| Thinking of taking your family for a vacation? | | | | time it's a wonderful way to reconnect with your |
| Instead of going for expensive vacation packages | | | | kids. |
| and burn a hole in your pocket, why not bring | | | | 4. It's cheap |
| your whole family for a great camping trip. Family | | | | Most camping vacations cost a lot less than |
| camping is not only more affordable than a | | | | traditional vacations. Camping in state parks or |
| complete stay in a resort, it offers enjoyment | | | | other historical areas often costs less than $100 |
| that packaged vacations can't even come close | | | | for a week's worth of camping. You will need to |
| to. | | | | spend money on gear, but later in the book we'll |
| The 5 reasons below will provide you with some | | | | look at ways you can cut the costs of buying |
| of the great benefits that family camping can | | | | camping gear. |
| bring: | | | | The biggest expenses that you will have will be |
| 1. It's educational | | | | food and gas. Eating meals that you cook yourself |
| The kids will learn about nature and wildlife as well | | | | with groceries you bring with you will be much |
| as about learning about national monuments and | | | | cheaper than eating in a restaurant three times a |
| state parks. Kids also learn other skills from | | | | day like you would on a traditional vacation, and |
| camping like independence, self-reliance, wilderness | | | | gas will probably be cheaper than what you would |
| skills and first aid. | | | | spend on airfare for the whole family. |
| 2. It's active | | | | 5. It's something everyone in the family can enjoy |
| Obesity is a growing epidemic among children. | | | | Wouldn't it be nice to be able to relax and enjoy |
| Instead of taking your kids to a theme park or | | | | yourself without having to listen to one child |
| taking them on a vacation where they will just sit | | | | complain that he or she wants to go to the pool |
| around most of them time taking them camping | | | | while another cries bitterly because you won't buy |
| will be encouraging them to swim, hike, and do | | | | them a new boat/sweater/ toy or trinket and |
| other outdoor activities. | | | | the other just sits in the corner with a sullen look |
| 3. It's a way to get great quality time | | | | and kicks the bed repeatedly? |
| When you're off on a family camping trip you will | | | | A camping vacation is a real vacation for the |
| have lots of quality time to spend with your | | | | whole family because there is always something |
| spouse and your kids because it will just be the | | | | fun and active to do for people who want to do |
| family in a quiet, beautiful outdoor environment. | | | | something active and that leaves plenty of time |
| No TV, videogames, movies, or other distractions | | | | for the people that want to do nothing (usually |
| will keep you from focusing on your family or | | | | the parents) to sit and enjoy the quiet stillness of |
| keep them from focusing on you. For families | | | | nature. |
| where both parents work and are busy all the | | | | |