Evidence collated by The Camping and Caravanning Club has revealed that camping really does make you richer in mind, body and soul.
Over 60 research studies reviewed by leading academics at Liverpool John Moores University and an online survey proved conclusively that those people who camp are happier, have closer family relationships, are healthier, less stressed and are more socially connected.
‘Real Richness – The List’ – which includes statistics and stories of those who camp and how camping has in many ways transformed their lives – was released by the Club today.
The findings come only months after Prime Minister David Cameron revealed plans to measure the nation’s happiness.
Some of the key findings include:
93% of campers say camping can make you happier
77% of campers are satisfied with their quality of life compared to 59% of non-campers
21% of campers feel stressed on an average day compared to 33% of non-campers
91% of all children say spending time exploring the outdoors with their parents makes them happy
80% of children who camp feel their parents are less stressed when they go camping and three-quarters say their parents shout less!
Seven in 10 people agree that camping is accessible to everyone regardless of income
79% of kids who have never camped say they would like to
One in three campers think that camping is a great way to lose weight
84% of campers think camping can make you healthier and nearly half think the pastime should be prescribed on the NHS
73% of adults suggest camping is something every child should experience and half say it should be on the national curriculum
The likes of adventurer Ben Fogle, television presenters Julia Bradbury and Sarah Beeny and environmentalist David Bellamy have all backed the research.
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3 Comments
I’d imagine enjoying sitting in a cold tent in the rain means they have to have a lower requirement for overall happiness satisfaction than say the other section of the population?
Not necessarily a bad thing of course as it means they can find happiness in many more things and are less likely to be materialistic.
Good point, Trev! : )
Finally someone agrees with me about camping… lol