Happy Campers
What better way to practice the shelter building and survival skills you learned in this month’s THiNK OUTSiDE Shelter box than to take a family camping trip? Follow the tips below to make a camping trip fun and enjoyable for the whole family.
Find Your Spot
The first step to an enjoyable camping trip is selecting the right type of trip for your family. What level of adventure are you feeling? From multi-day backpacking trips to living room pillow forts, there are lots of options to choose from for your family’s camping fun.
The most experienced and adventurous may want to try backcountry camping – hiking, biking or kayaking to a remote spot to spend the night. More moderate campers, may choose to spend the night at a campsite in a tent or an RV. Those who want to get away but have all the comforts of home can try glamping in a cabin, yurt or tree house.
Choose the one that’s right for your family based on your comfort, skill level, location and equipment. Practicing in the backyard or at a local campground can be a good idea for your first camping trip in case someone can’t make it through the night.
Keeping Busy and Having Fun
Camping is a fun and exciting family adventure but you won’t be surprised to hear that kids can lose interest quickly. Be sure to have lots of activities available to keep them busy and you from hearing, “I’m booooored.” Camping with friends always helps make the trip more fun for everyone, too.
- Help with camp setup. It’s never too early to start teaching kids the essentials of setting up camp so get them involved with age-appropriate tasks. Clear debris off of the tent site. Collect sticks and logs for firewood. Help set up the tent. Organize the food and supplies. Scope out the bathrooms, garbage and recreation areas.
- Outdoor activities. Bring along or rent supplies for some of your kids’ favorite activities as well as a few new things to try. Biking, fishing, throwing ball, kayaking, hiking, geocaching, corn hole, stand up paddle boarding, snow shoeing, bird watching, swimming, and our favorite this month – practicing your shelter building. The possibilities are endless.
- Indoor activities. There is also lots of fun to have in your shelter and you may need to if you catch some bad weather. Play games and cards, read, do crafts, tell stories, play music, draw. While I prefer to keep electronics put away as much as possible on a camping trip, pulling out your device for a family movie can be a good option when everyone starts to get tired.
- Campfire. And, of course, you can’t have a camping trip without a campfire (or lantern or fireplace if you’re in your living room). Let your kids practice their fire building and fire safety skills, gather more firewood (you can never have too much), cook over the fire, make s’mores, play music, sing, tell stories, and watch the stars.
Happy Campers, Not Hangry Campers
We want happy campers, not hangry campers. Be sure to pack lots of food and drinks for the family. Will you eat all of your meals at the campsite, pack some to eat while hiking or boating, or pick a few meals to eat out if there’s a nearby restaurant?
Bring the staples you know your family will eat but have fun and try some new foods over the fire as well. You’d be surprised how much you can cook with a skillet and a fire. My family’s favorite is mountain pies. Pack a few snacks that are special treats that you don’t normally eat at home.
Don’t forget about s’mores! Will you go traditional s’mores or will you try some new variations? Oreos instead of graham crackers? Peanut butter cups instead of chocolate bars? Add some strawberries? Yum!
Staying Safe and Comfortable
Having the right equipment is key to a successful trip to make sure everyone is comfortable and safe. Know what’s available at your site before you go – bathroom facilities, water source, fire ring, picnic table, etc. Check out this camping checklist from REI to get you started. Remember that you can borrow or rent gear as you get started to keep your trip more affordable.
Camping can be scary. Bring along items to help your kids feel safe and secure. If they sleep with a favorite stuffed animal, make sure it comes along for the trip. Let each person have their own flashlight or headlamp for getting around in the dark and to keep next to them in the tent. (I suggest a headlamp for those nighttime bathroom visits!)
Follow proper precautions for your campsite and follow all posted rules concerning food storage, animal safety and waste disposal. And always remember the The Leave No Trace Seven Principles when enjoying the outdoors.
Want Free Gear?
Check out our THiNK OUTSiDE Giveaways page for current offers. Now through March 14, 2021, enter to win up to $700 worth of gear including a full-year subscription, tent, sleeping bag and hammock!
Happy camping!
