Camping 101
Tips for a Successful First Camping Trip
A
great camping trip with kids requires lots of advance planning and a go-with-the flow attitude once you are there. Be prepared and you won’t have much to worry about when little things go array.
These tips will help your first camping trip be a success
1
Let your kids help with the planning.
The more they know what to expect, the more excited they will be and more anxious to help. No one likes surprises well almost no one. With some prompting from you, your kids can help decide: • Where to go - pick some place you know for the first time • What to eat - snacks and easy meals to prepare or take pre-packaged • What to do - games, swimming, fishing, exploring • What to take - one lovey
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2
Packing
Take more clothes for each child than you think you’ll need. Let them carry and be responsible for one backpack each that includes their lovey, a flashlight or headlamp, one snack, one water bottle,
one change of clothes. Do you need to bring a portable toddler potty?
3
Sleeping
Make the tent very cozy. Bring extra blankets if you think it will be cold. Wear the kids out with flashlight tag, sing songs around the campfire, pick up wood,.
4
Play
Plan for play, look for bugs, scavenger hunt, get dirty, hiking - but not too much, sing songs and allow kids time to explore and discover their new outdoor environment. Except for guided suggestions and making sure
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your kids are safe, let your kids be kids. Relax, join in and have fun watching them explore.
5
Stop
This is the hard one. Stop while everyone is still having fun. You will need to get back to your regular routine so whatever it is that you and your kids are enjoying, stop and go home while it is still fun. Nothing worse than clearing out a campsite and picking up with whiny, overtired kids complaining. That way you will have a lot to look forward to on your next adventure.
