Treat the kids to a timeless adventure
Camping with kids can be both fun and extremely challenging.
One of the wonderful things is the fact that spending time in nature with kids, the little ones, can and does rekindle and reminds us adults of the simplicity and appreciation that we embraced when we were young and, it will again teach us patience to just be and enjoy.
We need, in a sense, to again become like children when camping with children so as to set them on a path to a lifetime of outdoor adventures. Let’s explore some options to consider during the planning phase of a camping holiday. If it is your first time involve the kids during the planning of the camping holiday. They may have, yes even though they are still little, have preferences in terms of what and when they want to eat, places they would like to see and or activities they would like to partake in.
Try a camp-out in the back garden first if you have not camped with kids before. Get them involve in pitching the tent as well as the outdoor cooking. Try out various night-time snacks while doing some stargazing. Many modern-day camping facilities do offer various activities to keep kids busy but if you are doing some off the grid camping, you will have to engage kids with activities that will stimulate them.
Teach them outdoor skills – go fishing – organise a scavenger hunt – go on a flash light walk at night and give them chores like gathering wood. You pack enough warm clothes, games and puzzles, insect repellent, sunscreen and the rest. And, don’t forget the camera – you need to capture all those experiences to create a lifetime of memories. And then – what to do if the weather does not play along? Remember if kids don’t enjoy what they do – you will not enjoy it either.
Travelling to your camping destination should be short and you should have frequent stops. Ban the use of technology (cell phones, iPads etc.) while camping unless a life or death situation occurs. In conclusion – planning is important but an impromptu change of plans often creates the most treasured moments in life, so have fun and be adventurous.
