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CAMPING WITH KIDS
Camping with children can be a marvelous experience and adventure. It will also require your patience. The thrill of a campout to a child is endless - the birds and animals, the plants and trees, the rocks, the streams and ponds, the insects, the sounds, the weather, the wildflowers, toasting marshmallows, cooking on a campfire, and sleeping in a tent they will become highly energized. As a parent, you need to be prepared.
The first step is to get your kids interested in the camping trip by getting them involved?build their excitement and anticipation.
Plan the camping trip together
o Decide on places to go - consider interests, activities, outdoor experience and children's ages.
o Select activities to do that will maintain their interest (and that they look forward to).
o Plan and shop for your meals.
o Prepare and pack the equipment and supplies.
o Make your travel fun:
o Play car games - license plates, sign ABC's, singing, etc.
o Take plenty of snacks.
- Try a backyard campout before you go for the first time (a test run)
o Teach the kids how to set up a tent.
o Try some outdoor cooking.
o Experience a night outdoors in sleeping bags.
o Show them how to use some camping equipment.
o Plan a few activities.
o Search the sky for stars and constellations.
o Listen to the many night sounds.
o Don't forget the special nighttime snacks.
- Experience outdoor activities with your kids
o Get them familiar with the outdoors in order to eliminate their fears.
o Teach them about safety and to respect nature.
o Teach outdoor skills and outdoor ethics.
o Camp chores are actually fun for kids. They love collecting firewood, filling water containers, hammering in tent stacks, camp cooking etc.
o Make the camp chores extra fun -- have contests for gathering the most kindling, best camp cooking, most organized gear, fastest clean-up etc.
o Take a small day hike in the woods at a local park.
o Visit a Nature center.
o Go fishing at a local pond or stream.
o Take an evening walk.
o Go on a picnic.
o Read related books.
o Have a scavenger hunt.
o Go on a flashlight walk.
Additional Tips
Gear & Supplies | Create Memories | Plan Alternative Activities |
Extra clothing and shoes--the kids will get wet and extremely dirty Warm clothing--it may get chilly especially in the evening/dress in layers Insect repellent--consider time-release formulas Sunscreen--they'll be outside all day First aid kit--for those little accidents Rain gear--keep them dry and warm Toys, games, activities--you want to keep them busy Familiar bedtime items--pillows, blankets, stuffed animals, dolls etc Flashlight/glow sticks--to help relieve nighttime fears Snacks--all this activity is going to make them hungry Drinks--avoid dehydration due to heat and activity level | Bring a camera with plenty of film/flash/extra batteries Disposable cameras are excellent for outdoor activities Give each child their own disposable camera Keep a Journal Describe details about your trip and the activities you did Document special moments Include photos Have each family member write about their experience Save crafts. | For bad weather To avoid boredom during down times If they dislike a certain planned activity |
Camping with an Infant
- Baby Cereal - Buy a brand of baby cereal that has the formula or whole milk already in it. Just add a little bottled water at mealtime.
- Formula - Buy formula ready-to-drink in cans... you don't have to add water.
- Inexpensive toys Consider buying toys at the dollar store. They will keep your kids occupied in the car and at the campsite...simply throw them away if they get too dirty to take home.
- Milk - Buy 2% milk in tetra packs that don't need to be refrigerated until they're open.
- Serving Bowl - Portion out the cereal in small plastic Gladlock or Ziplock bags, just add water, and your ready-to-serve!
- Use jar Baby Food - It's easy to pack and carry. Buy the smaller jars to cut down on leftovers or waste.
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