CAMPING WITH KIDS

I’m a Mom in my 40’s with a daughter who is five. I started camping with Adrienne when she was 3 months old. Adrienne tends to like calm environments and up to the age of four she was rather fussy and clingy. Now at five she is only a little less so. Through my eyes I have addressed camping with young kids. If your child is easy going or has other challenges you can edit the information based on your needs. Basically I feel camping is a highly rewarding and educational activity for children. The more you like it the more they will too. I love camping with Adrienne so much and she has taken to it with much interest and enthusiasm. But it didn’t start out that way………………….

WHAT AGE DO WE TAKE KIDDOS CAMPING...............That depends; here are a few questions to ask yourself...........................

• Know your child regardless of what others say about Camping With Kids
• How many people are you camping with that will be helpful
• How comfortable is your child outside or in new environments
• Does you child get overwhelmed or over stimulated by new people, things or locations
• How comfortable do you feel when you’re in public with an upset child
• How did you feel about camping when you were a kid
• How do you feel about camping now
• Can you throw caution to the wind and have an adventure
• How many kids or dogs will you be keeping track of
• How patient are you
• If your only job is to watch your child would you be comfortable with that while watching others tend to the camping tasks

Age 3 Months to Walking:

To some of us camping seems like allot of work and bringing a young child can add to being overwhelmed. This age group is often easier than 1-3 years of age. Our daughter’s first trip was in our travel trailer at 3 months. On that trip she was great (except for the screaming she did one night). Other than that episode I carried her around in the Ergo like a second skin and she was happy to go wherever I went. When she needed her quiet time I went into our travel trailer. The hardest adjustment was really for me. I wanted to be with everyone else around the campfire, socializing, going swimming etc… and yet to keep our daughter mellow she wanted to be inside the trailer with ME only. Welcome to Motherhood aye? Not all parents experience this. My point here is to be open to your child’s needs and know that it may take time to bring them up to speed with feeling comfortable doing this activity. Also be sympathetic to your own feelings and try to go with the flow. If you think about it everything is quite new to your child, the people, sleeping, food and smells. Again give yourself empathy when your child breaks down, is loud or appears not to like any of it. And really don’t concern yourself with the others campers if you child is crying. If their feathers get ruffled it’s probably because they don’t have kids. Otherwise it’s just the way the cookie crumbles when you camp. It’s a family activity and you and your baby have a right to be there. It’s not like you get to knock on your neighbors tent at 2am and say “Hay Buddy do you think you could stop snoring so loud your keeping me awake” So the same goes with the baby that wakes up at 2am or is crying one peaceful morning. Overall I find this to be a great age to camp with young kids. Pace yourself, breathe and enjoy introducing your small one to the beauty of the outdoors.

Please remember to take all medications you would have at home for a "just in case" scenario.
SEE 12 THINGS TO CONSIDER CAMPING W/ SMALL CHILDREN
SEE GEAR IDEAS FOR CAMPING WITH SMALL CHILDREN

Age 1 to 3 Years:

From 1-2 years we didn’t take Adrienne camping. Mostly because our lives didn’t leave room for camping at the time and also because I wasn’t willing to do the work it took to have a newly walking child mixed with dirt and fire and fussy behavior all at the same time. I think this age could work depending on your child and you. This age has its challenges and I’m not patient enough nor was our daughter easy going enough for me to try it. By the age of 1 ½ she was having so many tantrums I was terrified of what could happen and what scene we were going to make in public over and over again. 

Have I scared you? Well hold on to your nursing bra because if you keep reading I think you will see a glimmer of hope shine though my words. For this age group it is most important to have the gear you will need to keep you sane as well as keep your child safe. Between the fire pit and nothing being childproof you will want someone whose only job at the campsite is to watch the baby/toddler. With a mat for your child to play on or a playpen for sleep or a stroller/carrier to tote your child around for walks you can manage a 1-3 year old child quite well. SEE KID GEAR to get more ideas. When Adrienne was about 2 years old we started playing "camping" in the living room. I took her to the library and purchased books with a camping theme. As she got older I bought her the “Little People” Camping set (love this one!) to show her the big picture of camping. Then I packed the above items and took them camping with us, except the library books. This is a GREAT way to introduce a young child to camping. By age 3 1/2  I was ready to take Adrienne camping again. It wasn’t the easiest age but with help it’s a good time to start camping if you haven’t already. Adrienne still needed time in the tent away from everything new outside. This is the age that you’re laying the foundation for future camp trips. I’m not big on videos but I have to say this would be the age range you may want to have one as a tool especially if you child watches TV at home. After this age I would stop bringing it but those are my values and you do what's best for your family. Make sure you bring warm cloths that are comfortable. Mornings and evenings are cold and a cold child is a grumpy child. Ugg type boots are great as well as fleece pants and jacket. Mittens are a good idea too. Most of all try to introduce them to the joy of camping, let them see and feel how it excites you. Use a magnifying glass to show them the world up close as a tool to help both of you become more engaged.

