Camping - Yep We Do...

Camping. 

You either do or don't. 

We do enjoy camping.

As a child growing up my family camped often. I have some wonderful memories of my cousins and brother while camping. The joy and freedom it allowed us was wonderful. One thing I wish is that I had better memories of my parents interacting with us while camping. I'm sure they did however as a child I guess that wasn't something that mattered -- however now it would be nice too.

My husband never camped until he joined ROTC in Jr high. 

We have been camping for a few years with our kiddos. We really enjoy the bonding time it creates for us. No electronic devices are allowed while camping. One big family rule that you should consider having! To me the hardest thing about camping is packing it all. Then re-checking to make sure you have it all. We tent camp. We don't have the money for a camper and we have still enjoyed camping greatly. We normally just go for 2 nights at a time because that's all we enjoy lol. 

 I try to plan meals that the kids have requested. Normally an every time request:

SMORES

HOT DOGS

POTATOES

 ((See hotdogs & potatoes!! lol))

Funny how I already know to have these on hand! Cooking poses a challenge for me having to cook PKU for DS1's diet but we manage and he's never went hungry or refused to eat! 

We enjoy the nature all around us while camping. There is nothing like sitting around the fire telling stories or jokes with the kids. We watch the sky and enjoy the awesome nature sounds. While I have a particular daughter(the only one I have lol) that kinda gets freaked out at the sounds some times. She is always certain to make sure she has her own flashlight packed! Nature is a wonderful and every changing thing to explore. We love taking walks or just looking around the site for whats new and neat. My favorite thing is to look at the night sky laying in our tent. Our tent has an opening in the top and its perfect for star gazing!!

Always on our list:

Food - of various kind - snacks and I normally cook desserts before we head out and bag up for ease.

Equipment - Cooking Stove, Lanterns, Sleeping bags, Tent, Picnic tote, chairs, fire wood and last but not least we always take fishing poles if there is a place provided.

Enjoyable take a longs - Balls of all sorts, bikes, books, coloring books, magnifying glass and critter cage. 

Clothing - Always a jacket or sweater. Pants and shorts. Tennis shoes(no flip flops or sandals allowed).

The pictures are from our latest camping trip last month.

See what others from the Schoolhouse Review Team are saying about camping this summer here.