For most of us, the idea of packing up the whole family for a weekend in the great outdoors doesn’t sound as relaxing as it should be. Here are a few tips from our crew to yours for camping with kids.
Trial Runs are a Good Thing
- It doesn’t hurt to do a few practice runs with your kids before the big trip. Try setting up the ten in the back yard or even inside your home. For most people, not just kids, a new sleeping environment can be a difficult place to be – so getting your kids familiar with that arrangement could prove to be beneficial in the long run.
- Spend a long day at a neaby park. Pack up the bare necessities (food, sunscreen, bug spray etc) and spend at minimum a half-day or so exploring a nearby park or shoreline with your little one.
- When you get home, survey your kids on what they liked and disliked about the day to assess how it could be different when you decide to experience the real deal.
Prepping and Packing
- Involve your kids as much as possible. Ask them for destination ideas or things they would like to do. Help them make a list of what to pack and then give them the responsibility of packing their own gear (make sure to double check it before you leave though!).
- Leave the electronic devices at home – but don’t deny your kid a few of their favorite toys to bring along. A campsite will feel foreign enough as it is, it’s okay to let them have a few comfort items to ease the transition.
- Pack minimal gear. It’s super tempting to bring the house with you when you decide to bring the kids along. You really need no more then a simple tent, sleeping pads, sleeping bags, a stove, and a few minimal cooking and eating utensils and your personal gear and clothing.
- Don’t forget the sunscreen, bug repellent, and first aid kit. Sunburns and bug bites can put a real damper on a camping trip. Protect yourself and your children.
- Pack lots of food. Typically when you head out to go camping you’re engaging in a lot of outdoor play that brings on huge appetites – the last thing you want is a hangry kid (or a hangry you). Try to avoid pre-packaged food as they tend to be bulky. Try cut up veggies, fruit, trailmix and a few quick pre-made sandwiches for some go-to quick snacks and meals. Lastly, don’t forget the smores. (Check out these easy foil wrapped camping recipes to break of the PBJ and hot dog routine)
Ground Zero
- Positive Vibes Only. Everything about camping is different for your kiddo and some things will be harder than others. Lead by example and take it upon yourself to exude a positive, can-do attitude at all times.
- Stay Organized. Establish a “home” for important items and make sure everyone else abides by putting things back in their home when finished using them.
- Make your kids feel important. Typically, kids like to be involved with camp set up. Give them a few meaningful tasks such as gathering firewood or assisting with the tent. This usually creates an opportunity to educate them on the ins-and-outs of camping.
- Safety & Awareness. Check with park rangers about wildlife in the area. It’s your responsibility as the adult to understand and take necessary precautions for safely coexisting with wildlife. Take this opportunity to educate your kids on the importance of treating wildlife with respect and the effects of feeding the animals can have on their food gathering patterns. As an additional safety step, it doesn’t hurt to provide your child with a safety whistle and their own headlamp. What kid doesn’t like a light beam blazing from their head?
- Just chill. The reality is that things won’t go as planned. Mother nature doesn’t always agree, you’ll likely forget something, you might get turned around on the trail or any number of things will go wrong. Challenges are a part of the adventure and often leave us with great stories to tell later.