TIPS FOR KIDS UP TO 3 YEARS

• Do your best to mimic home life with routines that are familiar, food and sleep most importantly
• Whatever you feel about camping will be their impression mostly
• Be patient with yourself
• Allow your child to process their first camping trip as grumpy if that's what they choose, the text trip will be much more enjoyable as they will know how it works and what to expect
• Walk around the campsite saying things like "This is our camp kitchen, see this is a stove just like ours at home but smaller" or "Now were going to go for a walk, what will we see, ahhh look it's a squirrel, see it's fuzzy tail, let's watch the squirrel" Even though they may not get the details of what your saying, they will pick up on the energy in your voice and the "instruction" feeling tone you sharing with them for this new activity
• Let your child see you say hello to the new people you feel comfortable greeting. Use your child's first name when you’re talking to other campers you feel comfortable with
• For this age I liked the jammies with the feet in them. Clean baby, warm baby, dirty jammies
• An outdoor mat for a play area with a few familiar toys works GREAT too
• Definitely time for the wet wipes in bulk if you know what I mean
• Without overdoing it take the gear you will need
• Make your life easier, camp in comfortable weather
• Ugg type boots keep their feet warm and clean
• Make your first camp trip as close to home if possible
• Camp at a park with real restrooms and showers
• Play “camping” prior to trip by putting a tent up in your living room or backyard
• Read stories that have “camping” as the theme like “Curious George Goes Camping”
• AND don’t forget child's meds. Just in case like Tylenol etc... And keep them in bear box, never the tent. A separate bag that can be easy to find just in case you need them ASAP

SEE CHILDREN'S BOOKS THAT INSPIRE THE OUTDOOR SPIRIT

SEE GEAR IDEAS FOR CAMPING W/ LITTLE KIDS

4 and UP:

NOW were talking! At age 4 Adrienne was helping me put up the tent, make the bed and set up camp. (Don’t expect all kids will do this) Giving them part of the tasks to make up camp is important (relative to their ability without making camping miserable for the new little campers) I like to give Adrienne a choice. Would you like to put the camp sticks together or help place the steaks for the tent? I think you would be surprised by what they can do. I bought a pair of Little Tyke work gloves that fit little hands and she loves to ware them to collect sticks and help with the campfire. I love turning Adrienne onto nature. One day we saw a squirrel take its last breath and it gave us time to talk about life and death. We’ve seen bears and it’s been fun to teach her about them. Adrienne's favorite things to do is roasting marshmallows and playing in the tent... She tells me often that she loves to camp too. See above tips on all ages for more ideas that could apply to your child in this age as well.

A GREAT CAMPING AGE NOW WHAT DO WE DO WITH THEM?

OK were at the campsite what the heck do we do now? Hiking, bike riding, cooking or arts and crafts? For first time campers take it easy and read your child's body language to see what they are ready for. Starting off by doing something they like doing at home and incorporating it into camping. This age group is sometimes just as easy as older ages because they can entertain themselves. Make sure to bring activities to keep them busy, don't expect the outdoor environment will be enough. Although for some kids it is. Back to know your child and apply what you know to camping. Anything familiar should go over well. A few new activities will be exciting too.

TIPS FOR OLDER KIDS

• Allow them to help set up camp
• If they like to cook let them help you SEE CAMP COOKING WITH KIDS
• Make sure to bring or have ideas for activities both physical, mental or creative
• SEE NATURE LOVING KID STUFF or ART KIT 10 PROJECTS
• Prior to your camp trip use words like "Adventure, Expedition and Journey"
• Fill their backpack with fun items like binoculars, magnifying glass and bug collection jar along with a pencil and paper for taking notes and drawing what they find on this "ADVENTURE" known as camping
• Have them ware a safety whistle so if they wonder away they have a way to get your attention
• Camp with another family with children
• Choose a campground that has a playground
• Choose a campground that has a good bike riding area
• Pack at least two packs of wet wipes
• Camp at a park with restrooms and showers just to make it easier
• Have a current photo of your child (on a cell phone) and or an ID tag that has a parents name & cell number & Just because were away from home. I do this for all trips
• Bring warm clothes like fleece and lined pants, Lands End is a good source. "Sweat pants" style clothing for early mornings and evenings
• Don’t forget child's meds. like Tylenol etc... And keep them in bear box, never the tent. A separate bag that can be easy to find just in case you need them ASAP in the middle of the night

