Camping Simplified
Today I had a friend post this comment on my personal blog… “you guys look like you are always having so much fun. we really need to get out and camp more but it takes sooo much work to plan and get ready.”
Well, I have a sign hanging in my house that says, “Live Simply”. It’s constantly reminding me to do just that in all aspects of my life, including camping with my kids. Here’s how we minimize the work involved with preparing a family camping trip.
- Have one or two large totes dedicated to your camping equipment. Simply pull them out and load them into your vehicle when it’s time to go. When you get home put them back on the shelf.
Tote #1 holds - sleeping bags, sleeping pads Tote #2 holds - tent, cook stove, pots, utensils and odds and ends. Buy totes that close tightly and don’t try to overload them. The lid is imperitive in keeping any additional dirt out.
Here’s a picture of our equipment shelf. I won’t show you the rest of our garage. YIKES!
- Put your camping trip date on your calendar and tell your kids about it. Giving yourself a visual notice of when it’s going to happen usually helps in gradually becoming prepared. Plus, if you tell your kids, they won’t let you back out of it!
Check in tomorrow for more ways to ‘Camp Simply’. Or if you already have some ideas to share, leave a comment.
*These ideas are for car camping. Backpacking is a whole different story. But rest assured there will be future backpacking posts on Nature For Kids!
Camping Simplified - Continued
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Filed under Camping, Education |5 Responses to “Camping Simplified”
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I love camping. I grew up always camping and fishing so now that I am married and have kids of my own we all love to pack up and go for the weekend. My daughter who is 9 loves loves to fish, and she is not afraid to put her own worm on it either.
Hi,
One of mine best Camping Adviser friend suggested me this article yesterday from facebook.
And I agree with her as this is really very helpful informative article about camping.
-Symcox
When it comes to camping and the outdoors, the 4 best investments I’ve made for my two little boys (ages 6 & 9) are:
1.) The Camelbak Mini-Mule 50oz hydration pack (cost $40) They love them and there’s even a bit of room to carry other items like sunscreen, a stuffed animal, etc.
2.) Their own outback/wide brimmed hats that come with a strap and adjustable headband (in case it’s windy). Really keep the sun off their face and neck!
3.) Keen water shoes…these things can take a serious beating (the kids version can get really smell though, so wash them often! My kids hike in them, play in the water and can put them on themselves.
4.) Personal Camelbak water bottle. Everyone in my family has their own (you can buy different colors). Stop buying bottled water…these are the best!
I also love the Buff brand headband/tube that wicks sweat and keeps your hair out of the way. It’s truly saved me when I haven’t showered in days…I even look fashionable! They also have wool ones for when it’s cold! I got all of my goodies through REI which is simply the best
Oh, and I use similar storage boxes for my camping gear but I now use see through ones so I can find things easier.
Hope this helps
Holly
Holly thanks for sharing your favorite gear with us! I agree about the mini mule. We hope you and you’re little guys have a great summer!
Thanks for your truly informative post. Ready to face the unexpected is my favorite camping tip