Going camping with kids

Going camping with kids...kids love it, enjoying the freedom of the open air and finding lots of things to entertain themselves with. It can be a great learning experience and an excellent opportunity for them to make new friends. Going camping with kids will encourage them to understand and appreciate the importance of nature and help them build confidence when they learn to do things on their own. Parents also find this is an ideal opportunity to spend quality time, interact and bond with their children. The trip can be an extremely refreshing, fulfilling, and enjoyable experience if planned and organised well.

Tips to make sure the camping with children experience goes well:-
• If you're camping with kids for the first time go away for only one or two nights and don't go too far from home.
• Before you arrive at the campsite, ensure you have a set of rules framed and explained and make sure the kids follow them.
• Establish geographic boundaries within the campsite so your children do not stray too far from the tent.
• Allow your children to carry whistles or hand held radios.
• Talk to them in advance of the trip about what they should expect during the time away including the different sleeping, eating and showering arrangement.
• Research the campsite to make sure sufficient resources and entertainment are available to keep the kids amused.

• Check the weather forecast to help ensure the weather doesn't spoil the occasion.

Research activities and games to do on wet days.

• Plan to arrive at the campsite in plenty of time before dark as setting up the campsite takes longer with children around.
• Encourage teamwork and organisation by get the children involved in putting up the tent and setting up camp.
• Pack more than you need as buying forgotten items may be difficult.
• Make sure enough blankets are available in case the nights are cold.
• Provide torches for the children to help make them feel safe.

• Pack lots of games and toys, for example footballs, kites, tennis rackets and frisbees.
• Warn them that they may hear different "countryside" sounds at night and that it is nothing to be scared of.
• Give them some freedom to explore as this will enhance this memorable occasion.

• Encourage them to make friends with other children in neighbouring tents as this will make their trip much more exciting.

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