SEE TEENS AND CAMPING by Sue Kemper

SEE CAMP COOK W/ KIDS

The memories of camping will last a lifetime and give your child a greater appreciation for nature. Spending quality time with family and living outdoors will give our children self esteem and endurance for problem solving challenges. Enjoy your next trip and make it yours, whatever that looks like let it be designed to your families needs.

What do you have to share about camping with kids
Do you have any questions about camping with kids

Gear IDEAS For Camping With Little Ones

This Month were talking about Camping With Children. We start by looking at a few items that could make your trip flow better.
Without overdoing it or bringing too much but rather packing just the right items to make your trip flow better.

CAMPING MATT
Koko Tree

A plastic woven matt provides a place for little ones to crawl on and play. It's easy to shake out, lightweight and can be used outside as well as in a larger tent. Especially good for little kids who do floor play at home.

STROLLER
Inglesina Swift Stroller

A stroller can be used at most campgrounds for strolling around. Weather you use it to put your child to sleep or give you a break from holding, taking a walk or having a place to sit your child for a snack this is a great addition to camping gear for little one.

BABY WARE

Ergo Baby Carrier

For me the was the most used piece of equipment I owned. This brand is an Ergo Baby Carrier however their are many other brands you can choose from. I wore Adrienne like a second skin for all our camping trips until she was three. In fact this was incredible at the airport as well.

PLAY PEN

Soft N Play Playpen by Sorelle

If your child does well in a play pen then bring it. If your child is going to cry to get out then maybe this won't work. However don't pass this item up as acceptable camp gear. Some people like a play pen for a place to put your child to sleep.

MONITOR
Glow and Go Nursery Monitor by Safety 1st

Using a monitor is peace of mind. My daughter didn't do well waking up in an unfamiliar place so we used a monitor whenever she was sleeping in the tent. Make sure the batteries are good and bring a few extras just in case.

WET WIPES

Tushies Wipes

What can I say, you can not bring enough wet wipes. Try to stay with the unscented type as not to attract any insects. And don't leave them in your tent. For children or adults wet wipes are a campers luxury.

BOOTS OR CROCS

UGGS

Some kind of slip on boot or shoe to keep your little ones feet warm and clean, something easy for them to put on themselves when they wake up. I like the soft fuzzy boots that you don't have to ware socks. Another alternative is the rubber clog with fleece/fuzzy liner. These are in addition to the day shoes they would be waring.

SUN HAT

REI

It goes without saying that a full coverage hat for your child is absolutely necessary, weather they ware it or not is another thing. Make sure it's light and is comfortable or a color that inspires them.

SUN SCREEN
Aubrey Organics

Don't forget the sunscreen! we don't want a sunburned baby!

NO SPILL CUP
Foogo

A good quality no spill cup is a must here as well as in every day life with a baby or young child.I like this brand because it's stainless steel inside.

Footed Sleepwear
Hatley Steel Moose
For as long as they will ware them the classic footed sleepwear for over PJ's in the morning or for sleeping are great. they are easy to put on and keep your child clean and warm. Fleece works better as far as resisting dirt and dust and keeping them warm. Also if you have a pair of Ugg type boots are a tad bit big they can just slide into them with these PJ's and be ready to go for morning and evening comfort.

Hat & Mittens

Cozze Critter

Again most places can be quite cold in the mornings and evenings. A warm hat and mittens will keep your child comfortable.

Camp Chair

Apex Double Chair

Don't forget the camp chair. I like the double seat for two reasons. One it is more stable and two it has room for my daughters "STUFF". She can have her doll sit next to her etc....

Sand Toys

Green Toys

This is a must for most kids. It may only go as far as the campsite dirt but it will be enjoyed just like at the park. If you go to the beach then it goes without saying. Otherwise if it's cars and trucks bring them instead.

Woodland walks

This is half way round a circular walk up the grassy path to the pitch "Hoot", into Orchid field and through the narrow wood on to the playing field. Look for the living T bar linking 2 trunks together. This is down into "Hidden valley" where the sandstone quarry is.
Our 2 cottages were built from this in 1890.

There's a lot of history to "Hidden valley" as it's called on the maps.

Many local adults, remember playing here as children 40 years ago.

