When I start to think about camping, the first thing that comes to mind is how much work it is, then I think about how exhausted we are after camping, and I wonder why we love it so much. Camping is a lot like setting up a new place to live for a short time, only to have to take it all down, pack up again, and spend days of cleaning everything after getting home. If you have never gone camping and are planning to, know what you are getting into! First of all, if you are going to do any kind of serious camping, you will need to take a visit to your local sporting goods store for camping supplies- tents, sleeping bags, air mattresses for those with bad backs (we've been known to use blow up beach rafts), camp stoves with cooking supplies, lanterns, flashlights, insect repellant, sunscreen, benedryl, folding beach chairs, tarps, some kind of canopy for cooking under, coolers, water coolers, lots of ice, food and drinks, marshmallows, graham crackers and chocolate, and depending what kind of activities you will be doing when camping, you may need beach supplies, hiking gear, fishing supplies, or maybe just a hammock! Now that you have all of your camping gear, you'll need to find a way to hall your home away from home, and then set it all up- but cheer up, work has never been so fun, and once it is all set up, get your campfire going, fix your family some comforting camp food and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature.
It seems there are two modes of thought on camping activities- structured and unstructured. The structured camp looks something like this: 6:00 wake-up, 6:30 quiet devotional time, or morning fitness exercises, 7:00 breakfast, 7:30 breakfast clean up, 8-8:30 nature walk, 9:00 craft, 10-12:00 swimming, 12:00 lunch, 12:30 clean-up, 1-2:00 games, 2-4:00 more beach activities, 4-5:00 clean up and quiet time, 5:00 dinner, 5:30 clean up after dinner, 6-7:00 story telling, 7-8:00 camp fire, sing along and smores. 8:00 ready for bed! This kind of organized camp is the kind of camp that keeps kids entertained and is often helpful when camping with several families, a church group or other organization. Then there is the no schedule spontaneous camp- the one that time is forgotten once everything is set up, and something happens only when you choose something to happen- it looks something like this: "wow, listen to all the birds so early in the morning- would you like some coffee honey?" "In a little while, I think I'm going to sleep some more." "Mom, I have to use the bathroom" "Alright sweetie, grab the roll of toilet paper and your tooth brush and I'll take you over there." Several hours later..."Does anyone want to go for a walk with me?" "How about a swim?" "Dad, can you take me fishing now?" Well you get the point. Actually, I prefer the unstructured camp. I think since camping seems to involve so much preparation, plan B allows me to catch up and really enjoy the outdoor experience. I know some people who like a little of both. They mostly relax at camp, but then they bring crafts, or schedule a few activities without having the entire time scheduled. A person needs to decide what he or she is comfortable with. When it's all over, everyone can be involved in the packing and cleaning up. Even little ones can pitch in with picking up any litter that is around, or carrying small items to the car. Camping is a great family experience, and whenever it is possible involve everyone. Finally, a few more pointers to make things easier when camping with babies and toddlers. Keep that wonderful pottie chair by your tent at night- it is kind of scary for small children to venture far from the tent after dark to find bathrooms. I also like to bring along a very small plastic swimming pool to wash babies or toddlers in, because they will get very dirty at camp. Last of all, as tempting as it is to bring radios, laptops, and other electronic forms of entertainment, try to give it up for a short time. To go camping is like taking a retreat from the day to day activity, and giving those items a break will give you more time for your family.
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