I would like to take my two kids camping, for the first time, what should I bring other than a tent?

Question

I have two kids, ages 8 and 9. I am a single mom. I bought a tent and would like to take them camping, but am unsure of the types of things I should bring. I know the basics, tent, blankets, first aid kit, food, insect repellent. But I'm looking to do this for as cheaply as possible. Here is what we have so far, blankets, pillows, tent, and even transportation to and from a camping site, we've got bottles to fill with water, and even some sparklers for fun. Any ideas? I'm sure I could come up with a list on my own, but I'd prefere to get suggestions from people who have already been there and done that. Thanks in advance

Answer 1

Make sure you have enough of clothes...Kids this age, seem to find the dirt and the water very easily, this way you have something to change them into.  

Flashlights

wet wipes (good for quick clean ups)

Activities for kids... frizbee, kickball, etc.( don't forget rainy day activities, such as cards.

Hope this helps... have fun...

Answer 2

http://www.lovetheoutdoors.com/camping/C...

http://camping.about.com/od/campingforbe...

Camping Checklist (compliments of camping.about.com)

Shelter and Bedding (essentials)

__ tent

__ tarp

__ sleeping bag

__ sleeping pad

__ headrest

Cooking and Dining (essentials)

__ water

__ food

__ cooler

__ camp stove

__ mess kit

__ can opener

__ charcoal

Clothes

__ t-shirts

__ shorts

__ jeans/pants

__ socks

__ shoes/boots

__ camp shoes

__ hat/cap

__ sweater

__ rain poncho

__ underwear

__ swim suit

__ laundry bag

__ _____________

__ _____________

__ _____________

__ _____________

Personal Hygiene

__ tooth brush

__ tooth paste

__ wash rag(s)

__ towel(s)

__ soap

__ comb/brush

__ nail clippers

__ razor

__ toilet paper

__ _____________

__ _____________ Shelter and Bedding (optionals)

__ book

__ cot

__ comforter

__ throw rug

__ pillow

Cooking and Dining (optionals)

__ charcoal chimney

__ smoker

__ Dutch oven

__ hot dog sticks

__ pie irons

__ chairs

__ folding table

__ table cloth

__ butane lighter

__ screen room

Cleaning Items

__ broom

__ dust pan

__ whisk broom

__ lawn rake

__ dish pan

__ detergent

__ dish rags

__ ppt scrubber

First Aid Kit

__ personal medication

__ bandages

__ aspirin, Tylenol

__ medical tape

__ sterile gauze

__ elastic wrap

__ antiseptic wipes

__ antibiotic cream

__ burn ointment

__ sunburn lotion

__ hydrogen peroxide

__ scissors

__ tweezers

__ eye wash

__ sanitary napkins

__ snake bite kit Chuck Box

__ salt and pepper

__ herbs and spices

__ cooking oil

__ pot holders

__ paper towels

__ napkins

__ plastic trash bags

__ tongs and spatula

__ aluminum foil

__ measuring cups

__ plastic silverware

__ paper plates/bowls

__ plastic cups

__ zip lock bags

__ knives

__ cutting board

__ cork s***w

Miscellaneous Items

__ binoculars

__ bird guide

__ bug spray

__ bungi cords

__ camera

__ candles

__ cards, games

__ cell phone

__ clothes pins

__ compass

__ duct tape

__ fishing gear

__ flashlight

__ frisbee

__ GPS

__ kites

__ knife

__ lantern

__ matches

__ pen and paper

__ rope

__ shower bag

__ sun block

__ tools

__ water filters

__ whistle

Answer 3

Oh oh oh.  There are so many light and fancy things that are not too expensive.  There are the basics--the tent, sleeping bags, etc.  You seem to have that okay.  

I would recommend a decent knife--a jackknife of some sort (but be sure you're the only one using that).  You'd be amazed at the number of handy things you'll use it for.  I usually bring a small hacksaw too for chopping up some downed trees for firewood.  But, it's not soooo necessary--and if it's dry enough to burn, you should be able to break it anyhow.

I'd also recommend (if you're just camping for one night) a small shoulder bag cooler that you can put some things in.  The cooler is good for things like the hot dogs (or not dogs as it may be) and the butter I will be mentioning below.  Just use some ice packs.  

Bring a warm fleece coat and a rain slicker--just in case.  It's always good to have a hat and extra socks.    

