, and education are at the heart of what we do, with over 28 adventurous activities, including Bush Craft, for students to get involved with—all designed to motivate, build resilience, and self-confidence.
If you’re interested in booking a school camp trip for your class and would like to know more about the benefits of bushcraft activities for schools, keep reading!
What is bushcraft?
Bushcraft is a set of practical outdoor skills and knowledge used to survive in the wilderness within a safe and supportive environment. We teach students how to navigate the natural world while cultivating a sense of environmental awareness through a series of enjoyable and educational activities such as fire lighting, shelter building, water filtration, knot crafting and signalling.
The benefits of bushcraft activities for children
Now you know what bushcraft is, it’s time to dive deeper into the reasons why bushcraft activities are beneficial for children.
Improves health & wellbeing
It’s no secret that teachers and pupils often find themselves confined within the four walls of a classroom. However, spending time in nature and engaging in outdoor activities like bushcraft can do wonders for everyone’s health, especially in today’s fast-paced, digital world. In many ways, it not only promotes physical fitness by keeping children active but also enhances mental wellbeing by reducing levels of stress, anxiety and depression, which in turn, nurtures a positive mindset.
Teamwork & collaboration
Many bushcraft activities involve teamwork and collaboration—something that we encourage as part of the PGL ethos! At school camp, students learn the importance of effective communication and cooperation when faced with tasks like building a shelter, lighting a fire, or foraging for food. It gives pupils the chance to exercise their autonomy and leadership skills in a group scenario; working together with their fellow peers towards a common goal.
Develops problem-solving skills
Bushcraft enables kids to develop critical problem-solving skills which can be universally applied to all aspects of life. Students must be able to think on their feet and learn to adapt to different situations or unexpected challenges that are present in the wilderness. Traversing uncharted territories, using materials resourcefully and knowing how to handle emergencies require kids to assess their circumstances and identify solutions that could be life-saving.
Builds resilience
Our bushcraft activities for schools teach students the art of survival in a controlled outdoor setting. This pushes them outside of their comfort zone to try new things and explore the natural world, instilling a sense of accomplishment, self-reliance, and the ability to overcome obstacles, whether they’re tying knots, building a fire for cooking or learning how to find their way around the wilderness using natural resources—it’s all part of being resilient!
Learn bushcraft at PGL!
If you’re looking to teach your students the art of bushcraft, then why not book a school adventure camp?
Run by qualified and experienced staff, our camp programs are designed to help kids deepen their understanding of bushcraft with plenty of thrilling activities and exercises to expand their horizons of the natural world.
Bushcraft activities are available at Campaspe Downs, Camp Rumbug and PGL Kindilan, so contact us today and ignite a passion for nature among your students!
