With the pandemic going on, many Canadians are taking their vacations near home this year, getting away from it all by literally getting away from it all. Camping is a wonderful way to get out and enjoy the outdoors, and there’s some great ways to get a little extra learning in along the way in fun ways!
PS: Be sure to take our list on 5 Ways to Bring a Little Extra Learning Into Your Backyard with you too… all of these ideas can hit the road!
Load up the tablet with documentaries: If you’re getting away from it all (but taking a few pieces of tech with you to occupy children on a long car ride), downloading a handful of nature documentaries may be the perfect way to get everyone in the mood. For kids who are in French Immersion schools or French learning programs, downloading titles en Français is also one of our favourite ways to keep French listening skills sharp.
Consider other apps too: If you’ve never tried geocaching, now might be a fun time to start. Geocaching is an outdoor treasure hunting game played using GPS-enabled devices. There are dozens of geocaching apps. Be sure to look up one that’s meant for beginners if you’re new to it. Also, be sure to grab Plantsnap or one of the other botanical apps that can help you identify plants.
Plan to get your read in: On lazy evenings after busy days, we think that the perfect way to wind down while waiting for a nighttime fire and s’mores is with a great book. Have everyone pack a book or two for the trip and be sure to make a healthy routine of sitting around together reading as a family. This is a habit that adapts to home life as well, and you might be thrilled to find out that family reading time remains a great time even after the vacation’s done.
If you’re going camping this summer, we hope that you have a wonderful trip!
Related Articles View All
“Operation Cupcake”: A Sweet Introduction to Elementary Science, Math, and Engineering
Operation Cupcake: How Simple Machines Work is more than a story—it’s a STEM adventure starring two clever mice on a cupcake mission! Featuring simple machines, teamwork, and a sprinkle of humour, this Forest of Reading® nominee is the perfect introduction to science, math, and engineering. Don’t miss our exclusive interview with author and illustrator Bambi Edlund.
Celebrating School Crossing Guard Appreciation Week Across Ontario: How Communities Are Honouring These Hometown Heroes
At Teachers on Call, we know learning starts long before the school bell rings—it begins with the warm, familiar faces who guide students safely to school. That’s why we’re celebrating School Crossing Guard Appreciation Week, honouring the dedicated individuals who help make every school day safer and brighter across Ontario. Discover five creative ways your family can say thank you and explore how communities province-wide are showing their appreciation for these everyday heroes.
The Power of Visual Arts in Learning: Discovering the Magic of “Asha and the Toymaker”
In our latest Hooked on Books feature, we spotlight Asha and the Toymaker by Sakshi Mangal—a 2025 Blue Spruce Award nominee that celebrates the magic of creativity in childhood learning. Set in the colourful streets of Jodhpur, this visually stunning story inspires readers to explore the harmony between academic success and artistic expression.
