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If you go way back in your file cabinet of memories, you might remember some of your favorite childhood memories – Camping. My 1st camping adventure involved my Los Angeles Girl Scout Troop while my husband has been camping his entire life. I hate to use the excuse that times have changed, but they have. Gone are the days that families spent their summer vacation outside a them park or resort. I’m not one to criticize, I love theme parks and resort amenities but there is a satisfying feeling one gets when they light the campground fire pit or completing the construction of your tent that a resort room key can’t give you.
Over the years my family & I have enjoyed many family camping memories which included everything from a tent, RV camping or cabin life. Now that my kids aee older, camping is SO much easier with the exception of disconnecting from social media. They key with that is preparing your children early for the many adventures they may have during their next family camping experience.
Today I’m sharing two very useful camping themed printables that might help in preparing and entertaining your young children for their next family camping adventure. First we start with colorful yet simple Camping For Kids Packing List Printable which can be used as a means of preparation as well as excitement building. Naturally, depending on their age, true preparation should be dependent on older children and adults but keeping them apart of the process is very important. Children who are involved in the process will feel invested in the experience and hopeful that they will have a positive experience.
My kids never originally cared to prepare, but as they got older they realized preparation can make a huge difference in any camping experience. Secondly, you will find a basic Camping Scavenger Hunt Printable. One thing I have learned Former Camping Mom and Girl Scout Troop Leader is that you MUST be familiar with your surroundings.
Knowing important landmarks like where the tent, lake/pond, playground, swimming hole etc is key! If a child were to get lost, knowing where a specific tree or trail might make the difference between a nervous child and a prepared child. Children should never be left unattended when in an unfamiliar location but helping them feel comfortable with their surroundings is very useful and an important survival skill.
Regardless of your length of stay pr location, camping can provide fond memories to any young child. If you are planning a upcoming camping trip this fall, be sure to use our camping printable in your planning process. You never know, they might enjoy the outdoors and prefer camping to your next resort stay!
Do you have any camping preparation tips for parents o young children?
My s/o and I plan to take the kiddos camping next year. I think it just might have been too much for our youngest this year. Thanks for the helpful printables!
That is a great printable for kids!! I know I loved to help pack when I was younger the picture packing list would have been perfect!!
We love camping! I always make up packing lists for my kiddos, and this is a great way to do it for kids that don’t read yet. Great printables!
I am not a camper but I know so many people with kids who love it. Great list and checklist.
What a great check list for camping with kids. I love the scavenger hunt idea too.
I haven’t been camping for a while and I used to LOVE camping, I am hoping when I have kids one day that I can take them camping. The check list is great, and helpful for people who have kids and want to take them camping.
This would have been handy this summer. I could use it next summer. I plan to take the kids camping more.
Camping is so much fun for families. Specially the younger ones. We went camping over the summer and my daughter loved it.
That is so much fun – I almost gave it to my hubby who has a worn list for us when we go backpacking, and one for when we go camping – along with one for hiking! lol
Very cool
I think I started camping when I was a late teenager with my friends. I don’t recall my parents taking me – maybe they didn’t like it (either!) LOL. I don’t camp much anymore, but I still love hiking about or watching the sunset out of the city to see the stars.
My family and I have actually never been camping before but my eldest has been asking about taking a trip. I’ so not the outdoorsy type though so I’m not sure how I could handle a camping trip. The printables are super cute though. I especially love the scavenger hunt one!
My kids and hubby love camping in a tent… I prefer an RV. I need running water. lol
Love the printables you made. Perfect for the kiddos!!
I can’t wait to take my kids camping. My teen seems terrified at the thought, lol. That printable checklist will make it easy to remember everything!