Camping with Children

Camping can be a wonderful way to bond with your children and nature as well as a grand adventure. Here are several tips to keep in mind, especially if this is your first time camping with your children.

Preparing for your Camping Trip

Some children may be skeptical at first about camping. Help build their confidence and excitement by having them help you plan your trip. Do your research together and let them give you their input. What does each campground offer? Which one has the most interesting activities? Plan what activities you want to try beforehand. Also, research what else is in the area in case you need a break from the campground or want to plan a meal away. And finally, let your children help you make a list of what everyone needs to pack.

Camping Trial Run

The best way to prepare for the camping trip is to set up a trial run. Plan a pre-camping campout in your backyard. Your children will be more comfortable with the camping process once they know how to help set up their tents and use their camping equipment. They will also get used to night noises and sleeping on the ground in sleeping bags. This is also a good way to amend your packing lists. Do you need more blankets, lights, snacks, or do you need to plan more activities?

Lessons

Before taking off for your trip, have a family meeting where you discuss what is expected from your camping trip. Make sure you go over the safety rules and everyone's role at the camp site. Also, explain the importance of respecting nature.

Pack Well

Make sure you have packed everything on your list. Some items you will definitely need are: insect repellents, sunscreen, rain gear, first aid kit, flashlights, a camera, extra blankets, extra clothing and shoes (remember dress in layers), extra stakes and bungee ropes, plenty of snacks and lots of water. Of course you will need your tents, sleeping bags and any food and cooking tools. Also, it's a good idea to bring comforting items for your children, such as their pillow, blanket or favorite stuffed animal and games or supplies for your planned activities.

Activities at the Campsite

It's always a good idea to bring extra activities for the children in case of rain or boredom. Bring drawing pads, coloring books and crayons/coloring pencils. They can sketch animal and nature scenes on hikes or they can doodle if they need to stay in the tents due to rain. If the children are old enough, have them bring a journal, so they can document all the fun things they have done on their trip. Look for animal tracks and try to identify them. Have them draw the tracks in their journal, so they can try to identify them later. They can also use the journal to store precious mementos such as leaves and flowers. Since they will want to bring back souvenirs, such as pretty rocks, remember to bring a small sandwich bag for their collection. Later they can make leaf/flower chains and paint their rocks. Also don't forget to fit in campfire singing, star-gazing and bird watching. And take lots of photos!

Clean Up

Finally, make sure everyone is assigned a clean up job. Make it fun for the children by having a clean up race. And always remember to "Leave the Campground Better Than You Found It."