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Around The Campfire, Issue #180 Part 1 of 6 camping Explored
February 01, 2010

Chilly winter camping ideas


The Official newsletter


from www.family-fun-camping.com

Issue # 18

February 2010



In this issue


  1. Introduction
  2. Section:I Camping the basics explored
  3. Section: II Fun Ideas for Kids
  4. Section: II Getting equipped for fun
  5. BonusResources and cool idea



Around the campfire


In this digital age it is not hard to find the value of taking a family camping trip, With the I Pods, fancy cell phones, hand held game systems ect.  keeping us busy we sometimes forget about the value of simple human interaction.

I am sure that some of your best memories’ from your childhood involve people not any particular object, this is why you need to find new and interesting ways to create family time. Leaving the everyday pace and normal routine behind can really change People’s outlook on life and provide that much needed chance to create lasting family memories’.

I believe the best idea is to have a trial run at a local campground or state park; this allows you to have the experience without the major time and financial investment. Your own back yard is a cool place to test out camping on the younger crowd, most kids will be much more comfortable sleeping in a tent in their own back yard than in a strange place.





Section I: Camping the basics explored


The most important idea that I can pass along to you is that ”You control all the detail’s it is very important that you fully understand this concept. I have told people that my family tent camps every summer and they look at me as if I am back woods red neck. The equipment available now is more refined  than what was available when we were kids, you will find all kind of gadgets and gear to help with every possiable aspect of camping.

You may even want to try renting an Rv for more comfort and amenities. I have even heard people say that it is not camping if you stay in an Rv, I recommend that you do what every keep’s your family happy and dry! Believe me tent camping is not for everyone.

The biggest benefit you are going to receive from camping is spending time as a  Family getting to actually spend time with your kids can really relieve family Stress and tension that has built up all year long. You set the pace so make sure you plan the major details and leave lots of room to improvise, this is a nice change every one will enjoy.

The value of camping is very simple Quality time as a FAMILY nothing can be more powerful than that. I recommend that you have the family research some places they have always wanted to see and plan to visit at least a couple of them as part of vacation.
My kids really enjoy themselves camping every summer, we find that after several days that really settles into a nice relaxed grove and have a great time just hanging out with Mom and Dad. You will need to be ready and equipped to reach this point, trust me cold hungry kids get real nasty fast!





Section II: Fun Ideas for Kids


The whole point of going camping with the kids is to have fun right so loosen up and try to let they have some fun letting your kids have some freedom could do wonders for their spirits. The set up and break of your campsite provides you the opportunity to let the kids help with thing they normally would not have a chance to.

Atom Entertainment (formerly AtomShockwave)

Some area(s) to consider are packing up the cloths, pillows or even clearing all the debris from the area the tent will be pitched in. The younger the camper the more important these opportunities become since they help build confidence and moral.

I did mention fun? so let the games begin! Nature hunts are a personal favorite of my campers and it is fun for us taller campers as well A quick idea is to combine this with searching for kindling for your campfire and you have fun and function combined. I Spy works really well in the woods since there are a lot of similar objects to choose from.

The best way to cool down and have fun is a water balloon fight! This is harmless fun that allows everyone to relax and cool off at the same time. You'll  find playing catch, badminton and Frisbee also can provide hours of family fun.

When you cook letting the kids help can actually be an activity and let them expand their comfort zone, make sure you keep things safe but interesting. There is always the time-honored classic such as roasting marshmallows and Smores to help keep every one happy.

You also can buy the kids an cheap camera so they can make their own scrapbook from the camping trip; this is a crafty idea that you can get many options from like gifts for grand parents, opportunities for custom calendars and so on.

Since we are talking about pictures, make sure you bring enough film, batteries ECT to capture all the fun memories to share and enjoy for years to come. I have learned the hard way to leave the camera on automatic so it can adjust the flash, shutter and leave you to catch the moment.

Be creative and design your own travel mugs  to help mom and dad survive those long car trips !



Section:III Getting equipped for fun


I stated in the last section that you need to be equipped to have fun and this is absolutely true. You have to choose the right equipment to have a successful camping trip; this does not mean that you have to spend a fortune on gear though
I can make a few recommendations that will help you make smart decisions.THE most important pieces of gear that you will need are:
  • Tent
  • Sleeping bags or air mattress’s
  • Quality cooler (2) 1 for meats and one for drinks
  • Cook stove or grill
  • Plates, bowls, and kitchen utensils’
  • Several good flash lights ( I recommend the wind up type)
  • extra batteries
  • First Aid Kit


This is a list of what I consider absolute most needed items  you will need to be comfortable with the basics of food and shelter, there are many more things  you may  need to bring along to keep your family safe and happy.

You may want to go to a local store and look at various options for gear , how ever when it comes time to buy consider shopping on line this can save you a ton of green. The size of your Truck or van will play a part in how much gear you buy, remember if your kids have to make room for the gear you over did it!

I recommend that you consider holding off buying certain items until you arrive (unless your in a rural area). You can use  the Internet and research  what stores are local to your campground and make the decision of what you can do without during the drive and buy those items after you set up.






Bonus: Resources and cool idea's

This is the the end of part 1 of 6 for the 2010 Around the campfire Ezine(s) I hope you have enjoyed the information and maybe even learned a thing or two, Next issue we will start  taking the first real step to creating an enjoyable camping Family  trip.

Look for these exciting topics next issue:

  • Reservations made simple
  • Choosing the RIGHT Campground
  • Avoiding planning pit falls
  • Master checklist(s) and Travel planner
  • Special Bonus for Mom's A making money online quick start guide for work at home moms (wahm's)
Here are some good ideas to help  outfit your next camping  trip:


Camping World


The North Face Logo


Atom Entertainment (formerly AtomShockwave)


Identity Direct

See you next month!
Thanks
Scott Stone
www.family-fun-camping.com



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