Camping and planning the trip are two different things, especially if you’re going on a journey with your children. The experience could be a relaxing getaway, but it might turn out to be a disaster when you don’t spend time planning the trip properly.
In the U.S., approximately 40 million people go camping, and campers also spend around a total of 1.69 billion dollars for their equipment, based on 2015 data. But even if you’re already a part of the pro camping club, you need to consider that it will be a different experience when you’re doing it with your children.
Tips On How To Camp With Children
Children are very demanding of your attention. They might not fully enjoy camping if they are used to being indoors, especially during the lockdowns. If this happens, your camping mood will also be affected. But there’s nothing that good planning can’t solve. So, here are the things you should consider doing before heading out to reconnect with nature:
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You should take time to plan every meal.
One of the first things you should do when planning your trip is plan your meals for each day you will be camping. This step should allow you to bring all the necessary tools and ingredients to prepare the meals.
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You should list the things you shouldn’t forget to bring.
It’s essential to pack everything you need, especially if you’re camping in a spot a few hours away from your house as you wouldn’t want to go back or spend money on something you forgot. Making a list should help you keep track of everything you need. You must include the necessary things like your tents, cooler box, charger, lamp, flashlight, water, snacks, utensils, medications, clothes, sleeping bag, sunscreen, insect repellent, toiletries, etc.
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You should double-check your tents.
Your tent will become your second home during your camping trip, so you have to make sure that your tents are all in good shape. Don’t be complacent, especially if you haven’t used it in a few months. Also, you have to double-check every part of the tent, like the poles, pegs, and the mallet are all in the tent bag.
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You should choose the best camping spot.
When you arrive at the camping grounds, you have to choose the best spot to set up your camps. It would help if you considered the ground – make sure it’s flat enough so your backs wouldn’t suffer when sleeping. Also, you should choose a spot that isn’t near the big roads but is close to toilets to give your family some peace and quiet while making sure essential locations are easily accessible. Lastly, make sure you have trees covering your chosen spot as you wouldn’t want to be entirely exposed to the afternoon sun.
You should set up your tents at the campsite properly.
After choosing the best camping spot, you shouldn’t wait long before you set up your tents so you can have places where you can relax. Of course, add a little touch to make your spot feel more like a home away from home by organizing all your gadgets and camping gear.
- You should remember to secure yourselves. When you wander far from your tents, one thing you should never forget is to protect yourselves and secure your belongings. Bring any essential things like your money, keys, flashlight, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a bear spray.
- You should enjoy and relax. After all your hard work, you should chill and enjoy your time camping. It doesn’t happen so much, especially during the past few months of lockdown, but give yourselves a break and reconnect with nature. Don’t forget to check on your kids now and then and see if they’re not bored or anything.
- You should clean up your camping spot before you leave.
- When camping is over, you should also clean up after yourselves and make sure you’re not leaving any rubbish behind where it shouldn’t be.
- Clean up after your tent, sleeping bags, and blankets so you wouldn’t take home any insects. If that happens, you can always call the exterminators anyway.
Camping Is Therapeutic
Camping is an underappreciated activity that has many benefits and it could also allow you to create some good memories with your loved ones. Once you experience its joys and when do it more often, it could be a truly memorable time of your life. Try it once in a while with your family. Let your children grow up knowing how beautiful nature is.
