Family Camping

A friend of mine is taking her 3 under 4 kids camping .  The poor thing made the mistake of asking for advice on Facebook.  This being one of my favorite subjects,  I went into a long rant of ditties much too extensive to be appropriate  for a social media site.  With a quick copy and paste  I started my post it here- where my rambling is  more appropriate.  After all, this is suppose to be an adventure blog. 

Leaving the games, toys and devices behind and learning to be together in nature refreshes and rejuvenates my family.  These are my most cherished family memories. Camping is a low-cost vacation that you will remember forever.   My youngest son learned to walk on a rainy day in our family tent. Teaching kids about the natural world opens discussions about our creator and our universe.   I encourage everyone to try it.  We might even let you come along with us sometime! Here are some of my thoughts on camping with young children.

It usually takes us a whole day to prepare for camping- and we've been doing this for a while.  Give yourself time to plan your meals, make lists, shop and pack.   It helps to have designated camping stuff, like pots, plates, coolers, that you keep together so you can be more spontaneous in your planning. 

It might be a good idea to talk about division of labor before the trip. For instance; One parent may cook while one sets up the table and does dishes. One parent plays with the kids while the other goes for a swim...I mention this because. to some,  roughing it may just feel like domestic duties in a less domestic environment if not given the opportunity to choose some activities.

Camp out in your backyard.  Its a great trial run and everyone will have a blast.

 Upon arrival,  things may become a little tense setting up camp.  Kids are anxious to explore and may tire of "helping" pretty early into the process. Parents may struggle a bit with getting it put all together before dinner time. Give the kids a job, bring sandwiches, and  take the kids  for a walk while the other parent gets busy with the tent poles if necessary.

We always set up boundaries right when we get to a campsite. Use landmarks like trees, rocks, roads, or vehicles to mark out your territory.  Kids can be free to explore within those boundaries, and you can relax and let them. 

Let each kid have their own gear; backpack. headlamp or flashlight, water bottle, hat, rain poncho...  they'll start packing days ahead if you let them.  Somehow my kids manage their camping gear much more independently than their things at home.

Over the years I have learned that camping  toddlers do better in pants (rather than shorts or skirts) and sturdy shoes even- if it's hot outside.  It helps with dirt and bugs and prevents boo boos.  Kids fall down a lot while camping.  Don't forget the first aid kit!

I think kids eat better from their own camping chairs using the seat of the picnic table as a table. They can't really reach their food on a regular picnic table.   Keep food simple while camping.   Serve a hearty breakfast (we usually pack some homemade instant oatmeal)  then bring sandwiches with you while exploring for lunch.  (lots of snacks and water too).  We usually have a more elaborate meal for supper. 

Know that babies will probably get  dirty and there is little you can do about it. Embrace it.  They might stick some gross stuff in their mouths as well.  It will hurt you way more than them.  You can not baby-proof nature.   Resist the urge to leave the baby constricted in a seat the whole time- they are camping too!

If babies and toddlers aren't use to showers, they may very well be terrified of camp showers. You can plan ahead by bringing a plastic tub or something to bathe them in. (Can also be used for dish washing). Practice taking a slippery baby into a powerful shower with you before hand.  My technique is to soap them up out of the shower, then rinse them really fast to keep the crying short-lived.  You might want to pass them off to the other parent so you can go back and get yourself cleaned up after.

 Bikes are a great idea for camping kids.  Many parents feel secure to let older kids ride bikes around campgrounds with a freedom they would never allow at home in the city.  For younger children you will be able to go for longer walks on winding campground roads if your toddler brings their wheels.  Most jog-strollers easily maneuver gravel or asphalt roads.

Invest or borrow a baby backpack.  Babies will spend hours gazing and sleeping and soaking in all the sights of the nature and from a new vantage point.  Parents can hike, fish, and go places where strollers won't get them.

Hiking with kids is not about making it to a destination.  You will end up carrying your 3 year old on your shoulders all the way back to camp if this is your mind set.  Make hiking is about every strange bug, root, flower, lizard, blade of grass or rock they see on the way.  Slow down and teach toddlers to notice their environment. Let them collect "treasures",  listen to the wind and the birds.  Toddlers will whine if they are just walking- but they will go further than you ever imagined down the trail on an adventure.
 

Check fire restrictions before you go.  Every kid expects to roast marshmallows and hotdogs while camping so you must find an alternate way to deliver s'mores if there is a ban. 

If possible, camp out for at least 2 nights.The first night is often poor sleep and hurried.  The second night everyone will be wonderfully tired, relaxed and at home in their new environment- after all, it probably took you a while to pull this off- might as well make it worth it.

Once the kids are older your excursions will require less planning and your kids will learn to be in nature more independently.  It is certainly a lot to think about in the beginning but it does get easier and the pay off is huge.

Reserve your campsite well in advance.  Campgrounds fill up quickly, especially around holidays and school calendars  Invest in a state or national park passes-  they support public land and will pay for themselves in one or two trips.

There is an widening base of  resources out there to help families get outside.  One book I would recommend is   Camp Out! Ultimate Kids Guide   - a fun book with tons of activities, skills, and ideas for kids.    Texas Outdoor Family (TOF) workshops are hosted at state parks where families receive hands-on experience learning basic outdoor skills.  They can even provide all the gear for your excursion.  Organizations such as Children and Nature Network  work to promote getting kids into nature through various clubs, resources, and campaigns.  Outdoor retailers like REI can offer up expert advice on camping with kids.

47 minutes ago ·