FIRST CAMPOUT WITH YOUR FAMILY: MAKE IT A WINNER!

If your family has a long history of camping and is totally outdoor savvy, then you need read no further. But if your children haven’t been camping before and you’d like to take them, there are some important points to take into consideration.

Much as we would like it to be otherwise, many of our children have become indoor creatures. They don’t play outside unless they’re playing an organized sport. It seems that old-fashioned free play is a bit of a dinosaur these days. There are some good reasons for this, one of them being safety; it’s often not safe for children to play unsupervised in their neighborhoods. The indoor trend is also the result of technology. All our computers, video games and other screened entertainments occupy children without challenging them to physical activity.

So there we are, with children unused to the outdoors. That said, there are so many good reasons to get out into nature, learning about the flora and fauna of an area, relaxing in the company of family and friends and building healthier bodies and minds. As you begin to think about a camping trip, you’ll want to plan ahead.

Camping Close to Home with Established Facilities

A first-time venture probably should be relatively close to home and shouldn’t be overly challenging in terms of comfort and endurance. It might be best to choose a place with bathrooms and showers. After all, you want the children to have a good time and a Spartan trip, especially if the weather doesn’t cooperate, will only ensure that it’s the last trip for your children. When you’ve found a suitable place, be sure to include some bona fide camping experiences such as day hikes, fishing, boating and the traditional evening campfire where allowed.

Camping in a tent requires a fair amount of gear, so the preparation curve can be tough if you don’t have camping gear or can borrow from a friend. Rather than investing in a tent, air mattresses, sleeping bags, etc., you can rent a complete gear kit from your local sporting goods store. Renting an RV or campervan can ease the learning curve. These “homes on wheels” keep you warm and dry no matter the weather and provide comforts a tent cannot.

Reserve Camping Spots in Advance

Some campgrounds require reservations. Check campgrounds online to ascertain whether they are first come first served or require reservations. Be sure to arrive at the campground area as early in the day as possible. It’s no fun trying to set up camp in the dark!

Camping is free anywhere you would like to stop in the Trinity National Forest, but permanent campgrounds with facilities with amenities are often first- come, first served. (Again, arriving early in the day is best to snag a camping spot.) California State Parks have 20 first-come, first-served campgrounds, and California’s 18 national forests have hundreds of first-come, first-served sites.Make a Pack List, Prepare for the Drive

Taking some time to plan for this first camping adventure will pay dividends. First, plan activities for the drive. A small game to play in the car or games such as “find the license plate” will keep children occupied during the drive and avoid the “Are we there yets?” See page 10 for examples.

Plan quick and easy meals and include disposable plates and cups, etc. If you really want to be more “green,” then make the cooking and cleanup including washing up dishes part of the fun. Perhaps there could be partners, one adult and one child responsible for each meal.

Remember how much fun the evening campfires can be with songs, stories and special treats like s’mores. Some of the larger campgrounds have park rangers who will lead daytime activities or have evening slideshows and talks. Check the park website for scheduled ranger talks and programs and any other details, notices or alerts. Be prepared if the weather turns bad. Simple rainwear can be a lifesaver as well as games and activities to do inside the tent if necessary.

Enjoy Every Minute of Your Family Camping Experience

When you’ve done all your planning, be sure to take along plenty of enthusiasm. Children will pick up on the fun if you are eager and ready to have fun too. No matter what happens, a positive attitude can turn even a “downturn” into an adventure.

Be creative – maybe you’ll see some wildlife or catch a trout or spot a certain bird or butterfly. This is also a great time to share your areas of expertise. Do you know all about wildflowers or can you teach the children how to paddle a canoe?

Leave No Trace

Teach your children to respect the environment and natural surroundings by example. Leave your camp as clean or cleaner than how you found it. Make a game of who can find the most pieces of trash as you prepare to leave camp and head home. Don’t throw food or food waste on the ground or in the bushes. Put it in park garbage receptacles or take it home with you. Food waste is not good for animals and it attracts wasps.

Now you’re all set. Kids are certain to enjoy the camping event and all the stories and memories of their first camping experience.

Jan Pierce, M.Ed., is a retired teacher and freelance writer. You can find her at http://www.janpierce.net

A picture is worth a thousand words! These photos are the winners from our online family camping photo contest. Enjoy!

Young Redding resident Fauna Kirk enjoys a cuddle with her father, Oden, at Stoney Meadows in Big Bend, OR, on Fauna’s first camping trip.

L to R: Cameron, Kate and 2-year-old Azlin Ellis enjoy an evening campfire at Mill Creek Resort. Photo by Courtney at Bright Side Photography.

Anderson youths Hayden, 9; Natalya, 11; and Aria, 9, got silly and had a blast during Overnight Camp at NorCal Petting Zoo.

7-year-old Hope Wade of Susanville, already an accomplished and confident fisher, casts her line at Eagle Lake.

Harper, 7 and Khaleesi,10, of Cottonwood, relax with their canine camping companion, Trixie, in their family tent trailer at Hat Creek.

Simran Wraich’s fondest camping memory was when she was able to treat her mother, who raised her as a single mom, to her dream vacation. “She always talked about wanting to go to Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort,” Simran says. “I made that dream a reality and we had the best time!”

KODAK Digital Still Camera

Quick and Easy Meals for Campers

English Muffin Pizzas: Use English muffins, squeezable pizza sauce and shredded mozzarella. Toast muffin halves on oiled grill. Turn over and spread with sauce, cheese and any toppings your family enjoys. Serve when the cheese melts.

Grilled PBJ: This one is a cinch. Choose a hearty bread and be generous with the fillings. Butter on both sides and toast on your grill. They’ll stick to your ribs.

Coffee Can Stew: Cut stew meat into small pieces. Place meat in a clean coffee can with 2 tablespoons of butter. Brown meat over the fire. Add red potatoes, baby carrots and onions with 2 tablespoons more butter and add a little water or broth. Cover with foil and place in the fire for 20 minutes.

Banana Boats: Slit unpeeled bananas lengthwise without cutting through. Fill the opening with mini marshmallows and chocolate chips. Sprinkle with brown sugar, wrap in foil and place either on a grill or in the coals of your fire. They’re ready in just seven minutes.

Eggs in a Hat: You may want a change from morning cereal or pancakes. Try this fun recipe. Grease a hot griddle. Cut a hole in pieces of bread using a cup or glass. Toast the bread on both sides and crack an egg in the hole. When the egg is solid, flip the bread. Top with a slice of your favorite cheese and a slice of ham. Serve when cheese is nicely melted.

Hobo Dinner: Shred or slice potatoes and carrots. Add some sliced zucchini (optional). Mix ground beef or pork with some onions and garlic and make patties. For each person, fill the center of a large sheet of aluminum foil with vegetables and meat side by side. Sprinkle all ingredients with salt and pepper. Sprinkle veggies with onion and garlic powder. Fold ends and fold top to make a sealed packet. Place on a grill or coals. Turn after about 20 minutes. Dinner will be ready when you can hear the contents sizzling. To add corn on the cob to the meal, leave corn in husks and lay on cooler coals, turning as husks brown. It only takes a few minutes to cook the corn to tender yumminess.