Camping as a family can be an unforgettable experience that fosters love for nature while creating lasting memories, but it can also present its own set of obstacles.
Engaging kids in setting up camp, cooking meals and other campsite activities can keep them engaged while providing valuable skills and experiences.
Pack the Right Gear
If your family is new to camping, practice at home first. From your backyard to an apartment room, getting kids used to sleeping in tents will reduce anxiety when arriving at the campground.
Make sure everyone in your group knows how to assemble and set up their own tent, set up camp, and use outdoor cooking gear – this will give them a sense of responsibility and accomplishment they’ll remember fondly after returning from their travels.
Discuss proper camping etiquette with the family, such as keeping noise to a minimum and not leaving food out unattended. Bring wet wipes for hand-washing prior to meals and cleaning public surfaces, while a top-quality Swiss army knife will come in handy for opening cans or performing other tasks around the campsite. A small flashlight might also prove handy, particularly if your campsite is near roads.
Get Organized
Organising for camping can be an exciting family activity that teaches children responsibility. Arrange items into totes, label them and secure the tops securely – this makes it easier to grab items for outdoor adventures while keeping things in place and serving as a handy reminder of what items need to be packed.
Keep a list of activities and supplies you’ll need on hand, such as food and beverages, first aid supplies and entertainment options. Also consider creating a bin of “always packed” camp items, such as extra pots/pans/sleeping bags.
Be ready for unexpected events and weather changes by teaching your children basic camping etiquette, such as respecting other campsites and keeping noise down at night – this will keep everyone happy and safe! Additionally, teach your children about respecting wildlife by following “leave no trace” principles – by planning well and staying organized, your family camping trip will become memorable and stress-free.
Plan Your Activities
Family camping trips can be both entertaining and educational for your children. Make the experience enjoyable by selecting a campsite equipped with amenities such as playground, beach or swimming area and hiking trails; your children can then make new friends while savoring themselves while camping out! Plus, some campgrounds even provide activities like arts & crafts or board games which the entire family can join in.
Engage children in setting up camp by asking what activities and accommodations they would like. It will teach independence, responsibility and hand-on skills – older kids could help prepare meals or do dishes while younger ones could carry water bottles or locate sleeping bags.
Before setting out on an actual camping adventure, try running a trial run in your backyard or apartment to gauge how the children respond. Make a list of activities they would enjoy doing while camping – for instance hiking, exploring nature and making art projects!
Have Fun!
No camping gear necessary! Plenty of entertaining activities await those without much camping gear. Try making nature rubbings by pressing leaves, flowers and other natural elements onto paper; or play BINGO cards with customized challenges that range from silly (such as imitating celebrities) to outdoor-oriented ( like finding a hippopotamus in the clouds).
Kids enjoy scavenger hunts, and you can create one to keep them engaged before bedtime at a campground. Make a list of items like marshmallows, bottle caps or marbles you need to find and hide throughout the campsite before nightfall.
Camping can be an enjoyable way to get children outside and away from screens, but safety must always come first. Talk with them about appropriate outdoor behaviour (respect wildlife, don’t feed animals or leave trash behind) as well as what to do if they get lost. Also teach the basics such as using maps and compasses; teach wilderness skills like finding water sources for washing purposes etc.