It’s time to unroll the mildew-laden tent you forgot to dry out last summer, stock up on fishing tackle and pack up the car because camping season is here. Whether you’re a novice or an expert outdoorsman, camping with kids can be…challenging.
And as parents we’re up to the challenge (at least until the bugs hit you and you realize that in all that packing you forgot to pack a sleeping bag for yourself). The key is to be prepared.
So we’ve put together some expert advice on what to do before you head into the wild.
In this article:
Why should you go through the trouble?
How does camping help kids learn?
What to bring- the essentials
So you want to go camping, what now?
Car (or RV) camping in a campground
Backcountry camping
Roofed accommodation in the parks
What to do if
Conclusion
Why should you go through the trouble?
Lots of people hate camping. After all, there are big bugs, biting bugs, slithery things, rodents, and even things that have a taste for humans—like bears. The food is nothing to write home about, it can be wet, you sleep on the ground, and you smell. With so many cons, why would anyone want to camp? Because it’s so much fun and research says, it helps kids learn.
Kevin Callan, the leading author of books on camping and canoeing explains why it's important to start camping with the kids early on More 2 Life. Check out all of his advice, as well as advice from survival experts in the videos to your right..
How does camping help kids learn?
Cam Collyer, manager of the award-winning Learning Grounds Program at Evergreen, told Your Voice that a child’s motivation for learning is increased when they are outside. So no matter the subject, whether it’s math, reading, or science, kids learn better when they are outside. Watch the show.
What to bring- the essentials:
- Logic and common sense. If you get there and realize you are in over your head, go to the nearest hotel.
- Food. If you are car camping then your options are limitless but if you are planning on cooking over an open fire, make sure you check with the campground first. Sometimes there are restrictions on fires and you may have to produce a camp stove before they let you camp. Also, do not bring your own fire wood because you could introduce new species of pests to the environment.
- A water filter. Whether you are car camping or canoeing the last thing you want is beaver fever. You shouldn’t have to spend more than $60 on a good carbon water filter. You don’t need anything more than that in North America (no matter what the guy at the store tells you). Iodine tablets work too but they make the water taste awful and they might make you susceptible to everyday infections like a cold or flu.
- A first aid kit. Make sure you personalize it yourself. Does anyone have allergies, a cold, car sickness, sea sickness? Some people are sensitive to certain bandages. Make sure you pack for everyone.
- An itinerary and maps (make sure you leave copies behind with family and friends).
- A compass-- and you might want to learn how to use it.
- Clothes for warm and cold weather (even in summer).
- Hats and sunscreen.
- A way to contact the outside world (cell phone or satellite phone).
- Bug dope.
- Lots of socks. Dry feet are very important.
- Shoes that can be wet and shoes that stay dry.
- Tent and sleeping bags that will keep you cozy in zero degree weather.
- An emergency survival kit.
