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Camping With a Young Family – Some Great Tips Here We Should Know

I hear from people all the time that they don’t get out camping anymore because they have children. I’m fairly blunt with them that I think that’s ridiculous, there’s no reason that having children should stop anyone camping.

So, if you want to get back into camping, or if you’ve not camped before and want to get out there then use this as a helpful resource list to get together the kit and supplies you need.

Use this list as a basis for your own lists and also remember that a trip that’s well planned is a trip that’s a lot more likely to happened and go how you want it to and if everyone enjoys it there’s going to be more of them.

 

Clothing

Pack for the forecasted weather and possible changes that can be expected for the area where you will be camping. Include a thermal top and pants just in case that fine weather turns to cold weather. Remember that when the sun goes down the temperature will drop, even in summer. Pack wet weather gear, sun protection creams, and rimmed hats; the summer sun can be hot and burning if you are not used to it.  Use your common sense when packing clothing and work on the layering system so you can make easy adjustments.

  • Jeans and pants
  • Light windproof jacket
  • Rain coat
  • Shoes and boots
  • Socks, hats, gloves
  • Sweater
  • Swim wear
  • Thermal top and pants
  • T-shirts and shorts
  • Underwear

Shelter

Shelter is very important, particularly if there’s adverse weather or it’s cold.  If it’s warm then it’s not so important unless you need protection from insects; your tent will protect you from the elements, so look around for a tent big enough to suit you and your family, if you’re stuck in the tent for a couple of days you’ll want plenty of room for the kids to play and to not be under each others feet.

You also need to have a tent that’s appropriate for the season and use, a cheap tent won’t stand up to snow on it, but it might be fine in the spring and summer.  It makes a lot of difference to have bedding as well.

If you’re feeling adventurous there’s other options such as tarps and hammocks

  • Blankets
  • Cordage / bungees
  • Pillow or head rest
  • Sleeping bag
  • Sleeping pad
  • Tarp
  • Tent


Cooking Food

Cooking in the outdoors is my favourite and it’s not as hard as many believe it is. You need to be able to cook a few things without having to spend hours on it. Research about the water available at your camp site before you go and having a meal plan can help you buy provisions and know what equipment you need to cook with..

 

 

  • Can opener, tongs, foil
  • Camping pots, pans, plates, and cutlery
  • Cooking essentials (Ziploc bags, knife, cutting board, salt and pepper, cooking oil)
  • Cooler
  • Camp stove and fuel
  • Folding chairs and table (it makes life easier but it’s not essential)
  • Food
  • Water + Water container
  • Water filter (If you’re collecting water locally)

 

First Aid

The outdoors is great, but it does come with its own hazards. You will need a basic first aid kit to help you deal with the scrapes and cuts and insect stings. Here’s a good tip – those bright colored kids’ plasters work miracles on small ouchies and invisible injuries that little children sometimes bring you. This is what you need in your kit, which you can buy ready-made or make up on your own.

 

  • Antiseptic cream
  • Aspirin
  • Bandaids
  • Burn treatment
  • Elastic sports wrap
  • Gauze
  • Insect sting and bite cream
  • Personal medication
  • Scissors and tweezers
  • Snake bite kit (If you’re in an area with snakes)
  • Sunburn lotion or Aloe Vera
  • Tape

Camp and Personal Hygiene

Staying clean and keeping a tidy camp makes a lot of difference to your enjoyment, is not that hard to do and is a must if you have children along with you. Take along a few bits and pieces to make your life a little easier.  When it come to your camp it’s good to be tidy and clean, it helps to prevent animals from exploring your camp and  having a sleeping bag full of dirt isn’t pleasant and it’s easy to regularly sweep up a little.

Having a bucket to collect water and wash up in, and something to sweep the tent is invaluable

Camp

  • Bucket or dish pan
  • Dishwashing liquid
  • Dish rags
  • Dust pan and broom
  • Laundry detergent
  • Pot scrubber

 

 

Personal

  • Brush and comb
  • Razor
  • Sanitary products
  • Toilet paper
  • Toothbrush and paste
  • Towels and soap

Extra Items

When you’re planning put some thought into the things you want to do while camping. Do you want to go fishing or hiking? Do you have small children with you? How are going to get to the bathroom facilities at night? does it get dark early, it it hot or cold and is there wildlife about that you can see?

 

  • Binoculars and camera
  • Bird guide
  • Bug spray
  • Candles and matches
  • Cards and board games
  • Cell phone
  • Clothes pins
  • Duct Tape
  • Fishing gear
  • Frisbee
  • Flashlight
  • Kite
  • Pen and paper

You are all set now – go and enjoy yourself.

 

If you have any comments then please drop us a message on our Outdoor Revival Facebook page

If you have a good story to tell or blog let us know about it on our FB page, we’re also happy for article or review submissions, we’d love to hear from you.

We live in a beautiful world, get out there and enjoy it.

Outdoor Revival – Reconnecting us all with the Outdoor

Doug Williams

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