Family Camping

Family camping usually means gearing up for a camping or hiking trip with one or more relatives, and typically means at least camping with a spouse. More often than not, it involves children—and this is where the fun begins.

Unlike adults, children can't be counted on to assemble their own stuff for a trip. That part of the event will be left to you. But there are some things that kids can be involved in before taking off, and that includes having them participate (if they're old enough) in looking over the route maps and brochures with you to get them prepared for the outdoors.

If they're lucky, they've been exposed to the concept of the wilderness through scouting and may already be looking forward to putting some of their book-learning, knot-tying skills, or campfire craft to work. Maybe they've been to camp for a week or more in the summer; if so, they might be more familiar than you are with canoeing, backcountry hiking, camping, and outdoor cooking.

The point is that kids should be acclimated to camping in some way beforehand. Set the scene for them or get them involved in an organized outdoor excursion to whet their appetite. (In most cities, for example, the YMCA offers day camp and outdoor camping opportunities for kids of all ages.) Before venturing off as a family, consider sending Junior on one of these outings. Better yet, have a night in the backyard—tent, stove, and all. Kids will see what it's like to sleep outdoors in a tent.

Use your discretion to decide what age is appropriate for a child to come along. Some say even one- and two-year olds are old enough for a trip. Whatever the age, many insist that kids be launched on an outdoor career before they hit their teens (and develop a liking for malls instead of trees).

Certainly, extra gear is a consideration when it comes to kids. The amount of stuff needed in civilization, never mind the woods, is often overwhelming, and may preclude any extensive hikes. Car camping may be the only way to bring all the necessary stuff along and still keep it near you.

If children are old enough, hike to a destination and set up a base camp. Take day hikes away from the base camp. And don't push the envelope by leading the entire family, kids and all, on a furious “death march” through the bush. Take your time, wake up when you want—treat outdoor camping as vacation, not a triathlon.S

Special Considerations for Kids

Clothing is another matter. With the recent explosion in outdoor fashion, one can get every conceivable type of gear and clothing in kid-size versions. Remember, children should be dressed as warmly as you are in the fall; in summer, make sure your kids are adequately protected from bugs.

The sun is another consideration—for yourself, and especially for children. Use extra caution around water; rays reflected from the water are potentially as strong as those coming from the sky.

In any case, plan on entertaining kids the same way you would at home. Here are some ideas for amusing children on an outdoor outing, using some of the natural amenities around you:

• Collect frogs and tree toads. In a container of some sort, smaller frogs and toads will sit on the backs of bigger ones. Dead insects can be dangled in the container, and kids (and adults) can watch amphibian tongues unfurl and lash out to catch the insect.
• Go on nature walks and try to spot wildlife. Use a small notebook to make a log of the wildlife you discover.
• Show kids how to use binoculars and teach them how to study the landscape, birds, and animals.
• Look for animal tracks and draw them in a notepad. Try and guess which animals left the tracks.
• Make a swing from a piece of rope looped and tied around a thick tree limb.
• Collect firewood for the evening's campfire. Also look for perfect sticks on which marshmallows can be speared.
• Try to light a fire without matches using a magnifying glass or the lens from a pair of glasses.
• Have someone sit with their eyes closed and try to touch them without them hearing your approach.