| Wanted: Affordable, fun summer getaway for | | | | · Bring comfort food. Life's a picnic when |
| busy family. We are busy, fun-loving parents with | | | | you're camping! Sharing food brings a family |
| a zest for life and active young children. We love | | | | together, and is something everyone can enjoy. |
| to occasionally "unplug" and would like to nurture a | | | | You'll find: |
| life-long love of nature in our children. We seek | | | | Camping stimulates appetites. |
| family-friendly mini-vacations that are local, | | | | Everything tastes better when you're camping. |
| affordable and offer something for everybody. | | | | Kids often find other people's food more appealing |
| If the above description describes your family, | | | | than their own, so if you're traveling with others, |
| then read on. | | | | bring enough to share. It's fun to try new or |
| This summer, consider camping! | | | | different foods while camping. |
| Camping is one of the most fun, affordable and | | | | Bring comfort food that the whole family will |
| family-friendly recreational options around. There | | | | appreciate, that's simple to prepare, and doesn't |
| are thousands of public and private campgrounds | | | | easily spoil. |
| in the United States. Chances are, there's a | | | | Snacking is a pleasure. Everyone loves to gather |
| campground within an hour's drive that offers | | | | around a campsite and snack. Even if your family |
| fresh air, starlit nights and miles of hiking trails at | | | | doesn't normally snack, consider making your |
| less than $30 per night. What's more, kids love it. | | | | camping trip a special occasion. |
| Scientific studies confirm what kids know | | | | · Keep the peace between older siblings. |
| instinctively - enjoying nature is good for your | | | | Like most kids past the toddler stage, mine tend |
| brain and your body, leading to reduced stress | | | | to bicker. One of the best ways I know of |
| levels, better health and happiness. | | | | keeping the peace between siblings is to invite |
| Perhaps you've never been camping before. | | | | friends to join us. The result? Kids love the |
| Perhaps it's been ages since you went with your | | | | opportunity for an extended playdate and find |
| parents. | | | | ways to occupy themselves. Depending on the |
| No worries. If you are ready to give camping a | | | | age spread between siblings, siblings will either be |
| try, congratulations! | | | | too busy playing with their similar-age friend(s) to |
| Here are planning tips from experienced campers | | | | bother with a sibling, or everyone will play |
| who have walked this path before you and are, | | | | together in a more harmonious group. |
| indeed, happy campers. | | | | · Gather round the campsite. A highlight |
| · Keep it simple. For your first trip, plan to | | | | of any camping trip is gathering around the |
| go car camping (where everything you've brought | | | | campfire and toasting marshmallows. Other |
| from home can be at your campsite) vs. | | | | time-tested techniques for some downtime |
| backpacking (where you've got to carry | | | | around the campsite are to bring books, a ball, |
| everything with you). Book a site at a local | | | | deck of cards, games. |
| campground and plan to stay just two nights. | | | | · Water, anyone? "Don't get wet," you tell |
| Bring easy-to-prepare foods and plenty of snacks. | | | | your kids. Minutes later, they're...wet. Water draws |
| · Hitch up with experienced campers. | | | | kids like a magnet, offering hours of |
| Invite friends who are experienced campers to | | | | entertainment. Whenever possible, we look for |
| join you for your camping debut. You'll be glad for | | | | campgrounds that offer a beach, lake or creek |
| the company; they'll be gratified to show you the | | | | for water play and exploration. |
| ropes. In fact, campers are by and large a | | | | · Go on a night walk. There's something |
| generous lot, and will enthusiastically share favorite | | | | about walking in the quiet of night, under a starlit |
| camping recipes, stories and advice on everything | | | | sky, that is good for the soul (and exciting for |
| from buying camping equipment to choosing the | | | | kids). If it's a full moon, you won't even need a |
| choicest campsites. Plus, your camping mentors | | | | flashlight. Bring flashlights, headlamps and |
| will likely already have all the right camping gear | | | | glowsticks with you, and your children are sure to |
| and will help you set up your tent. | | | | want to lead the way. |
| · What's your adult to kid ratio? Traveling | | | | · You can't beat the weather. Good (and |
| with extra adults always makes traveling with kids | | | | bad) weather makes a world of difference when |
| easier. Even if adults are outnumbered by kids, | | | | camping. Enough said. |
| your chances of grabbing some "downtime" will be | | | | · Scouts' motto: Be Prepared. Basic |
| much improved when there are more adults to | | | | comfort and safety is essential to enjoying |
| share the responsibilities and pleasures of camping. | | | | camping. (Note: reference to checklist). Make sure |
| On one of my family's best camping trips, we | | | | your sleeping arrangements are comfortable |
| were joined by four other families. While one | | | | (thanks to a good tent and sleeping pad/air |
| energetic adult and a teenager adored by the | | | | mattress), you bring the right clothing (layers |
| younger kids led the gang on a creek-walking | | | | provide the most flexibility; bring warm clothes for |
| adventure, one couple prepared an afternoon | | | | chilly evenings and mornings), your stomach is full |
| snack for everyone, another took a nap, one | | | | (don't skimp on food and drink), and you're well |
| mom relaxed with a good book, while another | | | | protected (bring plenty of sunscreen and bug |
| enjoyed peacefully swinging in a hammock. Two | | | | repellent if needed. Make reservations for a |
| dads sat chatting. With more adults in your | | | | campsite in advance. Make a packing list and |
| camping group, there will be more opportunity for | | | | check it twice. |
| everyone to be as relaxed or energetic as he or | | | | Ready to go? Give camping a try. You'll be glad |
| she wants-and ensure the kids are taken care of, | | | | you did. |
| too. | | | | |