CAMPING WITH KIDS 101

When we first moved back to the SW from Hawaii, we knew we would still find ourselves outside in nature. As Army veterans, we both missed hiking and living in the woods for days at a time. There is something so peaceful and rewarding about being outside in nature and having to get creative with cooking, first aid, cleaning, etc. Although our time in the Army wasn't always fun, camping with our son is! We have learned a lot these last two years and we want to share our Tips and Tricks with you. :) Every family is different and certainly every kiddo but these can be applied to your camping trip and you will only learn from trial and error.

Happy reading.

Tips and Tricks with Kids

1. Take their favorite foods. Our son loves his yogurt and fresh fruit. We take all of it with us and it makes for healthy snacks in the woods. We also take Mac-n-Cheese, PB&J, and some canned foods our kiddo loves. I've even taken frozen smoothies before and they stay frozen and cold for at least the first two days of camp in our cooler with ice.

2. Take their favorite toys. When we take our kids away from home, they are coming into a new environment and that can lead to stress and tantrums. Kids loves routine and although the woods are a happy place, they need time to adjust. We always take our son's favorite dump truck, water toys for the river, Hot Wheels, and other favorite toys. This helps him have a piece of home in the wild.

3. Be patient! As mentioned above, we are taking our kids into a new environment. Be patient with them and let them explore, let them get dirty and try new things.

4. Don't expect the relaxing camping trip you had before kids. I remember our first camping trip with our son like it was yesterday. He was a typical one year old, walking everywhere and getting into mischief. I remember my husband and being so exhausted from having to follow our son around the campsite. We expected to sit and relax in our camping chairs like we did before kids. That wasn't the case. Kids will be even more energetic in the woods because there is so much new stimulation around. Be patient and expect to do a lot of walking.

5. Take a First Aid kit and know how to use it. From insect bites to poison ivy and everything in between, injuries are inevitable in the woods. We have to sprained bones, lots of abrasions and splinters and nothing made me feel more prepared than having a first aid kit. I am also a Registered Nurse so this was a must for me. Our son has had many typical child injuries and I am so glad I had everything I needed when the time came. My husband has even had a few injuries while camping from a sprained nose to deep lacerations, you never want to be stuck in the woods without proper medical gear. First Aid class coming soon! :)

6. OTHER USEFUL ITEMS Pack-n-play when our little guy was smaller, hiking carrier, water toys for river adventures, extra change of clothes and lots of diapers and wipes (we didn't bring enough diapers on one trip and there were no stores near us. Let's just say, he went commando a lot!). Sunscreen and kid friendly bug spray is a must! Layers of clothing, mountain weather is unpredictable. We take a heavy jacket, rain jacket, sweaters, sweats, water pants, shorts and lots of shirts.