in Outdoors / Camping    (submitted 2011-01-27)

For the family camper, perhaps the best camping tips relate to how to make the experience enjoyable for the whole family. Keeping all members of the family happy is one of the most important keys for the success of a family camping trip. Here are 5 things to remember that will help you insure that everyone enjoys that trip into the great outdoors.

Writing on this subject reminds me of the 1988 comedy starring John Candy, “The Great Outdoors,” His character brings his family to the retreat where his family had vacationed years ago. His expectations are so different from those of his family that disaster is sure to ensue. Of course that is exactly what does occur.
So how do you make sure that your family camping vacation goes off smoothly? Here are a few ideas to get you started.

1. Involve everyone in the Planning Process:

It may seem painfully obvious that for everyone to enjoy the trip, the activities planned must appeal to everyone. You cannot probably plan together so that all activities are a thrill to all members of your family. However, you can make sure everyone has some activity in the plans that they will enjoy.

2. Choose a Family Friendly Camping Spot:

One of the most awful experiences we have had camping was in camping in an area where there were many dangers when our children were small. Camping is supposed to be a relaxing experience. If mom and/or dad are in a state of panic about the safety of their kids, the trip won’t be much fun for anyone.

3. Plan Easy Meals:

When you are camping, you don’t want to spend all your time cooking and washing dishes. Why not bring meals that are easy to cook and to clean up. You might not want to make it a practice to eat hot dogs on a daily basis, but roasting some over a fire on a camping trip is a lot of fun and produces no dishes that need cleaning. Be creative and you can probably entirely avoid dishes that need cleaning on your camping trip.

4. Bring Appropriate Clothing

Two things you will want to remember here. In the winter, dress in layers and make sure you have enough clothing you can change to if you somehow get wet or even damp. In the summer, don’t just bring tank tops and shorts. If you get sunburned you will be very glad if you have something to cover that skin with. If course the best thing to do is wear enough sunscreen where that will not occur.

5. Bring Some Toys and/or Games:

For those down times between activities, you will want something to help pass the time. Having some games you can play in a tent if it rains can be a life saver. Having a Frisbee to toss can be a nice way to pass a bit of time as well. Whatever you can do so as not to hear those words, “I’m bored.”

Family camping trips are a blast when everything goes right. Here are some ideas to help make sure that happens.

About the Author

Paul Marsh is an outdoor writer and educator. Through his website, Family-Outdoors, he seeks to assist individuals and families in getting the information and skills they need to enjoy hunting, fishing, and camping.

http://goarticles.com/article/Camping-Tips-Planning-Camping-Trips-for-the-Whole-Family/4085923/