If someone were to ask me of my favorite experience while outdoors with my father, I would immediately respond “tent camping!” When my brother and I were younger, our parents were determined to help us experience the most out of our summer vacations and still spend time with them. Thus, instead of signing us up to join a summer camp, since they were both working individuals and time was back then a luxury, my parents decided to split their summer vacations in such way so as to increase our ability to vacate with them; even if that meant that we would have to spend more time first with the one and later with the other.
My mother was the one that introduced us to all those amazing resorts and my father joined us during the last of the three weeks we had the opportunity to spend with her. Upon the completion of that last week that we were all together, my father drove us-literally drove us-to a number of places all over my home country, for an extra fifteen days. By the time I was fourteen, I had been given the opportunity to live outdoors, see a million different places and experience the unexpected. I remember now that when early in fall I returned to school, I was one of the few students delighted to write the first essay of the semester, titled “How did you spend your summer vacations?” I was extremely eloquent in describing my tent camping adventures and that made my teacher’s eyebrows rise high pleasantly surprised.
Ask around and you will see. One third of U.S. adults say that they have gone on a camping vacation in the last five years, making it the number one outdoor activity in the U.S. Camping in and of itself is a great hobby for families to undertake together. But tent camping in particular, offers to parents the opportunity of teaching their children that fun and adventure are not things one should pay a high price for. Especially nowadays, when parents are seeking for an instructive, yet affordable, way of instilling in their kids a taste for the simpler things in life, tent camping can be a great outdoor activity for families to explore. Since many kids lack any sense of responsibility, discipline, and organization, embarking for a tent camping adventure can offer to parents the opportunity to instruct their children that it is possible to have fun, be safe, and keep organized, all at the same time.
Some of the advantages of this simple form of camping for parents and kids are its affordability, the fact that it offers the right circumstances for one to teach that you can survive with only the basics and that one should stay organized and always be prepared. In fact, tent camping gives you a sense of success and accomplishment, while it lets you experience nature from a totally different perspective. But before deciding to let yourself, your friends and/or your kids experience this amazing outdoor activity, you should remember to check some basic stuff. First, how many people can fit in your tent. It would be really frustrating having to deal with the fact that one has to sleep in the car because you miscalculated your tent’s dimensions.
Second, you should check whether or not tent camping is allowed where you are going. If you are going to visit a specific area, call the local authorities and find out if tent camping is a welcomed activity. Some places, like forest areas and such, do not allow campers to stay overnight, in fear of fires or other camping accidents. Third, you should make a list of the things you will need apart from your precious tent. Flashlights, sleeping beds, water coolers, food containers, cooking and eating utensils, handbags, and of course the right type of clothes and shoes, are some of the things you should be planning to take. Walking in high heals or wearing uncomfortable clothes can result in frustration and whining. This is the time you and your family should relax and bond with each other, not the time to fight. Thus, make sure you are familiar with the basics and don’t let simple things, like the weather for example, get in your way. Check your list, do your shopping and then camp away!
by Kadence Buchanan
Tags: adventures, Camping, different, fall, FATHER, favorite, mother, outdoors, places, remember, summer, tent, vacation
If comfort is an issue for you, family camping tents may be able to help you. The tents are large, comfortable and provide a much more secure feeling while camping. Family camping should be a great opportunity for fun for the entire family, but sometimes it does not quite work out that way. Sometimes, with everyone staying in confined spaces, tempers can flare and the good times are diminished.
Family camping tents may be able to solve this problem for you as all of them come with more than one room. In fact, depending on the model of tent you choose, some even have four individual rooms. The great thing about having more than one room is getting some much needed away time, a place where the children can be together to play or rest, a place to read and just relax while still being part of the same overall family tent.
Initially, family camping tents were designed with only a front door which was problematic as all entry and exit was through the same door. Today, there are tents with both front and back doors, making the camping experience far more enjoyable for the entire family. A lot of family camping tents you will find may also provide a lot of room to store things, which was another big issue for families and camping. This could include potential items for storage such as books, musical equipment, lighting gear, fishing ear, clothing, and other items.
Another great feature is that family camping tents can be procured with an entrance in the front as well as the back allowing fo more division between campers and a place in the center for additional people or storage. In addition, a solid floor placed in the bottom of the tent helps keep family members dry during nasty weather There is an option to rent or purchase family camping tents.
