Getting Kids Into Camping

Getting Kids Into Camping. A Fun First-Time Will Have Them Begging For S'Mores!

Camping is a great way to introduce young children to the outdoors. However, many potential "happy campers" are turned away because of a horrible camping experience that occurred when he or she was young. We've all heard these comical, yet sometimes pathetic stories of a "first and last" camping trip. The scenario almost always includes a tent without a floor, lots of rain, a variety of insects, burnt food, or a simple nature hike that turns into an epic approaching the disaster of the camping party.

Although these stories are often funny, they are also bittersweet because the end result is an individual who is totally turned-off to camping and the great outdoors.

When the time comes to share the experience of camping with your kids, introduce them into the activity gradually. With a little planning and the right equipment, your family will become seasoned campers in no time at all. Here are a few tips that will make the little ones beg you to go camping again:

Make the first camping trip a short one. Take it easy! Sure you love the great outdoors, but don't let your enthusiasm ruin the trip for the kids. (If you wait until they are out of diapers, everyone will have a better time.) Make the first trip out an over-nighter or weekend trip. Let them familiarize themselves with the concept of camping out. Don't rough it too much - camp in a Campground/RV Resort or a State Park with shower facilities, established trails and bike paths. Make hikes and outings short and simple. Mix in some kid games along with the nature appreciation.

Choose the right gear for your trip. A Recreational Vehicle (RV) Own or Rent.

If not using an RV make sure the Tent that you Rent or Buy has a floor and you know how to set it up. Make sure sleeping bags are rated for extremes you may encounter and be sure to bring some air mattresses or sleeping pads for better sleeping comfort. Check out the lantern, camp stove and other gear before you leave home.

Be prepared! This old Boy Scout motto really comes into play when camping with kids. Include all of this essential kid-proof camping equipment: first-aid kit, plenty of flashlights, insect repellent, rain gear and board games for rainy days. Be prepared for any kind of weather. Build a fire and prepare the kids' favorite foods. If the area you are camping in permits it, build a nice warm fire.

There is no better place to reflect on the events of the day with your children than around an open fire. Involve the kids in building and maintaining the fire to teach them fire safety. Let them cook hotdogs, marshmallows and yes, the infamous S'Mores! Nothing else will endear a child more to camping than S'Mores. Have fun camping with the kids! Here's a never-fail recipe for the difficult and intricate process of making S'Mores:

One package of graham crackers

Five Hershey chocolate bars broken in half

One bag of marshmallows

Cook two marshmallows over the fire until golden brown and melted in the center. Break a graham cracker into two square pieces. Place one of the hot marshmallows on the cracker and put half a Hershey Bar on top. Place the other hot marshmallow on top of the Hershey bar and sandwich the whole thing with the other section of graham cracker. Wait until they ask for S'More!

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Kid-Camping Considerations Even kids need a break from chasing butterflies, catching frogs, tromping through the woods and communing with nature. Campsite games like Sportcraft's RallyBall help burn up that youthful energy and provide hours of fun at the same time.

Imagine how much fun your kids will have in their own pup tent or inflatable chair. Or how about a kids radio-flashlight or pocket pirate light? The Coleman Kids gear collection boasts a wide selection of camping and outdoor items designed expressly for kids. Or create your own.......