The weather forecast promised thundershowers, but Bekah\u2019s little heart was set on a mommy-daughter backpacking trip. She was only 5, but she would not be deterred. Honestly, my mind was made up as well, so we packed the ponchos and headed for the wilderness.<\/p>\n
We arrived at the trailhead around three in the afternoon, sun rising high over the mountains. Everything we needed for the next 24 hours was jammed into my enormous internal frame backpack, and she graciously volunteered to carry her pink princess backpack to supplement the weight distribution. We had all the basics: water, tent, food, sleeping pads, first aid kit, bear spray, bear bag, matches and extra clothes. We also had some fun extras: playing cards, a notepad, candy and powder for hot cocoa.
\nAfter a seemingly endless two-mile hike into the site, my girl was beat. She lay sprawled flat on the pine needles and gasped, \u201cWater, please.\u201d
\nWe paused for a water break, then got to work clearing the ground for the tent, intentional about erecting a shelter before the impending rain soaked us. The sky was dreamily blue, but I wasn\u2019t taking any chances.<\/p>\n
Once camp was arranged, we sauntered down to the river, where we cooled off in the cool water, skipped stones, searched the shore for toads, and soaked in the beauty of it all.
\nThe entire weekend was a success. She loved dinner cooked over a fire, s\u2019mores for dessert, songs by the river before bed, and the thrill of waking up to the sunrise illuminating the canvas of our temporary home. We drew pictures, read poetry about the sky and the hills, and enjoyed simply being together. She learned that she is able to survive with her mom in the woods for a night and added camping to her list of favorite activities. My wilderness-loving heart embraced it all.<\/p>\n
Whether you\u2019re considering camping at an established site 10 feet from your vehicle, or venturing a few miles into the wilderness, here are five suggestions for making a camping trip with a young child a success:<\/p>\n
Watch the Weather<\/strong> Pack\u00a0Downtime Activities<\/strong> Find the Water<\/strong> Bring Their Favorite Foods<\/strong> Identify Local Attractions Before You Go<\/strong> Embrace the Stillness<\/strong> Resources to Help You Plan<\/strong><\/p>\n For a list of State Parks, check out the State Parks Page<\/a>.<\/u><\/p>\n For a list of National Parks, check out the National Parks Service<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\nThis might seem obvious, but most of us have heard the story of the family huddled together in sopping wet sleeping bags while lightening threatened to strike the metal tent poles at any given moment. Remember that you want your kids to have a fantastic time. For this reason, postpone the trip if it\u2019s going to rain for more than 20 minutes. You\u2019ll be glad you did.<\/p>\n
\nGreat attention goes into packing everything needed for a camping trip: sleeping bags, appropriate food, matches, clothing, sleeping mats, cooking utensils and more. In the rush to remember the basics for survival, don\u2019t forget entertainment. What will you do when you\u2019re not sitting by the fire, cooking or sleeping? If your kids enjoy games, bring a deck of cards. If they like to draw, bring a sketch pad for each of them. If small toys would bring hours of entertainment, pack a few. The goal of the trip isn\u2019t scarcity; it\u2019s fun.<\/p>\n
\nCamping near water will provide hours of entertainment. Swimming, searching for aquatic life, throwing stones, fishing, making mud pies, and building sand castles can provide hours of entertainment. Basking in the sun is sheer relaxation for the adults and splashing in the water is sheer joy for the children. We always camp near water.<\/p>\n
\nWhile adult campers might enjoy dehydrated vegetables and beef jerky, remember to bring foods your kids will love. Even if it means a bit of extra effort, it will be worth it. The novelty of cooking hotdogs or grilled cheese over the fire is a great place to start. Try to keep it balanced, but remember the treats. Fun snacks by a crackling campfire creates lasting memories.<\/p>\n
\nIf you\u2019ll be staying multiple nights, check out local attractions online before leaving. Most likely, you won\u2019t be camping far from your car. Hopping in the car for an afternoon at a local animal park, waterfall or scenic attraction could be a highlight of the trip. Check out the options and plan ahead. These attractions make great places for memory-building.<\/p>\n
\nIt\u2019s important not to plan so much that you forget to embrace quiet moments spent in nature. These have been the best times to talk to our kids about life, share stories from the past, and affirm them as individuals. Leave the electronic devices at home and find refreshment from unplugging. It\u2019s amazing where conversations can lead when there are no competitors for our attention.
\nFinally, make it fun. I tend to worry about remembering everything on my list and feel anxious if things don\u2019t go as planned. Most often, there will be surprises on camping trips. Embrace the surprises, laugh at the mishaps and make life-long memories.<\/p>\n