Camping Is Fun With Kids

Camping Is Fun With Kids by Gary Benton
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One of the best ways of getting a child involved with your outdoor activities it to have them involved from an early age. My children started camping as infants, but that may be too early for some children, and parents. When I take an older child on their first over night camping trip, we start getting ready days in advance! Let me give you an idea of what I do and perhaps it will work for you. Keep in mind each child is different, so approach them differently. I do know if the child is in the early stages of planning for a trip and stays active during all phases of it, they really have a good time. And, I have been camping with kids for more than thirty years.

The weekend prior to the trip I will sit down and just talk to the child about what they can expect on a camping trip. Many kids will be concerned about things that may never enter your mind. For instance, my oldest daughter’s best friend was concerned about bathrooms; while my nephew was worried about how and what we would eat. Both are valid concerns, but hardly anything to be seriously worried about. But, not just children have vivid imaginations. When I was in jungle survival school in the Philippines we had a lieutenant that sat up all night around the fire, because he had seen spiders the size of cars in old Tarzan movies. No way was he going to sleep with any critter that big running loose! And, kids today have much better imaginations than most of us, as adults, could even consider. But, talk to each child and explain what you know about their concerns and be honest with them.

Also during the same week as the trip, I will pull out all of my camping equipment and double check it. This does two things, first it makes sure the equipment is still in serviceable condition, and second, it gives me a chance to show the child how the equipment works. I will even have the child assist me in erecting the tent in the back yard, repack the first aid and survival gear, double check the mess gear and so on. I use this time to teach the child in a controlled environment. You find the average youngster is fascinated by the different kinds of gear and equipment you may have around.

Make sure your gear, food, and other supplies are in good shape. Nothing discourages a young camper like a trip that has been poorly planned. I once spent a rainy night in the Missouri Ozark Mountains because my uncle could not put up our tent. That was over forty years ago and I still remember how miserable the trip was. Prepare and plan, so the child’s first impression is a good one.

The night before the camping trip, we prepare our dinner for the next day. I have each child assist and believe me they have a lot of fun doing it. Remember, some kids have not done much camping so it excites them. I have each child select a meat item (chicken, pork, or beef), two veggies, and a piece of fruit for dessert. I place one square of heavy-duty aluminum foil down flat and have the child center the meat and veggies. I then have the child fold the aluminum over the food. We then place the folded meal in another piece of aluminum and fold the edges, sealing it well. Now the meal has double seal of aluminum foil. Next, we take the fruit, apple, banana, or pear, quarter it and wrap it in aluminum as well. The next day the only thing your child has to do is place the meal with dessert on the hot coals, not flames, and the meal will cook in its own juices (pierce the metal covering with a fork prior to cooking). An Adult should turn the meal about every 5 to10 minutes to keep it cooking evenly. The children love these meals, because they made it.

Once I arrive at the campsite, I assign camping chores to each of the children. I have found they enjoy the responsibility and it actually makes it easier on the adult leader. I have one wash the dishes, one rinse and dry, and have another child gather water and so on. I think you have the idea. Before we get down to having fun, all of us gather up as much firewood as we can. It is important here to explain to the children to gather only dead and dry firewood. Also, it is a good idea to discuss the danger of snakes with them before you start. I hope all of you noticed I said, discuss and not scare (less than 10% of the world’s snakes are poisonous). Teach children to respect snakes, not to be paranoid about them.

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