Now when you camp or hire the cottage, your children can enjoy this land also.

Special memories are made in moments – many in RV parks and campgrounds

Talking to a friend about our upcoming camping trip for Memorial Weekend, I started reminiscing about trips I’ve made through my life – as a kid and as an adult.

As a kid, we camped in a popup camper that I truly thought was the most magical thing ever – I mean how could it be better, camping in a tent, sort of, but not getting damp with the early morning dew. And a place to hide from my cousins, when necessary.

We camped with my cousins almost every time we went out, along with some other various friends. It was these cousins I had spent a lot of time with anyway, so camping was great. Our families both had three kids close in ages, so we grew up together.

One of the best parts of camping with my cousins was catching frogs in the pond. Trying to grab hold of those slippery creatures was great for a laugh, especially because someone or all of us ended up in the water.

We also loved going to the camp store for that special candy. I remember being introduced to Swedish Fish and Gobstoppers. I still love both of those!

One time, our dads rented kayaks for us kids to play around in. But by the time our dads spent so much time playing around in them, trying to dump each other into the lake that we never got our chance! We complained a lot, but we sure laughed hard watching our dads!

As an adult, the memories are just as sweet.

My son, who is now 19, used to be our fire builder. He always wanted to help his dad bring the wood to the fire pit and build the fire, or f-a-a-r, as he used to call it. Once the fire was lit, he was mesmerized and rarely left his seat in the circle surrounding the fire.

My daughter, on the other hand, loved the dirt that came with camping. At the ripe age of 3, she thought making dirt angels was the best part of camping. She’d lay down wherever she could find a patch of dirt and start moving her arms and legs in and out to create the dirt angels. Now, at 15, she tries to stay clean in the campground, just in case she sees someone she knows.

How times change!

Here are a couple of my favorite camping places in my home state of Michigan. We frequented these many times when I was a kid.

Miller Lake Campground, Hopkins Mich. – The rural, wooded setting is on a private 110 acre lake that offers RVers and campers 73 sites, fishing, swimming and a boat launch. There’s also miniature golf and pets are welcome.

Sutter’s Recreation Area, North Branch, Mich. – With 220 sites, campers and RVers find a welcome place to park. This family-owned campground has 40 acres with a 4-acre pond for swimming and fishing. There’s also a playground, horseshoes and other activities.

We’d love to hear some of your favorite camping memories and your favorite spots!

Childrens Books That Inspire The Outdoor Spirit

Wow so many GREAT books for children and adults to use to inspire outdoor exploring, building and love for nature. 

 

Mother Earth and Her Children Ages  4-8

The incredibly intricate and vivid illustrations in this book are details of a modern quilt inspired by Sibylle von Olfers' classic storybook "Mother Earth and Her Children.

When Mother Earth calls her children to prepare for spring, the earthly children yawn and stretch before they busy themselves with beautification. The children emerge from the earth and become spring flowers that frolic through the summer and autumn, until the leaves begin to fall and they return to Mother Earth, bringing weary bugs and beetles back to their winter refuge.

 

 

 Go Wild!: 101 Things to Do Outdoors Before You Grow Up by Fiona Dank Ages 8-12

Go Wild! describes a range of outdoor adventures for families to share, including foraging for wild food, the magical excitement of making fires, cooking over the hot coals and making your own shelter. Eight-year-olds to young teenagers will discover tempting alternatives to computers and hanging out: brilliant ideas for having fun that will also help them to learn new skills and give them independence and confidence.

 

 How to Build Treehouses, Huts and Forts by David Stiles Ages 5 and Up

Provides carpentry basics, instructions and plans for 50 projects that parents and kids can build together. Many of them can be built in one afternoon using discarded materials found around the house. Projects are designed to encourage kids to be creative while having fun and range from designs for an A-Frame Treehouse , Ad Hoc Fort and Kung Fu Hut to plans for a Downhill Racer, Trolley Ride, Circle Swing, Model Sailboat, Pogo Boat, Treasure Chest, Lemonade Stand, Tarzan swing, Wheel of Fortune, and Exploding Cannon, to mention a few.  

