Mom’s Online Retreat

While getting away from the hustle and bustle of home-life is one of the reasons families choose to go camping, it can also be an affordable option. For kids – it can be a great adventure. If you are planning a family camping trip this summer, here are some tips that will ensure your vacation is both a safe and fun experience.

1. Pre-camping preparation. If you have small children, you may want to select a tent that will accommodate all if you comfortably. On the other hand, if you are camping with older children, it may be a good idea to purchase additional pup tents to give them some sense of independence. Either way, practice assembling the tents in your backyard beforehand to avoid wasting time at the camp site. You never know what time, or what the weather conditions might be when you get to setting up camp.

2. Selecting a campsite. Depending upon whether you decide to “rough it” or choose a campsite that is close to amenities, you can research the many campsites online that offer comprehensive information on the area. This will enable you to decide not only what equipment, clothing, and food you need to take, but the available hiking areas and points of interest as well.

Ensure that the campsite you select is an official campsite area. Moreover, when researching camping sites it’s a good idea to look for those areas that are on the high ground. Thus, if it rains, your tent and equipment will not become water logged.

3. Make a checklist. In our family, we call this our “TACAMO” (Take ACtion And Move Out) sheet. This is very important to ensure you do not forget anything on your camping trip. Among the items on your checklist, some of the more important items you will need are:

* Cooking gear such as a frying pan, a few pots, a bucket, barbecue grill or stove, bags with a Ziploc, and cooking utensils. In addition, food containers and canned goods are best. It is also recommended that you prepare meals at home and package them in containers for the trip. Also bring water, a can opener, hot water kettle and coffee pot, and a cooler with a block of ice. You might want to pack two coolers – one for refridgerated foods, and one for dry goods.

* Packing the appropriate clothing is also essential. Depending upon the location, wearing light layers is a good idea as well as packing some sweats and jackets for the evening hours. Extra socks, hats, and gloves may also be warranted. If you intend to engage in some hiking, proper hiking boots are necessary. Bring a lundry bag and maybe one to store wet gear that might not be dry when it’s time to go home.

* Sleeping gear, first aid kit, flashlights, batteries, cell phone, garbage bags, toiletries, sunscreen, ointments, a map of the area, insect repellent, games for the kids, and rain gear.

4. When you reach the camp site, choose a flat area to set up the tents. Ensure there are no rocks or debris where the tent will be set up. Most campgrounds will post warning signs or instructions regarding specific animals and vegetation.

5. When preparing a campfire, if appropriate, ensure that it is set up further away from the tents. After you have roasted the marshmallows, sang songs, and told ghost stories; douse the fire before going to bed.

Finally, enjoy the entire camping experience. Sleeping “under the stars”, communing with nature, and relishing the time spent with family will not only bring a family closer together, but the memories of this experience will last forever.

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