| Camping with young children can either be a | | | | the bad things that could happen to them if they |
| fantastic experience for everyone, or a total | | | | don't follow the rules or stay within the |
| disaster. Most children love to sleep in tents and | | | | boundaries. Instead of fear, make them feel |
| camp trailers, enjoy sitting around the campfire | | | | responsible for you too. When my son was |
| and roasting hot dogs and marshmallows and the | | | | younger, we had a rule that neither of us would |
| experience of the outdoors. | | | | stray where we could not see the other. In other |
| If you nurture this love, camping with them will be | | | | words, the boundaries weren't set just for my |
| fun and they will have lasting warm memories of | | | | son but for me as well. |
| their days spent at the campsite. On the other | | | | 4. Take along board and card games. |
| hand, if you don't give kids the little extra special | | | | We always hope that the weather will cooperate |
| attention they need, it could be a miserable time | | | | and each camping experience will be nothing but |
| for both you and the children. | | | | glorious sunshine and warm temperatures. |
| Some tips to keep in mind: | | | | Unfortunately Mother Nature is not always so kind |
| 1. Make them feel part of the planning. | | | | and camping trips can have days of rain and |
| If children feel apart of the planning process, they | | | | inclement weather. Plan ahead for such days and |
| will feel responsibility for making the trip enjoyable. | | | | take along some indoor games the kids enjoy for |
| Get them involved in deciding where you will | | | | those days when hiking, fishing and the campfire |
| camp. Plan the meals with them and take them | | | | just isn't going to happen. |
| shopping with you when you head out to buy the | | | | 5. Don't forget the children's needs. |
| groceries for the camping trip. | | | | It may be silly to you that your child wants to |
| 2. Let the kids help! | | | | bring along "Teddy" or a special toy, but don't |
| Children have a natural desire to learn and do new | | | | deny them this because you think camping should |
| things. Don't suffocate this desire. Have some | | | | be like "roughing" it. Bring along Teddy or another |
| patience and let them help you set up the tent or | | | | toy for the child will give them an opportunity to |
| trailer, even if it takes a bit longer than you doing | | | | have something comforting and familiar. |
| it yourself. When children are helping with the | | | | Finally, have fun! Don't holler at your kids - not |
| chores that need to be done, their own | | | | only will they not appreciate it, the other campers |
| excitement grows and they will take pride and | | | | in the campground won't either. Spend time |
| ownership in the enjoyment of the experience. | | | | teaching them. Don't forget the camera as taking |
| 3. Have boundaries but don't create fear. | | | | photos and having them to look at later will |
| Sometimes it is too easy to put fear into our | | | | reinforce the great experiences the kids had and |
| children when we give them rules. We tell them all | | | | they'll look forward to the next trip. |