Camping with Kids
I was six years old and the rain fell hard. The river flooded and our tent held more water in than out. Some non-essential gear floated away but all the kids, luckily, remained. This was not the family trip my parents planned but it was certainly one we’d remember. Thirty years later, I cherish every wet memory of that rainy night on the banks of Missouri’s Current River.
Camping with kids allows our children the opportunity to bond with the outdoors. Sleeping outside, among the elements, breaks down the barriers between humans and that which we think we deserve and own. If a youngster has slept under the stars, cooked in the forest, peed behind a tree and woken up to a crisp sunrise reflecting off the dew on her sleeping bag, she might make more responsible and sustainable decisions as an adult. If her formative years include befriending her natural surroundings, she will probably treat that friend better when given the choice.
Name of the Game
The name of the game is HAVE FUN, that’s to say, make sure the kids have fun. As with any new experience we want to replicate, make sure it’s a positive one. Ensure that the kids are comfortable and prepared and they’ll want more.
Before You Go
As some teachers say, “plan tight and hang loose”. Know where to go, know how to get there, know what to eat and know what to do. When you arrive, relax and let happen what may.
It’s all about the kids so involve them from the beginning and get excited. Go to the neighborhood park and practice setting up the tent. Let them try it and have a picnic in the shade. Ask their opinions, show them maps, let them research and if you’re not excited about the process, fake it. Enthusiasm is contagious so the more you have, the more the kids will have.
For your inaugural camping trip, consider a venue with more “luxuries”. Although some consider running water and toilets cheating, such amenities may mean the difference between a kid loving the “outdoors” and hating them. State parks are a good place to start.
Know your audience and plan accordingly. Plan activities the whole family can enjoy and pack, rent or borrow the needed gear.
Look up some kid-friendly recipes, like “bannock” or “hot-rock fried eggs” with the youngsters and share the preparation. Let them plan out some meals and look forward to outside dining. Allow them to develop some ownership of the trip and rise to the occasion. The more they “own” of the trip, the more they’ll remember.
Finally, safety is key. Learn best practices yourself, establish camp rules and teach the kids to follow them. If you have questions, you may contact a park ranger for further information.
While You’re There
Remember, make sure the kids are comfortable so bring sleeping pads, bags, pillows, bug repellent, sunscreen and lots of snacks. A flashlight for every camper is a safety precaution but also a comfort in the dark woods and a great game tool.
The beauty of camping is psychologically changing gears and leaving the crap at home, no Gameboys, ipods or cell phones. Show the kids how a little innovation, creativity and enthusiasm can entertain for hours. Natural sculptures can open one’s eyes and one’s mind to our simple, yet infinitely complex surroundings. Shadow animals inside the tent can supplement stories and myths and homemade riddles are always a good time.
Chores are a chore at home so spice them up a bit at the campsite. Infuse some healthy competition and see who can collect the most firewood or clean the quickest. Don’t forget, enthusiasm is contagious so if you’re not excited to camp, do your kids a lifelong favor and fake it.
Offer your kid the chance to bond with the outdoors, it’s where we came from and it’s where we should go. Opportunity is rich, lessons abound and in thirty years, they’ll probably cherish every memory and thank you forever.
Originally published on October 28, 2009.
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