I would also recommend, for you specifically, a head lamp.  It looks like a small flashlight on an elastic band that goes on your head--kind of like the old school lights that miners wore.  Except, they're a lot lighter and more versatile.  I'd imagine that with you doing an awful lot of the work for this trip, it would be nice to have both hands free.  Trust me, I've converted every friend (who used to laugh at me) into the wonderful world of headlamps.  I use mine at my house even.  What better way to have light everywhere you look than to attach the light right above your eyes?  You can get pricey ones at the camping stores...or go to your local kmart/walmart/target and grab one for ten bucks.  You won't regret it.  

I'd assume you want to bring smores.  A good alternative to that for those of us with an aversion to marshmallows, is a "squirrel tale."  Buy some pop open crescent roll dough, a small bottle of squeeze butter (I can't believe it's not butter is good), and bring a baggie of cinnamon/sugar mixed.  Pop it open the dough...take one piece of the dough and wrap it around the stick (be sure to wrap it thinly--stretch it out or it'll take a long time to cook and may burn on the outside).  Have your kids hold the stick over the fire and cook the dough.  In the meantime, grab some butter and squeeze it in a baggie--put the baggie near the fire so it melts real good.  When the dough is cooked, it should slide off the stick nicely.  Drop it in the butter bag and shake.  Drop it in the sugar bag and shake.  Eat it up--seriously GOOD.  The knife you brought could come in handy on this with cleaning up those dirty sticks for cooking with and opening those d**n dough containers that always make me crazy.

Another must have--a book of good ghost stories--not too scarey for you kiddies, but good enough for the fun of it.  

You may want to try getting a little book of how to identify things in nature--make a little scavenger hunt or something.  Star identifying is really great too.

The main point is to do some fun interactive things--but you don't want to keep yourself working so much on all the drudges of camping that you don't relax.  Plan a few things.  If you're making food that requires recipes--do the prep before you go (store dry ingredients in a recipe in a baggie so it'll be right and ready when you need it).

Have yourself a good old time.  In terms all survival, all you really need is shelter, water, and heat.  All the rest is gravy--just don't forget the first aid kit. Have fun!

Answer 4

It's harder to know exactly since I don't know what type of place you're camping in.  Most of these depend on weather, but I suggest, make sure you won't get too cold.

-Hot chocolate and something to get the water hot in

-Make sure what you are using to make you food is all set. Stove, knife, cutting board, bowl, spoon, aluminum foil, Ziploc bags, etc...

-A Frisbee, soccer ball, or something similar

-Air mattress or sleeping pad.

-Not necessary, but always really nice to have if there is a chance of it raining, is a canopy. You may have some trouble getting one up since there is only 3 of you, but it comes in handy if you are in the middle of cooking and it starts to rain.  You can try to improvise if you want. This one's really not necessary.

-A towel (in case you do get wet).

There's more, but that's all I can think of for now

Answer 5

There are so many things to bring and yet at the same time, I always find that I use very little of what I pack. Depending on where you are camping, the best thing to do during the day is to enjoy the outdoors, do some hiking, fishing, rowing on a lake, exploring for critters, taking pictures. So don't forget a camera, trail shoes, small food items like granola bars, etc. If your children like to read, sitting under a tree with a good book is a great way to spend an afternoon camping.

At night, have some cards or simple travel games. a couple/few lanterns to make your campsite comfortable and safe. Definitely bring ingredients for smores!

I have posted a camping checklist here: http://www.campingmecca.com/page/8774420...

that may help some.

Have a great time!

Troy

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Troy Knott

[e-mail]

http://www.campingmecca.com/

Covering you for all of your camping, hiking, outdoor and adventure needs!

Answer 6

I can't out-do any of the suggestions posting here. Be prepared for bad weather, especially rain. Cots and anything on the flooring of a tent can get drenched easily. Be prepared to find shelter elsewhere if this should happen. Nothing can ruin a camping excursion like rain or other bad weather.

Answer 7

I don't know if they have bike trails at that campground, but if they do bikes are always a good thing to keep the kids busy. It gives you all a chance to explore the park.

A lesson I learned is try to start packing in advance. The last time I went camping I threw everything together an hour before I left. And I forgot several essential items (like a bath towel and can opener).

I agree that I would be very careful with the sparklers, but I like the frisbee idea or maybe a couple of baseball gloves and a ball. If you wanted maybe you could make up a nature scavenger hunt (link below).  

Answer 8

Cards are always fun to take along.  There are some interesting arts and crafts ideas you can look up online before you go.  Like making windchimes out of an old colendar and a whisk and silverware.  Just going on a nature walk is cheap and informative.  Take a couple of cheap floats from the dollar store and snacks.  Disposible camera if you don't have a video camera.  Bug spray and sunblock.  Then just let the fun begin...star gazing, ghoststories by the campfire, etc....  Have fun and be safe.