Bushcraft is a great way to get the whole family outdoors, learn new skills, and bond over shared experiences. From fire building to shelter construction, there are countless fun and practical activities that can be enjoyed by kids and adults alike.
Why is it important for children to learn bushcraft skills? Firstly, it helps them develop a sense of self-reliance and independence. They learn how to solve problems and make decisions in a natural environment. It also helps to foster a deeper appreciation for nature and the environment, which is critical in today's world.
Here are 20 bushcraft activities that are perfect for the whole family:
Fire building - Teaching Kids How to Build A Fire & Fire Safety Tips
Shelter construction - Survival Skills Challenge: Building a Shelter
Whittling - Whittling for Complete Beginners
Foraging for wild edibles - Foraging Resources for Beginner’s
Navigation using a map and compass - Using a Compass to Find Your Way
Carving spoons - Green wood spoon carving
Making cordage from natural fibers - How to Make Natural Cordage in Minutes in Florida (Video)
Plant identification - Florida Plant ID Game
Building a natural oven - Making S'mores with a Solar Oven
Fishing - Everything You Need to Know About Fishing with Kids
Tracking animals - How to Find Animal Tracks with Your Kids
Making a bow and arrow - Stick Bow and Arrow Craft
Campfire cooking - Easy and Fun Foods to Cook On a Stick
Water purification - Can you make muddy water crystal clear?
Building a lean-to shelter - How to Build a Lean-to Shelter in the Wild
Creating natural dyes - Top Five Safe and Fun Natural Dyes
Making natural soap - KIDS’ SOAP LAB (CHEMISTRY 101)
Animal evidence - Animal Tracking with Children: A Beginner’s Guide
Flintknapping - Flint Knapping for kids (and parents/carers!)
Weaving baskets - Make a BASKET using NATURAL MATERIALS (Weeds) (Video)
Bushcraft activities are a great way to develop confidence and self-esteem. Children are able to see the results of their efforts and feel a sense of accomplishment. Additionally, it can help them develop social skills, as they learn to work together as a team to accomplish a shared goal.
Bushcraft is a fantastic way to get the whole family outdoors and learning new skills. With these 20 activities, there's sure to be something that everyone can enjoy. So why not grab some gear and head out into the wilderness for a day of bushcraft fun?
If this is something you and your child would enjoy, then check out some of our events and camps geared towards nature and science!