In recent years, the appreciation for outdoor adventure camps has increased steadily. Parents are at last finding a way out to make their children overcome the addiction of digital life and to let them explore nature to its fullest. These camps despite being devoid of the comforts of daily life have several other benefits on offer which let them enjoy the time spent in these camps. Moreover, the intriguing events scheduled in these camps would hardly let these young people rest.
Therefore on all counts, these outdoor adventure camps are growing in popularity. However, to enjoy these camps to the fullest, adequate preparation is essential. If parents or teenagers do not know, read on, as we guide you all on how young people can prepare themselves for their stay in adventure outdoor camps. You can check ActionQuest, they offer the best outdoor adventure camps for teenagers.
Determine the camp’s schedule and requirements
You just cannot randomly select an adventure camp and join there. You must familiarize yourself with the camp’s program schedule. Once you know the activities in store like hiking, kayaking, scuba diving, rock climbing, and so on, you can prepare yourself both mentally and physically accordingly. So, here is how you should go about the task.
- Read the camp brochure or go through their website thoroughly.
- Determine if you qualify for the level of physical fitness to be present there.
- Identify if there is a need to carry any special gear or safety devices.
- Lastly, take note of any specific rules and safety guidelines.
Physical preparation
Regardless of the type of camp you choose, one thing is guaranteed. These camps will test your physical ability to the extreme level. Thus, you should start preparing the body well in advance as that should help you enjoy the camp’s activities without getting fatigued or tired. Moreover, it also lessens the chances of sustaining injuries. The proper way to commence an exercise program should be as follows:
- Cardio training: Engage in activities like jogging, cycling, and swimming. Each of these activities improves endurance and increases stamina.
- Strength training: Workouts such as push-ups, squats, and lunges can boost muscle strength. You will need a lot of muscles when you are involved in the activities of outdoor camps.
- Flexibility training: Do not forget to engage in stretching and yoga which will help in preventing muscle strain.
- Practice with a backpack: No wonder, when at these outdoor adventure camps you will need to carry a backpack often. It is a good idea to start practicing moving with backpacks. It will not make you feel exhausted when you have to do it randomly.
Packing the right gear
It is equally important you pack the appropriate equipment for comfort and safety. When you have the right things with you, it will ensure the teenager will never find wanting of essential items. Moreover, they will be spared from the burden of carrying unnecessary weight. In the essential items list, you should not ignore the ones mentioned below:
- Clothing should be appropriate to the weather on the camping site. If the place is cold, you should carry warm clothing and vice versa. Waterproof jackets and windbreakers should also be present in the bag. Comfortable hiking shoes or boots are the next items of importance, you should never overlook the quality of these items as you will need them often. Sunglasses and hats will offer you relief from the sun, (if the site is based on a warm location).
- Camping gear should include sleeping bags, lightweight tents, and camping mats. You can also carry a flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries for additional safety. Then, do not forget to take personal essentials which should include toiletries, sunscreen, and insect repellant, and dry food.
- For navigating in the wilderness, you will require the services of a compass and map. Additionally, a pocket knife, emergency whistle, and fire-starting materials like waterproof matches are the best options to carry for emergency situations.
Being ready mentally
Mental preparation is equally essential as outdoor camps can exert great pressure on the mind. Follow these tips to enhance the mental well-being:
- Be positive: You will naturally experience several discomforts compared to your home life. So, you must be mentally ready to accept these challenges and approach them with eagerness.
- Stay open to learning: As the expert says “Learning has no limits”, the outdoor camps too will educate you in various aspects. You will become an expert in survival skills, teamwork, and problem-solving. Count the benefits that would help you, instead of focusing on the discomfort.
- Practice problem-solving skills: You can start early by learning to set up tents or making a campfire before you actually visit the camp. Once you are habituated, you should not find it an issue in there.
Practice health and safety guidelines
When in the wild, you have to be double careful for your safety. It would naturally be an unfamiliar terrain, and you can never expect what lies ahead in advance. Considering these situations, you should understand the significance of staying hydrated and protected against sunburns and insect bites, be aware of the type of allergies that may happen, and lastly know the best nutritious diet to follow when you spend time in these camps. Since mobile or any other gadgets are not available, you should carry a notebook keeping a note of emergency contacts.
Develop social and teamwork skills
When in outdoor camps, the significance of teamwork and social interaction will be immense. You should therefore be open to making new friends and working with new people. It would help you gain confidence and make things easygoing when the situation demands it. You can start preparing early by becoming friendly and respectful, joining group discussions and activities, and making it a point to offer assistance to the needy whenever possible.
Manage expectations and reality
Teenagers should understand, that despite making the best preparations, unexpected challenges can arise when in these outdoor camps. When teenagers are flexible and ready to accept the situation as it is, they can handle the circumstances better. So parents should make sure, they make their teenagers understand these points:
They should be adaptable no matter what the situation. They might encounter sudden weather changes or come across unexpected obstacles when in the camps. They should be mentally ready for all these upcoming challenges. It does not happen in a day that is the reason it is essential to start preparations early. Teenagers should learn to find joy in simple things, and this would make the conditions a lot more favorable for them. Lastly, they should always tell themselves, that they are visiting the camp to make everlasting memories and at the end of the camp, they will long for the friends who they make in these camps.
Selecting the appropriate camp
While undertaking preparations, one should also keep an eye on the available camps. Remember, not all the adventure camps would be suitable for everyone. Based on the type of activities on offer, one can make the right call. Also, it is also necessary to check the reputation of the camp, the experience of their instructors, and the safety measures available. Although mishaps in camping are rare, you should never take things for granted.