Renting is a great option for families just starting to experience camping because they have the opportunity to try it first before purchasing. Generally, family camping tents can be found at most sporting good stores for a very minimum cost when compared with the comfort you will enjoy.
Lastly, most family camping tents have been made for fast and easy setup and take down. Although the tents are bigger, they are very flexible and easy to deal with and make the camping experience enjoyable for the entire family. Really great options are available for tents today, making finding the tent that is right for you and your family a fun experience.
by Chris L. Jensen
Tags: activity, backpacking, camp, camp stove, camper, Camping, camping gear, checklist, comfort, ENJOY, enjoyable, equipment, experience, fall, family, family camping, Fishing, food, fun, good, great outdoors, Hiking, kids, lanterns, nature, needs, outdoors, planning, quality, recipes, sleeping bag, supplies, tenting, tents, trip, vacation, water, weekend, wiener roast
Thinking about camping with your baby or toddler?
Mention the idea, and you’re bound to be met by words of encouragement and stories of fun-filled evenings around the campfire by some; awe and praise for your adventurousness from others; and looks of horror at the very prospect by a few.
First of all, let me congratulate you for considering the idea. Kids love camping. While your baby may be oblivious to the wonders of Mother Nature, even children as young as toddlers usually love the sounds and sights, the opportunity to sleep with their whole family in a tent. And getting dirty? Doesn’t seem to faze them in the least.
But let me be honest. Camping with a young child under the age of three does merit special consideration.
Here are a few questions that will help you determine if your little one is likely to enjoy camping. Chances are, you’ll enjoy camping only if your child does, so it pays to be realistic and plan ahead.
Is Your Young One Ready for Camping?
Sleeping
When you’re sharing tight quarters in a cozy tent, there’s just no way you can not mind a restless, crying, noisy child. (And what’s more, your campground neighbors aren’t going to love your sleepless child either.) Your child’s sleeping habits will directly impact your (and others’) ability to enjoy the evening.
Question 1: Is your child a “good sleeper”?
Question 2: If your child awakes at night, can he or she quietly be comforted and go back to sleep, with minimal disturbance?
Question 3: Is your child able to sleep in unfamiliar surroundings (noise, light, temperature, bedding)?
Question 4: Is your child sensitive to temperature changes?
Score: 1 point for every “yes” answer to the questions above. No points for every “no” answer.
Mobility
As any parent whose chased a young child around knows, it’s tough to relax anywhere and anytime if your child is an active crawler or a “cruiser” who loves to explore but isn’t steady on his or feet. Babies who aren’t crawling yet and toddlers who are can walk confidently will be easier to “contain” in one spot.
Question 5: If your baby is not crawling yet, is he or she content to sit in a stroller or baby backpack
Question 6: If your young one is already walking, does he or she do so with confidence (doesn’t need to hold onto people or things; does not fall)?
Score: 1 point for every “yes ” answer to the questions above. No points for every “yes” answer.
Other Consideration
Some children are more likely to adjust to the novelty of camping than others. Some ages are easier to deal with than others. Here are some additional factors to consider in calculating ease in camping
Question 7: Does your child often put non-food objects in his or her mouth?
Question 8: Is your child easily disturbed or upset by new surroundings and changes in routine?
Question 9: Will children outnumber adults on your camping trip.
Question 10: Do you have more than one child under the age of 5?
Score: 1 point for every “no” answer to the questions above. No points for every “yes” answer.
Score:
0-3 points Proceed with caution. It may make sense to wait another year before you take your little one camping. Note: this doesn’t mean the whole family has to miss out. Perhaps this will be the perfect opportunity for older siblings to experience more “alone time” with just mom or dad on a camping trip. If you choose a campground close to home, your little one can come with the “stay at home” parent for just a day outing…or do something altogether different at home. There are other alternatives to car camping in a tent, too. Consider renting a motor home or staying in a cabin.
4-7 points Preparation is essential. You know your child best. For example, if your child is likely to wake up at night, you may want to choose a campsite that’s some distance from others. If your child is sensitive to temperature changes, be sure to pack appropriate clothing. And if your child is a handful, then invite extra adults who love young children to join you. You can count on families with similarly aged children for sympathy and assistance- after all, they’re in the same boat!
8-10 points Go for it! Your family is a great candidate for camping. Keep logistics and meals simple, be prepared, and enjoy! ).
Going Camping?
If you are still up for camping with your little one, please read on for some tips.
