Playing freely outside, surrounded by trees and fresh air – perhaps swinging on a rope, jumping into a swimming hole, or stomping in muddy puddles after the rain… For many adults, these activities constitute part of our fondest childhood memories.

Unfortunately, such play is hard to come by for children these days, with increasing urbanization and fewer green spaces available, as well as the proliferation of device usage in the digital age. That’s why Mantis began offering outdoor adventure camps during the school holidays, to swap screen time for more green time! Catering to children ages 5 to 12, our camps take place at Get Growing Farm in Bangkrachao, Samut Prakarn. Known as Bangkok’s green lung, Bangkrachao is located across the river from Bangkok’s bustling Klong Toey port, nestled in an oxbow of the Chao Phraya River.

With ample tree coverage, it offers city dwellers a dose of much-needed greenery. Ideally situated, Get Growing Farm features a huge natural playground with play structures made of reclaimed wood, rope climbing courses, natural ponds, and some chill, charming residents, including goats, pigs, tortoises, rabbits, chickens, and more.

Through exercises and games, the Mantis adventure camp program focuses on enhancing motor skills as well as teaching children to apply fundamental martial arts movements into their personal safety in various situations and in the face of everyday hazards. We also teach kids how to be aware of their surroundings, how to fall safely, how to strengthen confidence and resilience, and how to work in teams.

The abundance of nature on the farm has also proven to be an excellent teacher, providing the ultimate sensory experience for children. When playing outside, kids get to unplug from their digital lives, be active, and fully use their senses, connecting with what they see, feel, hear and smell around them. Just from running, climbing, or playing games on uneven, unpaved outdoors surfaces, children benefit from aerobic exercise as well as gain better balance, coordination, and awareness of their immediate surroundings.

In the process, children also discover their strengths and weaknesses, as well as how to set boundaries and manage risks, learning how to make the best choices when it comes to avoiding potential injuries. And when children engage in competitions and team games, they have a lot of fun with their peers, promoting better emotional regulation, creative thinking and problem solving, and social interactions with others. While the world has changed due to technological advances, there are still ways to get children back to nature and playing outdoors. Mantis adventure camps are one option; here, kids get to move freely through games, challenges, supervised unstructured play, and swimming. And nature does the rest, offering a setting conducive to happier, healthier kids.

For more information on the camps, please visit www.mantisbkk.com.