When camping with kids, especially for the first time, preparation can be the key to happy kids and a successful trip. The biggest aspect of camping that kids have trouble adjusting to is the “roughing it”.
While many kids will enjoy the outdoors and various activities available, it is important to remember that they don’t necessarily get a boost from just “getting away” in the same way adults do. In fact, for kids, the getting away from their usual diversions and distractions may be the most challenging part of camping.
Preparation
Being prepared with a wide variety of clothes and gear for all kinds of weather is always a good idea, but especially when camping with kids. They may go through a few outfits in just one day depending on the activities and the weather patterns in the area, and a dry, comfortable child is a happy child!
Having some games and a few of the usual toys kids play with at home may be a good idea as well, although some parents try to leave the video games, cell phones and other technology behind to enhance the experience of being out in nature.
Activities
Planning some outdoor adventures in advance is a good idea, and the available activities will be dependent on the area. It may also be wise to have some back-up plans in case of rain, cold or other inclement weather.
Sharing campfire stories is a great way to spend quality family time after a day enjoying nature and being outside. Sitting together watching the fire and sharing memories, jokes and stories is a pleasant activity and a nice way to help the kids wind down for a night in the tent.
Of course, the traditional roasting of the marshmallows is always a favorite when camping with kids, or the slightly more involved procedure of making s’mores.
Some people like to tell ghost stories or other scary tales, but it is important that campers know their audience! Sleeping outside in a tent can already be a little disconcerting for some children-the last thing a parent needs is for their kids to be seeing the bogeyman and hearing ghosts all night!
Learning Opportunities
For families that live in larger cities, camping offers a chance to get away from the hectic pace for a bit, and appreciate the quietude and nature’s beauty.
These times can be great opportunities to help children discover the outdoors, and experience a slightly different way of life than they see in big cities. Some children may be excited to learn that we still do things like fishing, boating and camping that our ancestors were doing thousands of years ago.
Being out in the woods with no kitchen pantry or 7-11 in the area can help kids understand the importance of concepts like preparedness and planning ahead.
Sharing stories about early settlers and pioneers, who camped every night on their cross country journeys and carved new lives out of the American West can stimulate a child’s imagination, and even make them feel grateful for their food, clothing and shelter.
Letting kids help gather the wood and showing them how to build the fire properly can be a practical lesson in why we need fire, and how careful we must be when dealing with it.
Camping with kids can be a wonderful experience that can bring a family closer and provide many learning opportunities during the outing. Being prepared with food, clothes and gear, and planning ahead for activities and adventures may be the key to enjoying a successful trip together!
Article Credit: tipsforcamping
Photo Credit: katstan
