|
June is National Camping Month and a great time to try camping with your children. It can be a more affordable option for “getting away” and it doesn’t need to require much travel time. Camping is a great way to teach your children the joys of being in nature, how to care for our planet, and expose them to new experiences. Spending time in nature is beneficial for both physical and mental health, and showing children a variety of ways to enjoy the outdoors gives them important experiences they will carry with them the rest of their lives.
If this is the first time camping for your children, start small to help them acclimate to the experience. You can pitch a tent in the back yard and do a sleepover in it, or try a one-day outing at a local park. When choosing a campground, look for more developed campgrounds with amenities. Ask other families for their favorite kid-friendly recommendations. You can work your way up to longer trips or more remote locations. Check the weather so you can pack for those outdoor conditions. If there's a chance of rain, be prepared with rain jackets and boots and a couple activities you can do in the tent. Remember that kids will get dirty while camping so embrace the messy. If there's no running water at your site, consider setting up a hand-washing station with a small bucket of soapy water. You can also bring a little camp rug to set outside your door if you want to keep the inside of your tent tidier.
Camping shows children how they can enjoy nature while also taking small steps to protect it. This can start by teaching them how to respect wildlife, dispose of trash properly, and leave rocks, plants and other things where they find them. Camping also teaches children how to cope with inconvenience and be ready for problem solving. The important thing is to keep it fun so your children will be excited for future camping experiences. By keeping an upbeat attitude, your kids will pick up on your mood. Below are some additional tips for having a great adventure and memories to look back on.
General Camping Supplies
Most campsites include a picnic table, a place to park your vehicle and a spot to pitch your tent. Many also have shared bathrooms and running water (though you'll want to check this before setting out).
Below is a short list of camping supplies you will need for your trip:
- Tent
- Sleeping bags
- Sleeping pads
- Flashlights
- Tarp
- Pillow and blankets
- Extra clothes
- Camp chairs
- Lantern
- Cooler for food
- Plenty of water, especially if you plan to hike
- If you plan to cook: camp stove and fuel, cooking pans and utensils, Pack foods you know they'll like and ready-to-go snacks that are easily accessible.
Camping with Infants and Toddlers
Because young children require constant supervision, consider taking a portable play-yard to safely contain them when you are occupied with starting a campfire or cooking dinner. Below are additional ideas to help you prepare.
- Baby carrier
- Warm clothing, socks, and hat for sleeping
- Rain gear
- Sun hat
- Diapers, wipes, and changing pad
- Garbage bags
- Hand sanitizer
- Simple toys
- Feeding supplies
- Insect repellent (consult doctor before using on baby)
Ready? Let’s Go!
| 
