Camping was both good and well as usual a learning experience. I've come to decide a few things:
Bring what makes you comfortable without bringing too much
I like my camp kitchen set up and don't need to buy anything bigger
I don't like the laundry basket idea, I couldn't find anything and prefer the compartments of a duffel bag
I'm not into rainy camping when it comes time to pack up. Everything is wet and dirt is stuck to it
Camping with my 5 year old daughter is awesome
A truck would make camping easier
Bears are fairly harmless but even though I know I don't have to worry about them my instinct says don't sleep the first night I camp. And it's always a thrill to see them.
I love my $3 purchase from the thrift store it's very useful as a seat or side table
Three days or more of camping makes packing up more tolerable
We LOVE smoores with cookies
Using a wine box to roll up newsprint for making a fire was a good idea for longer term camping
A labradoodle and water side camping is a GREAT mix. This is Bravo our 1 1/2 yr dog
OK I'm half packed this morning and ready to go camping. This will be our first trip this year. Were going local to a water front and fully shaded site for three nights.
The first trip of the year is always the most tedious. Checking camp gear. I had to get my camp stove fixed, thanks to Greg I didn't have to pay. Nice to have good friends. Rearrange a few things from what didn't work so well last year and pack a few new item I purchased and changed this year. Including:
A fan to see if a little white noise will help with sleep
A $3 thrift store metal camp table or chair depending on how I use it or if I do
A milk crate to use as a side table in the tent
And a dog bed I made from an old self inflating camp mat folded in half and pushed into a fuzzy fabric case I sewed, lucky dog
Putting our cloths in a laundry basket. My Mother In Law used to travel that way across country with Buddy her husband. I thought it was an idea worth trying. Heck it's all going back into the laundry when I get home
Using a big plastic bin that we don't use for wood......... hummm might work
Lastly I added a few clear plastic bins to keep organized and labeled them too
We will be back soon and posting away I'm sure...........................................................
I found this post last year and thought it perfect to share with you:
Glamping vs. Camping: Which camp are you in?
By Gina Chen
June 11, 2007
A friend passed along this link to me, and I just had to share it with my virtual friends. It's about "glamping" -- glamour camping.
It's camping without the hardship. Imagine -- China dishes, fluffy bedding, hand-rolled truffles. That's glamping
My question: Are you a glamper or a camper?
As for me, I'm a camper convert. When my husband and I married nine years ago, I was an avowed non camper. Give me room service, heated towel racks and a fully stocked mini-bar, thank you very much.
I hated our first camping trip to Alexandria Bay for one night in a microscopic tent while I was pregnant with our first. I grew up near New York City, so the downstater in me just couldn't get past that idea that there was no lock on the tent. Plus I had morning sickness to beat the band.
But I have grown to love camping -- even when it rains. I love feeling like I don't have to put on makeup. I love how cozy I feel inside my sleeping bag when it's pouring outside. I love the feeling of relaxation I get when I feel like I'm the only people in the world.
We regularly "car camp," but this summer I've agreed to go on a real camping trip (sans bathrooms.) We'll kayak in and kayak out. I'm actually looking forward to it.
But that doesn't mean I don't love a luxury weekend at a spa where I can get pampered and prepped and dine on fine foods and wine. What about you?
For a look at the opposite of glamping, check this out. This guy goes into the wild with few provisions and just roughs it. That's the kind of camping my husband prefers. He's going on a solo camping trip this summer to the Adirondacks that will be a little bit of Survivorman.
Kayaking With The Family 2007
Glamping And Camping
by Ruth Chase
June 2010
So though I would love to see my newly painted toe nails at the end of one those luxury beds in a fancy tent the kind that defines Glamping. The reality is that that is not where we as a family choose to spend our money. So to go camping every month in the summer/fall/spring we find ourselves at a campsite that costs a whole lot less. However that doesn't make me give up on Glamping. No Way! it motivates me even more. Taking a few luxuries that make camping more comfortable.
A quality sharp knife to prepare food with
Good pans from the kitchen
One feather bed to lay on top of my airbed and one to sleep under
A bigger tent to have room to stand in plus the dog
And excellent food, no short cuts
You mix that with all that nature has to offer and you have an amazing trip that's not all that roughing it, if you know what I mean. Yeah yeah sure, you go fishing, long hikes, kayaking during the day but back at camp your right at home.
One hundred…what a birthday! Three prominent RV-historians - renowned RV collector David Woodworth, RV/MH Hall of Fame and Museum archivist Al Hesselbart, and Smithsonian Institution curator Roger White - have cited 1910 as the start of the RV industry. The mass-produced, manufactured auto campers and camping trailers first built that year were the forerunners of today’s RVs and we imagine that RVing’s early pioneers were just as excited to go RVing as we are today.
The RV Centennial has swept the nation with the national media tour, RV mascot Centennial Charlie’s cross-country trip (and stint as an RV Undercover Boss), and the upcoming RV Industry's Centennial Celebration being held at the RV/MH Hall of Fame and Museum in Elkhart, Indiana. In fact, both the US House of Representatives and the Senate have passed resolutions declaring June 2010 RV Centennial Celebration Month:
The United States House of Representatives adopted a resolution May 26, “recognizing and honoring the 100 years of enjoyment of RVs in the United States.” “Senate supports and recognizes the goals and ideals of ‘RV Centennial Celebration Month’ to commemorate 100 years of enjoyment of recreation vehicles in the United States; and encourages the people of the United States to celebrate this anniversary by taking part in recreation vehicle vacations.”
All across the country, RV parks and campgrounds are celebrating big, too. From vintage trailer rallies (including open houses and swap meets) to bbq gatherings to special geocache stashes the party has begun. Throughout the year, chances are your favorite RV park or campground will be hosting special events and weekends.
Take part in the fun they have to offer or make your own merriment. Throw an RV Centennial camping party. Schedule a camping trip with your friends and family, find your perfect park at http://www.gocampingamerica.com/, make reservations and get ready to get outdoors. When you arrive decorate your sites in fine birthday fashion, plan a potluck bbq, play your own birthday games, and enjoy the wonderful benefits of camping and RVing.
What are you doing to celebrate 100 years of RVing? Leave a comment, an idea, an inspiration below…we’d love to hear about it!
The other day, I woke up in the middle of the night to my TV blaring in the background. With one eye open, I didn't know if I was dreaming or not when I saw a news story on what is called "Glamping". Basically, it stands for "Glamorous Camping", and can be associated with an expensive camping experience, such as silk lined tents filled with amenities that far exceed anything most campers have ever seen. Apparently, glamping is becoming more and more popular in England, and making it's way over to the US. I look forward to seeing Camping Reviews at CampRate.com from people like those on the news story who said $10,000 to $40,000 for a camping trip is very affordable. Glamping looks interesting, but I guess I'll stick with my garage sale tent for now.
Comment by Ruth Chase
As you can see this article was written in 2007............... ah duh in 2007 it was easier to think of spending more money on vacations. These days camping gives us an affordable vacation during a time when most of us are penny pinching. However bringing some of the comforts from home to glamp up our campsites is me all the way. I love camping in comfort.
What do you bring camping to take it up a notch? DO TELL
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.
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 GEARto 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
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.
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
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
