A SUCCESSFUL CAMPING TRIP

A trip to the outdoors can be a welcome escape from the monotony of daily routines.  It does take proper planning, but there are ways to make sure you are adequately equipped for your trip, with all of the necessities for a successful outcome.

What to Bring   

  • A sturdy tent, preferably with a ground cloth
  • Sleeping bags
  • Rain ponchos in case of foul weather
  • Flashlights and extra batteries
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellant
  • First aid kit
  • A cooler for food and drinks
  • A camp stove
  • Utensils and a can opener
  • Canteens for water
  • Portable camping lantern

 

Plan Filling and Easy-to-Prepare Meals

Make sure that you plan out your meals in advance so that you know exactly what you need to pack, be it hot dogs and hamburgers or steaks and potatoes.  Have a checklist for each meal and don’t forget desserts!  Classic S’mores or banana boats are a fun way to involve the kids in some light outdoor cooking.  Make sure to pack lots of high-energy snacks like beef jerky, trail mix, apples, bananas, graham crackers, or vegetable sticks.  Plan to stay well hydrated, packing plenty of bottled water if necessary. 

Be Prepared for Weather

The quickest way to ruin a family camping trip is for everyone to be wet and uncomfortable.  Don’t be caught off guard by inclement weather.  Be sure that your packing includes rain gear and weatherproof boots.  Keep sleeping bags and camping gear protected and dry.  Lay a ground cloth or tarp under your tent, making sure the tarp does not stick out too far on the sides where rainwater can pool.  When everyone is sleeping, ensure that the sleeping bags are not right up against the tent walls, or condensation can make the sleeping bags wet.  Keeping a couple of the windows zipped open a bit can help alleviate excess condensation.

Stay clean and Organized

Camping is a lot more enjoyable if the family and the campsite remain reasonably clean and free of mess and clutter.  Make sure that hand sanitizer and wet wipes are available for quick cleanup.  Keep a trash bag or ziplock bags handy for throwing away those wipes, food wrappers, or other waste products.  Biodegradable soap and quick-dry microfiber towels make personal hygiene much easier.