How to Be an Explorer of the World by Keri Smith 

Filled with activities and suggestions that encourage everyday explorations of the world around you, from paperclips to fallen leaves, to grocery stores and sidewalk cracks, How To Be An Explorer Of The World by Keri Smith should be part of every person, parent or caregiver’s tool kit.  Not only is it a great source of inspiration for endless adventures, but in its own way, it manages to rediscover, pinpoint,  expand and celebrate the amazing and indescribable wonder that is childhood... even if you are only a kid at heart

SEE THIS LINK VERY COOL 

Kids Campfire Book Ages 4-8

This book in the Family Fun series has everything you need to know about having a fun and safe campfire. This collection of outdoor activities, games, stories, songs and more is for kids and families to share around the campfire. It includes tips on how to find the best campfire site, identify animal cries at night and locate constellations. Kids will also find out how to make pizza over an open fire, tell a spooky ghost story, or create musical instruments for a sing-along. With more than 125 pages of fun things to do around a campfire, this is the perfect book for every camper, canoeist and camp counsellor!  

 Tom Brown's Field Guide to Nature and Survival for Children

No matter what type of outdoor experiences are planned--day-trips to local parks or long wilderness treks--Tom Brown can help children and adults fully appreciate the boundless beauty of our most precious natural resources. 

 Camp Out!: The Ultimate Kids' Guide Ages 7-12

Whether you're planning an over night in the backyard or a weekend in the wilderness, this book is packed with stuff to know. The basics, from gearing up to choosing a site to building a tarp tent. Tasty outdoor recipes: Solar Oven Pizza, Chow Down Chili and s' more's of course—with 8 variations.
Plus: how to keep a Field Journal, exploring the nighttime sky, creepy campfire stories, and when it's time to go home, leaving no trace. It's everything you need to pick up and head for the hills.  

The Kids' Summer Handbook Ages 9-12

From crayfish trap to canoe strokes, raising monarch butterflies to building a tree fort, paper-folding to whittling, there is something for everyone here. The appealing format features lots of pencil illustrations and diagrams. Most topics fill one or two pages, with large green headings and green-tinted boxes containing lists of ingredients, ecology suggestions, or nature facts. The array of crafts, activities, and outdoor skills will make the book a useful tool for camp counselors and scout leaders. Children who delight in quiet activities will find a wealth of them as well. 

 

Nature Girl Ages 9-12

Eleven-year-old Megan is stuck in the wilds of Vermont for the summer with no TV, no Internet, no cell phone, and worst of all, no best friend. So when Megan gets lost on the Appalachian Trail with only her little dog, Arp, for company, she decides she might as well hike all the way to Massachusetts where her best friend, Lucy, is spending her summer. Life on the trail isn’t easy, and Megan faces everything from wild animals and raging rivers to tofu jerky and life without bathrooms. Most of all, though, Megan gets to know herself—both who she’s been in the past and who she wants to be in the future—and the journey goes from a spur-of-the-moment lark to a quest to prove herself to Lucy, her family, and the world!
 

Nature's Playground Ages 7-12

Introducing children to the excitement of the natural world, this guide to outdoor adventure provides hours of creative, safe, and fun activities. Children will learn how to build a den from branches, make twig boats to sail across a pond, and voyage through the backyard to find tiny insects and creatures. Activities include invigorating games, natural crafts, and lively adventures, all of which are organized by season. An additional chapter also addresses safe activities for children after dark. Perfect for families, caretakers, and educators, this creative resource encourages children to turn off the television and play outside all year round.  

The Great Lakes Wildlife Nature Activity Book  Ages 4-8 

The Great Lakes Wildlife Nature Activity Book is an outstanding way to learn about wildlife in this region.  An impressive array of word games, puzzles and drawing activities, help to make learning fun.  This soft cover book is an educational tool and will keep children entertained for hours. 

Fun With Nature Ages 9-12 

These Outdoor Guide Books and Our Wild Worlds Series volumes will get your future hunters and outdoor enthusiasts on the path to knowledge. Colorful pictures and easy-reading text provide fun, exciting facts about amazing animals

 Angelina And Henry Ages 4-8

Angelina and her cousin Henry are off on a camping adventure in the Big Cat Mountains with Uncle Louie.  They love being explorers and are excited to hike deeper and deeper into the forest.  But then night falls and ahh!...is that Big Cat behind the trees?  Luckily, Angelina is brave enough to calm Henry's fears and her own.
I bought this one for my 5 year old daughter and we both love it. It's a great little girly girl book with a camping theme.

FUN FIND - Glow Sticks

 Do you remember how fun those glow in the dark thingies were. At Disneyland or any time you were out past your bedtime. 

You can find these in shapes, sticks, bracelets you name it. I just picked up a Glow-Flower at the $1 store. Called the Waste Management Sub-Station by my friend Kim. 

So don't forget to pick up a few before your next camp trip with the kids.

SEE ART KIT 10 PROJECTS