Plan a camping trip this summer
I LOVE camping! There is something magical about spending time outdoors. The pace of life and the rhythm of life change while you unwind and remove yourself from the technology that commands so much of our attention every day. The conversations with family and friends seem deeper and sweeter, the food (however simple) is always amazing, sleep is better in a tent, the laughter is louder and longer, and days spent marveling at the beauty of creation restores us. Camping has become a family tradition for my family and we have loved helping other families begin to enjoy camping as well. This has become a passion we love to share.
One of the great joys of being a parent or grandparent is sharing your passions with your children and grandchildren. If your family is in need of a technology detox, this might be the summer to start a new camping tradition that spreads your love of the outdoors and introduces children to experiences that might not be a part of their everyday routines. This four-point checklist will help you to plan ahead for a safe, fun adventure that will create lasting memories.
1. Make planning part of the fun.
Kids' favorite ideas are often their own -- especially older kids who might be skeptical about their first trip to the Great Outdoors. Let them design as much of your camping experience as is practical: meals, activities, day trips away from your site. Also block off a couple hours every day for unstructured down time so kids can nap, read, journal, or just take a long (supervised) walk in the woods. If the kids feel like they have some ownership over the trip, you'll have an easier time convincing them to leave their phones at home and pack a camera, fishing rod, and sketchbook.
Once you have plans in place, run over the itinerary and your packing list. Make sure you cover any special needs, including medications, allergies, sensory sensitivities, and dietary restrictions. Listen to suggestions about things the kids might enjoy doing and things that might make the trip more frustrating for everyone.
2. Choose an age-appropriate destination.
The full "tent in the woods" experience might be too much for younger kids on their first camping trip, or even older kids who think “roughing it” is a rainy soccer practice. You're not as young as you used to be either. Keeping the kids entertained -- and safe -- might be stressful enough without having to worry about firewood and bad weather. A commercial campsite with some modest amenities (like playgrounds and bathrooms) and easy parking might be a nice way to introduce everyone to the outdoors without sacrificing too many creature comforts. The more fun everyone has, the more willing you all might be to block off another weekend to delve a little deeper into nature and wander a little further off the beaten path.
3. Establish responsibilities.
Camping is hard work. Your kids should do their share. Younger kids can help with simple things like picking up their clothes and toys and throwing away their garbage. Older kids can help gather firewood, prepare meals, and babysit their younger siblings. Encourage the kids to communicate with each other and tackle tasks their way -- as long as things get done. Fostering a spirit of teamwork and shared responsibilities will help to keep everyone busy and save you some extra wear and tear.
4. Plan for and embrace the unexpected.
Even a relatively controlled outdoor environment will be less predictable than an afternoon at the movies. Bad weather might limit your recreational options, or even force you to pack up camp. The kids might get bored fishing and want to spend more time exploring hiking trails. If your campfire meals come out half baked, you might have to take some extra trips to the nearest small-town café.
Have a back-up plan in case a thunderstorm swoops in unexpectedly. But don’t make the kids feel bad if they don’t take to every camping activity. Spend more time doing what makes everyone happy, even if it wasn’t on your initial itinerary. Who knows? That café might have incredible pie you’ll want to come back for year after year. And your next camping trip might be more successful if you schedule more time for hiking and less time for catching dinner.
Your Personal Statement of Financial Purpose can also help you adjust to all the unexpected challenges and opportunities you’ll face now and in retirement. Let’s add that camping trip to your annual goals and discuss what other adventures you’re hoping to take this summer.
If you want some more details on planning a camping trip like necessary gear, recipes, places to go - let me know. I would love to share some of what I have learned over the past few year with you.