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It’s Easier than You Think!
Evie Kirkwood
Over the last 20 years, childhood has literally moved indoors with kids spending as much as eight hours per day in front of electronic media. Yet, studies show outdoor time enhances attention spans, reduces obesity and boosts classroom performance.
Nothing immerses kids in the outdoors like camping, and it’s an ideal activity if you crave some family time together. Here are a few basic tips.
· Let the kids help plan the trip.
· Keep the meals simple to reduce packing and clean up.
· Expect the unexpected.
· Plan a variety of activities but be flexible.
Planning
If it is your first campout consider someplace close that has amenities such as flush toilets. It will be more convenient for you and less intimidating for children. Some campgrounds rent cabins if you don’t want to invest in much gear.
One to two nights is plenty for a first-time trip.
You can find dozens of camping checklists online. They are helpful in organizing what to bring from flashlights to food.
Keep the Meals Simple
Part of camping fun is eating outside. Check if your campground allows camp fires. Due to the spread of emerald ash borer, some sites do not allow firewood to be transported into the camp. Some do not allow collecting firewood from the woods. Camp stoves are terrific because they heat up fast and usually offer fewer safety concerns with toddlers.
From hot dogs on a stick to pasta, think of simple foods your kids enjoy. Pack sandwiches if you want to hike to a picnic spot. More than once I’ve spent an hour scrubbing dried egg off my camp skillet. Try cereal, oatmeal, fruit or bagels for breakfast instead.
Let the kids select a few healthy snacks, such as fruit leather, trail mix or popcorn. Splurge one night on S’mores with toasted marshmallows, graham crackers and chocolate bars. Just don’t be dismayed if the sugar kick keeps the kids awake for hours!
Expect the Unexpected
Once when I forgot to bring eating utensils, the kids came up with the idea of stabbing their ravioli with toothpicks, which I had packed! Many campgrounds have a camp store for forgotten essentials, but savor the experience of making do with less.
Bring a first-aid kit, bug repellant and sunscreen. Forgetting these can ruin a trip.
And, yes, it might rain.
Plan for a Variety of Activities
Hiking fosters a sense of place and a sense of direction in children, so walk a wooded trail with them. Along the way, search for animal holes, insects and bird nests. Bring hand lenses, bug boxes or small binoculars to add to the adventure. If there is a nature center, check their program schedule for activities in which you can participate.
Some campgrounds offer boat rentals, beaches and playgrounds. At night, or in the rain, card games and small board games make for good family fun.
Reading a story around the campfire is family-time well spent. Try one with a nature theme. For six to ten-year-olds, read some moderately scary stories with silly endings. They will squeal with laughter.
And, there is nothing more adventurous than a night hike. Give everyone a flashlight and hike a short trail. Better yet, eliminate the lights and give everyone a red glow stick (to allow your eyes adjust to the darkness) and your hand to hold. Watch stars, catch fireflies and listen for night sounds.
More than once I have heard moms say camping is too much work. By getting everyone involved, you can reduce your preparation and build anticipation for the trip. Get little ones to help with everything from carrying sleeping bags to filling water bottles. That’s what camping is!
The Great American Backyard Campout
The National Wildlife Federation promotes the Great American Backyard Campout, a nationwide initiative to encourage families to spend a night under the stars. This year’s event is June 26.
You can participate locally:
Great American Backyard Campout
Bendix Woods County Park, New Carlisle, IN
3pm Saturday, June 26 to 10am Sunday, June 27
Fee: $10/tent
Enjoy a campfire dessert prepared by park staff and then participate in an evening Owl Prowl Hike. Campers are responsible for providing their own tents, supper and breakfast Sunday morning. A central campfire will be available for participants to prepare their food. Registration and payment are required by June 22 at 574.654.3155.