Keep your camping trip short and simple. Test the waters by going somewhere local for only one or two nights. If you need to return home earlier than planned, it won’t be such a big deal.
Do not disturb. It’s exasperating for the interrupted by noisy neighbors. Even worse could be the chagrin of knowing that it’s your family that everyone else wishes would shush.
Sleep tight. Babies and small children will get lost in an adult-sized sleeping bag. Here are alternatives. Set up a porta-crib or other bedding that’s baby/kid-sized. We have friends who had an inflatable toddler bed-sized mattress with raised bumpers around the edge that worked well. Alternatively, bring a large, inflatable air mattress and comforters and sleep you’re your little one in this makeshift bed. (Note: While you might be tempted to buy several individual twin-sized air mattresses, the fewer gaps between mattresses the better. If there’s a chance someone can end up between the gaps of two mattresses, someone will (and sleep poorly for it).
Divide and conquer. If you’re apprehensive about bringing your young one camping, but hate to disappoint older siblings who are keen to go, consider splitting up. Nominate one parent to go camping with the older siblings while the other stays home this time. Going camping with “just mom” or “just dad” can be a special experience, too.
Be prepared. Camping is all about having fun. If you’re considering camping, my advice is to go ahead and give it a try! The key is to be prepared, relax and enjoy Mother Nature. You can find plenty of resources available on the web for planning your camping trip, including campground reviews, online campsite reservations, recipes, packing lists, gear reviews and online communities where you can give and receive tips from other campers.
by Dione Chen
Tags: baby, backpack, boat, cabin, campfire, campground, Camping, caution, child, cozy, ease. adults, ENJOY, fall, feet, fun, good, handful, kids, love, minimal, mother, nature, new, noise, older, parent, points, relax, sleeping, sleepless, stories, tent, toddlers
Want to plan something to occupy your holidays whether it is the Spring, Summer or Fall season? Ever thought about going on a camping trip which you can do independently, with some friends or to take the family out? If you have never been camping, it is something to thing about, a new venture that could become an exciting pastime for you to take up which is lots of fun for all.
It does sound fun going out camping, being in the open air and spending some free time with people you know, but you may wonder if camping is really what you want to try. It can depend on many things, as camping doesn’t suit everyone. A person may enjoy the outdoors, but there are other things to think about when going camping.
You have to consider how much you really love being outdoors, and if you want to try out camping for a change. Camping is enjoyed by many regardless of age or their background. Possibly, you have never been camping before and are not sure where to start. Most people when they go on a trip or a planned holiday, they like to stay “safe” and not bother with camping. It is easier to choose a package holiday with travelling by coach, boat or flying and accommodation like Bed and Breakfast, Hotels or Rented Self Catering Accommodation. It is possible to camp out safely, so this is something to consider as a new venture.
To start of with, if you enjoy the outdoors and the fresh air, then camping is something to think about when you planning a holiday away from it all. At home, maybe you are one for sitting out in the back garden, or you love gardening or going for short walks every day. These are one of the signs that will probably make you a potential camper. You may have enjoyed swimming outdoors in a friend’s pool if not your own, or playing many activities which are enjoyed outdoors. With camping, you can have a go at sleeping outside, eating out and doing other activities which are fun like frisbee, lawn tennis or badminton. Examine camping and look at the benefits.
Having a small budget and a family to take care of, then camping is a good option which is easier on the pocket. Camping is a more affordable activity for many which means for those who don’t usually go on trips, then this is an option to think about. For camping, there are many camp parks and other campground areas which are public for you to stay in, especially for first time campers who may prefer to be around other people. Most camping establishments charge an admission fee or camping which isn’t too much, compared with paying for airfares for all of you, accommodation to stay in and additional fees for say an amusement park. As most of the time, you may be doing your own catering, it will be cheap to stock up on foods.
There are many options open to you when camping, which can make your holiday different from one to the next. You can choose to camp in a tent which is traditional for campers or in an RV. Some people have their own RV, whilst there are always RV’s for rent. There is also a choice of campgrounds for you to look at and choose. When choosing a location, there are many campground parks to be found in one area for you to pick from. Choosing the right campground park, you may even get to choose which spot you’d like within the park!
Looking at camping is very interesting and making a decision to go is one that should be thought about. In America many find camping a wonderful pastime so it is regarded as very popular.
by Abhishek Agarwal
Tags: activity, Camping, change, fall, green grass, outdoors, parks, summer, trip