Plan Ahead for a Fun-filled Family Camping Experience
Camping means different things to different people. For some, it is
going out with a camper and practically all of the comforts of home.
For others, it is the total other extreme of going out and sleeping
under the stars (if youre lucky, otherwise its sleeping in the midst of
a rainstorm, and foraging for your food). This article falls somewhere
in the middle.
The best way to go on a family camping trip is, in my opinion, to plan
ahead. Talk it over as a family, plan what you are going to want and
need to make this camping trip both a real family adventure and a
pleasurable experience.
One of the things you will want to decide is where you are going to
camp. I would recommend an established camp ground. You would have the
security of knowing that they have done their best to keep the area
maintained to be as safe as possible. Things such as snake bites or
wandering wild life can really put a dampener on a family camping
adventure. In choosing the camp ground, you will also want to look into
what kind of activities, if any, they offer or are offered in the
nearby vicinity.
Once you have chosen the ideal location, you will then want to begin to
plan what to take with you. You need to choose the tent that will be
right for your family. Shop around; see what is offered and what the
best features are. Some tents offer ease in setting up, which is a big
plus for some of us, while others require tent stakes and ropes. If you
plan to use sleeping bags, you will be wise to remember that an adult
size sleeping bag, does not necessarily mean one size fits all. Do you
want some sort of mattresses under the sleeping bags or do you plan on
sleeping right on the floor of the tent? How about lighting? You will
probably want some sort of large battery operated lamp for your tent.
You should also supply each camper with their own flashlight, in case
any get separated from other members of the family in trips to and from
the bathroom facilities.
Food is another important factor. You need to consider what you will be
taking for food and what you will need in way of storage for it, such
as an ice chest, etc. Most camping areas have a cooking area. Do you
want to bring your own grill or use the outside cookers which may mean
waiting your turn? Dont forget to take the can opener if the food that
you are taking with you will require one. One of the most frustrating
things on a camping trip can be holding a can of beans in your hand and
trying to figure how to get through the metal that is separating you
and your family from your supper. Dont forget cooking and eating
utensils. Eating with your fingers can be fun with the right foods, but
can also tend to get really messy.
Remember to take extra clothing along. If the weather is colder or
hotter than you had planned on, you just may be glad that you did that.
Dont forget a first aid kit for any unfortunate minor injuries. Bring
activities that can be enjoyed inside the tent as well as those for
outside, such as books, games, etc., in case inclement weather makes
you want to be inside. Plan for everything that could go wrong, and
then be grateful and glad when all goes well.
Think about asking other family members or friends to go camping at the
same time. Sometimes this can lead to double the fun, or sometimes not.
This is something that you will have to decide for yourself.
Make it a family adventure that all will enjoy and possibly want to
repeat another time. Above all, have a fun-filled family camping
experience!