Five Things To Think About Before Going Camping With Kids

By Author: Chris Le Roy
Total Articles: 95
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It is so beneficial not only for your children but for you as well, to go camping. So many kids never get to really appreciate nature with today's world of video games and so many parents are incredibly busy with their day to day lives that they don't have the opportunity to really bond with their children and quality memories. Camping offers all of this. Camping with kids should be planned out though to ensure a smooth and rewarding experience for everyone involved.

1. Plan the trip with your kids - By planning the camping trip with your children, it gives them more of a rewarding ownership experience of the event. You can discuss places to go and find out things they would like to see on their adventure. You should plan some meals of what you will want to eat and go shopping together. You may also want to make lists of everything you will need and then let them try to follow the list and pack their belongings giving them a sense of accomplishment.

2. Do a test run in the backyard - Doing a mini trial camping trip in the backyard can really help prepare for the real thing. You can teach them how to set ...
... up their tent and try out their sleeping bags. Experiment with a bit of outdoor cooking and use this opportunity to plan activities for the real camping trip.

3. Teach them about the outdoors - Many children do not know much about nature which is why they may not respect it. It is a great learning experience for them to take a hike and observe different plant, animal and even inspect species. Seeing just how beautiful a spiderweb is covered with morning dew in the the sunlight may combat a few fears for them later. It also teaches them the importance of chores like collecting firewood, hammering in tent stands, cooking and clean up. Everyone has a designated job and they are equally important to making sure the adventure is a success.

4. Plan your supplies wisely - Knowing what to bring and what you will need can literally make or break a camping trip. Your children will need extra shoes and clothes and even in the middle of summer they will need something warm to wear at night. It can get chilly at night and you are always better safe than sorry. Sunscreen and insect repellent are both very important and a first aid kit is always hand "just in case". Even if the weather man says all sunshine, pack the rain gear. The weather man has been known to be wrong on at least one occasion. Flashlights are important but glow-sticks can also be handy to hang around the tent and site. You will need plenty of snacks and a lot of water. You can never have too much water and if you do, you can always bring it home.

5. Make special memories - bring your camera or a few disposable ones. Perhaps one for everyone? Children grow so fast so you will never again have the opportunity to duplicate these memories. You can keep a journal and all take turns recording what you did, learned, like and disliked and then when you're cooped up in winter on a snow day with nothing to do, you can make a scrapbook together of your camping trip.
If you are taking your kids to the shop, park or for a swim do not forget your First Aid Kit. We have a range of great first aid kits to suit your needs. We also recommend that you checkout our Buteyko training program if your kids suffer asthma.