Mar 13 2008
Sleeping Bags Catalog
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Mar 13 2008
Be Prepared: The Motto for Any Successful Camping Trip
Ok, so you have decided to take your family on an RV camping trip. You went with your parents when you were little and the memories you have are of catching your first wide-mouthed bass and swimming in a cold lake. You want to give your children memories that they can hold on to forever, and you hope that someday they pass on the same traditions.
Being prepared (remember your boy or girl scout training) is the best way you can ensure your family has fun and does not spend too much time running around for forgotten items. Remember that you will probably be in a remote area in the middle of the woods. Once you get to your destination it will be difficult to find items such as forgotten medication or even basic first aid supplies. Nothing will ruin your camping vacation faster than having to spend time looking for an all night pharmacy or grocery store.
So, where do you start?
My suggestion is to start by having each member of the family write down a list of items they want to bring on the family adventure. This can include anything, because as the parent, you reserve the right to veto any unnecessary or ridiculous items that are on the list. Encourage your children to write down items that they will need such as sleeping bags, pillows and games. This will give your children a lesson in being prepared and allow them to have a say in what they bring on vacation.
Once you have your children focused on their lists, as the parents, you get the task of listing all the items you need to meet the basic needs of the family. Yes, you can add your hostess cupcakes to the list, but make sure that you also include the items your family will need to get through the length of your vacation.
A solid checklist includes categories such as: Clothing, Cooking Utensils, Food, Outdoor Furniture, Games, First Aid/Medication, Tools, and Fire Starting Supplies. What you need will depend on the length of your trip, the weather of the area you are visiting, and whether you will be sleeping in a tent or an RV.
Even after all this careful planning, it is still likely that you will forget something. Decide if you can live without the item and if you can, forget about it. The last thing you want your children to remember about the trip is how mom or dad couldn’t stop talking about the matching plastic dishes that were bought special. Forget about it and have fun.
Feb 29 2008
Alps Mountaineering Catalog
Alps Mountaineering Catalog
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