Camping with the Kids.
Inspired by notes from Edith Leigh, here are some great tips for camping with Kids.
Camping is such an exciting adventure for both adults and children. However it can be hard to keep the kids entertained when they are so hyped up, and with the lack of home comforts some tasks can seem deemly impossible- No I-pads to keep them quiet whilst you make dinner, no long warm baths with a fluffy bath robe. But the reality is; getting back to nature and taking away all of those materialistic possessions reconnects you, not only with your children but with nature and all it has to offer.
Take aboard these tips from Edith Leigh on your next camping/tramping or hiking adventure with the kids and enjoy:
- Give kids their own special camping gear
Give each kid their own headlamp. This not only prevents arguments, they are great for night time play, reading and making shadow puppets on the side of the tent.
Give everybody their own disposable camera; these may be some of your favourite photos of the trip.
Make a camping necklace for everyone, or better still get the kids to make their own. Along with some beads, thread on a whistle, a small magnifying glass and a tiny, lightweight light.
- Go geocaching
Even if you don’t have a GPS, geocaching apps can be downloaded for free, or very little charge, and the whole family can go treasure hunting. Kids love looking for, and finding, stuff. Make sure you have a small supply of cheap toys, or swag, to trade when they hit the jackpot.
- Build a dam
Kids just love building dams. They will fetch and carry rocks and stones for hours. When you’re getting them started, remember enthusiasm is contagious.
- Get arty
Land art is simply making art and sculptures using materials found in nature, such as leaves, twigs, pebbles, rocks, sand and shells. Make animals, patterns, circles, spirals, even life size outlines of a child. Don’t forget to take photographs of any creations so you can frame them for a special camping holiday memory.
- Let them be
Unstructured time away from screens, daily routines and endless organised activities can be a balm for kids. Often it is after the “I’m bored” stage that kids will come up with their most creative and imaginative play.
Check out our range of Camping and Hiking equipment at Outside Sports to get you and the family prepared for your next adventure.
