First Campout with Your Family

If your family has a long history of camping and is totally outdoors-savvy, you need read no further. But if your children haven’t been camping before and you’d like to take them, there are some important points to take into consideration.

Much as we wish otherwise, many of our children have become indoor creatures. They don’t play outside unless they’re playing an organized sport. It seems that old-fashioned playing is a bit of a dinosaur these days. There are some good reasons for this, one of them being safety. It’s no longer safe for children to play unsupervised in their neighborhoods. The indoor trend is also the result of technology. All of our computers, video games and other screened entertainments occupy children without challenging them to physical activity.

Even though the great outdoors may seem like foreign territory to many of our kids, getting children out into nature has a lot of benefits. They can learn about the flora and fauna of an area, relax in the company of family and friends and build healthier bodies and minds. It’s a great thing for everyone to do.

As you begin to think about a camping trip you’ll want to ask several questions.:

Where?

A first-time venture probably should be relatively close to home and shouldn’t be overly challenging in terms of comfort and endurance. Consider choosing a place with bathrooms and showers and maybe even a children’s play area. After all, you want the children to have a great time, and a Spartan trip, especially if the weather doesn’t cooperate, will only ensure that it’s the last trip for your children. When you’ve found a suitable place, be sure to include some bona fide camping experiences such as day hikes, fishing, boating and the traditional evening campfire.

When?

Reservations usually have to be made at campgrounds a year ahead of time. Often in addition to the nightly fees, you’ll have to pay an additional campground entrance fee. Be sure to arrive at the campground area as early in the day as possible. It’s no fun trying to set up camp in the dark! Read these ideas for Camping in the KC area!

What to do?

Taking some time to plan for this first camping adventure will pay dividends. First of all, plan activities for the drive. A small game to play in the car or pastimes such as “find the license plate” will keep children occupied during the drive and avoid repeated queries of  “Are we there yet?” Plan quick and easy meals and include disposable plates, cups and other supplies. If you want to be more “green,” make the cooking and cleanup—including washing dishes—part of the fun. Perhaps there could be partners, one adult and one child, responsible for each meal. Remember how much fun the evening campfires can be with songs, stories and special treats like s’mores. Some of the larger campgrounds have park rangers who will lead daytime activities or have evening slideshows and talks. Be prepared if the weather turns bad. Simple raingear can be a lifesaver, as well as games and activities to do inside the tent if necessary.

Now, enjoy!

When you’ve done all your planning, be sure to take along plenty of enthusiasm. Children will pick up on the fun if you are eager and ready to have fun too. Be creative—maybe you’ll see some wildlife or catch a trout or spot a certain bird or butterfly. Once again, keeping your children’s hobbies and interests in mind may help you plan things they will be sure to enjoy. This is also a great time to share your areas of expertise. Do you know all about wildflowers, or can you teach the children how to paddle a canoe?

Now you’re all set. Be sure to take along a camera to document all the fun. Kids are certain to enjoy the camping event and all the stories and memories of their first camping experience.

Quick and Easy Meals for Campers

English Muffin Pizzas: Use English muffins, squeezable pizza sauce and shredded mozzarella. Toast muffin halves on oiled grill. Turn over and spread with sauce, cheese and any toppings your family enjoys. Serve when the cheese melts.

Grilled PB&J: This one is a cinch. Choose a hearty bread and be generous with the fillings. Butter on both sides and toast on your grill. They’ll stick to your ribs.

Coffee Can Stew: Cut stew meat into small pieces. Place meat in a clean coffee can with 2 T. butter. Brown meat over the fire. Add red potatoes, baby carrots and onions with 2 T. more butter. Cover with foil and place in the fire for 20 minutes.

Banana Boats: Slit unpeeled bananas lengthwise without cutting through. Fill the opening with mini-marshmallows and chocolate chips. Sprinkle with brown sugar, wrap in foil and place either on a grill or in the coals of your fire. They’re ready in just seven minutes.

Eggs in a Hat: You may want a change from morning cereal or pancakes. Try this fun recipe. Grease a hot griddle. Cut a hole in pieces of bread using a cup or glass. Toast the bread on both sides and crack an egg in the hole. When the egg is solid, flip the bread. Top with a slice of your favorite cheese and a slice of ham. Serve when cheese is nicely melted.

Jan Pierce, M.Ed., is a retired teacher and freelance writer. You can find her at JanPierce.net.