June 22, 2008
By: Shari
Category: Hiking and Outdoors
Childhood has a short expiration date. Before you know it, tots become teens with a life of their own. Family camping and hiking experiences offer inexpensive family fun with the bonus of “teachable moments” and lifelong memories. After an initial investment in tents, cookstoves and backpacks for camping gear, camping getaways range from free to reasonable rates at hundreds of established national and state park campgrounds.
The key to a successful family camping or hiking trip is planning and preparation. Here are some hints:
Everyone in the family should participate in planning an outdoor camping adventure from choosing the best hiking backpacks to campfire menus and games.
Purchase the right size and style hiking backpack for each family member. Even small children can pack and tote their own camping gear in lightweight daypacks or kid backpacks. Attach a safety whistle and flashlight to each backpack.
Prepare a family camping checklist. In addition to camping essentials, when camping near a creek, add a couple of collapsible fishing rods and catch dinner. Pack an astrological chart and have a contest for locating treasures in the night skies. Make S’mores, tell tall tales and play a favorite family game by the light of a campfire.
Research and take advantage of special programs for families and kids provided by national and state parks to “woodsproof” your family and learn to camp and hike safely.
As camping confidence and outdoor expertise grow, don’t be surprised if family camping trips become an annual tradition.
