Why Outdoor Education Trips Are So Valuable for Kids (and Parents, Too!)

Every year all the rising middle schoolers in our school district get to go on an outdoor education trip for a week — five whole days away from home — hiking, exploring, and learning about nature. 

Today I just said goodbye to my fifth grader, as his class heads to the mountains about 1-2 hours from home. And to top it off, it’s supposed to rain the whole trip. Possibly even snow...

And while I know he’s going to have an amazing time, I won’t lie—it’s a big milestone for both of us.

For many kids, this is their first real taste of independence—sleeping away from home, making their own choices, and navigating the experience without a parent to help with every little thing. And for us parents? It’s the first time in a long time we’re not there to guide them or check in on them.

It’s a little emotional, sure, but I also know this is one of those experiences that will help him grow in ways school, sports, and even family vacations just can’t.

1. Learning to Be Independent (Without Mom and Dad)

For a lot of kids, this is the first time they’ve been away from home for more than a night or two. No parents reminding them to brush their teeth, filling their water bottles, or even tucking them in at night.

And while that can feel a little scary at first, it’s exactly why this experience is so valuable.

✔ They learn to manage their own stuff (making their bed, remembering to bring a jacket, always have a dry pair of shoes). Of course our son packed a travel-size of Gryme Body and Face Wash for those muddy moments.
✔ They figure out how to ask for help when they need it (from a teacher, a camp leader, or even a friend).
✔ They start making their own choices—what to eat, how to handle feeling nervous, how to solve little problems on their own.

All of this builds confidence and self-sufficiency—skills they’ll need for middle school, high school, and beyond.

2. Stepping Outside Their Comfort Zone

Outdoor ed trips aren’t just a sleepover in the woods—they’re full of new and sometimes challenging experiences.

🌲 Going on night hikes (when there are animals you can't see).
🛶 Kayaking for the first time (and figuring out how not to tip over).
🏕️ Sleeping in a cabin with lots of other kids (learning to share space and get along).

Not every kid will love every activity, but trying something new—even if it’s a little uncomfortable—helps them build resilience and a growth mindset. They learn that they can do hard things, that pushing through challenges is worth it, and that sometimes the best memories come from moments that felt uncomfortable at first.

3. Strengthening Friendships (and Making New Ones!)

There’s something about being away from home, sitting around a campfire, and navigating the wilderness together that strengthens friendships in a way that school just doesn’t.

Maybe it’s:
✔ Encouraging each other to keep going even when you’re tired.
✔ Laughing through silly skit performances.
✔ Helping a friend who’s feeling homesick.

Outdoor ed trips teach kids how to work together, support each other, and connect in new ways. And since they may not be bunking with their besties, they’re also learning how to talk to new people, make friends outside their usual circle, and find common ground with kids they might not normally hang out with.

4. Connecting with Nature (and Unplugging from Screens!)

Let’s be honest—most of us wish our kids spent less time on screens and more time outside. (This is probably what I’m looking forward to most about this week.)

Outdoor ed trips force them to disconnect from technology (no WIFI or cell service!) and actually be present—breathing fresh air, listening to birds, actually talking to friends in person instead through a video game headset. 

✔ They see how big the world is beyond their screens—mountains, rivers, forests, wildlife.
✔ They realize nature isn’t just something to watch on YouTube and TikTok—it’s something to experience.
✔ They learn how to respect and take care of the environment by learning about sustainability and composting.

For some kids, disconnecting can be hard. But I’m hoping they’ll have more of an appreciation for being unplugged and more present.

5. Building Problem-Solving and Leadership Skills

One of the coolest things about outdoor ed trips is that kids have to figure things out on their own. There’s no Google or Siri, no quick fix—just them, their brains, and their peers working together.

💡 How to dry out our wet, muddy shoes?
💡 What if it pours while we're out hiking?
💡 What do we do if we get separated from the group?

They learn to think critically, communicate with their peers, and step up when leadership is needed. These little moments—figuring out a challenge, solving a problem as a group—are the building blocks of real-world skills that will help them in school, work, and life.

What This Means for Parents

Let’s be real—it’s not just the kids who are growing through this experience. We, as parents, are too.

✔ It’s hard to let go. We wonder if they’ll have enough dry clothes, if they’ll miss us, if they’ll get enough sleep. 
✔ It’s emotional. The house feels a little quieter, and it’s weird not knowing what they’re up to.
✔ It’s a reminder. Our kids are growing up, and this is just one of many steps toward independence. 

But when they come back? They’ll be different.

They’ll be a little more confident. 
A little more responsible. 
A little more independent.

And they’ll have stories—so many stories—about hiking trails, campfire jokes, and that one night they swore they heard a bear outside their cabin.

So, while it’s normal to feel all the feelings as they pack their bags and head off, just remember—this is one of those experiences that will stick with them forever.

And if they come back covered in dirt, exhausted, and full of stories? That means it was a success.

Final Thoughts

Outdoor ed trips are about so much more than camping and hiking. They’re about growth, independence, resilience, and confidence.

They teach kids (and parents) that they can handle being away from home, try new things, work through challenges, and make their own decisions.

And as much as we might miss them while they’re gone, we know that when they come back, they’ll be just a little bit braver, stronger, and more ready for the next big adventure.

And honestly? That’s the best part.