Camping with the Family - An Endless Adventure

Used with Permission by Barbara Baranowski Children love adventure.  One of our grandsons is sixteen, and not only does he remember the camping adventures we have taken him on, but he is eager for new ones.  We enjoyed camping with our daughters when they were growing up, and now they camp with their families.  Camping provides adventure with many possibilities.  But the path to a successful camping experience starts long before the trip begins. We have planned many camping trips. Here are a few tips that we have found useful for the  preparation and enjoyment of camping with the family. 1.    Plan with all ages in mind.  If the children are old enough, allow them to participate in the planning meal, supplies, and activities. Discuss with them the activities that are provided at the campground. For example, campgrounds may have nature talks and hikes, fishing, swimming, boating, Jr. Ranger activities (to earn a badge), nature exhibits, horseback riding, and more. Explore first what the campground has, then present those activities to the children, allowing them to discuss what they would enjoy. 2.    Research the camping area.  If possible, show pictures of what a campsite or camping area might look like. Discuss the animals that may be enjoying that campground as well, and for the younger children pictures of animals are a great visual.  There are plenty of wildlife books in bookstores. Know about the environment where you will be camping. 3.    Discuss equipment that campers use. Go online for lists that can be duplicated, then take the children to a store that sells camping equipment, like Dick's or Sportsman's Warehouse, and let them help pick out the equipment. If possible, have a yard campout using the equipment before actually going on the trip.  Practice cooking and setting up a tent.  Walk around with the hiking backpack filled with water bottles, rain gear, and snacks. Be totally familiar with your supplies before you take them to an unfamiliar place.  This will help you avoid a difficult situation or even an emergency. 4.    Practice camper activities.  Take walks around your neighborhood, have nature talks, make a nature collage with leaves, feathers, rocks, etc., pick camper friendly recipes to try at home first, shop for food, and search the bookstores for children's books about the beach, mountains, parks - the place where the family will camp. 5.    Practice safe camping and hiking strategies. Take extra supplies (check for water availability).  Take plenty of warm clothing and rain gear. Even in the summer, the area may be cool at night.  Take plenty of bug spray, suntan lotion, and first aid supplies.  Make sure to have durable, sturdy hiking clothes and shoes.  For babies, make sure to have plenty of jarred baby food, cereal, bottled water, and formula. Bring milk that doesn't have to be refrigerated. When hiking, no matter the length of the hike, take plenty of water.  We have seen parents with young families carrying little or no water. Plan for protein and other snacks - especially for hiking. Discuss activity alternatives for rainy days.  Have plenty of flashlights, camping lanterns, and glow sticks. 6.    Set boundaries for the campers.  Children are born curious and inquisitive. Make sure that boundaries around the camping area/activities have been impressed upon them.  Discuss security issues - staying near parents and not talking to strangers. Make sure they are always in range of communication and eyesight. 7.    Enjoy the fun by bringing along activities the children will love.  Especially when our children were younger, we provided a "fun tent," an extra canopy with sides that could be used for craft and coloring activities.  They always enjoyed going into the fun tent and being creative.  This tent worked well every day, but especially on rainy days. Also, bring along a few riding toys.  Most campgrounds have paved roads leading to the campsites. 8.    Finally, pack your resilience, understanding, and patience. There may be unexpected situations arise with children, such as the need for reassurance in a new place. However, if children see you enjoying the experience, they will feel comforted and enthusiastic. Enjoy all that God has created and make memories no matter where you camp with your family. Camping indeed can be an endless adventure. Barbara Baranowski is a published writer and inspirational speaker devoted to family, educational, and spiritual issues.  She lives with her husband John in Roanoke, Virginia, and is a retired middle school teacher.