| Camping is a perfect way to get time alone with | | | | some good food, you will have most of the |
| your kids, and they can experience the wonders | | | | amenities that you have at home, only you'll be |
| of nature with you. No matter what they | | | | outside. |
| occasionally say now, they will remember these | | | | Myth No. 2 -- It's too expensive |
| trips with appreciation later. | | | | Yes, everything you do seems to cost money. |
| So, you would like to have this type of | | | | But where can you stay overnight with a family |
| experience with your kids, and you want it to be | | | | of four, or more, for less than $20? Once you |
| good and have them want more, but you don't | | | | make the initial investment in equipment you will |
| know where to start ... right? | | | | have many seasons of enjoyable camping at a |
| No problem, we're going to hit the essentials you | | | | fraction of the cost of staying in a hotel. |
| will need to have a successful first campout. | | | | Myth No. 3 -- I don't know what to take |
| Through proper preparation and careful execution, | | | | Keep reading. This is a simple "Camping 101" |
| it can be one that your kids will love, and tell their | | | | approach that can give you the facts about the |
| friends (nice things) about. | | | | necessary equipment to bring. |
| Camping Myths. Let's begin by dispelling some of | | | | Myth No. 4 -- Camping is boring. What will I do |
| the myths and rumors that keep many people | | | | with the kids? |
| from becoming campers and having an enjoyable | | | | Pick some activities they like to do or let them |
| and rewarding experience. | | | | choose what they want to do, while camping. Get |
| Myth No. 1 -- I'm not an outdoor person | | | | them involved by having them help plan and cook |
| Sure, camping is about being outdoors and | | | | the meals. Go for a hike on a nearby trail that |
| enjoying it, but you don't have to be "Ranger | | | | leads to a beautiful destination. Go fishing. Bring |
| Tom" or a card-carrying Sierra Club member to | | | | pencils, paper, and crayons for them to draw |
| enjoy camping! It is natural for people to be | | | | what they see. Pack a football, soccer ball, |
| outside, breathing fresh air, and getting a little | | | | baseball gear or any other sporting equipment the |
| color on their cheeks. With the proper equipment, | | | | kids will have fun with. Bring their favorite board |
| such as a good tent, a warm sleeping bag and | | | | game and a book each for evenings in the tent. |