This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, INC. and The Coca-Cola Company, all opinions are mine alone. #SnackHonestly #CollectiveBias Here I’m sharing 7 Essentials for Camping with Kids.

I’m outnumbered ya’ll. It’s the craziest thing. I have two sisters and I grew up in a house of women. Yet, here I am, in a home surrounded by males. Gone are the days of pedicures and getting my nails done at the salon. My boys (my husband included) love the call of the WILD.  This means, that as a family, we spend quite a bit of time outdoors camping.

7 Essentials for Camping with Kids

My favorite thing about camping? Making a connection as a family. When you’re outdoors without the distractions of home life, you’ll cuddle more, tell stories, play games, and explore nature. If you haven’t tried camping, I think you’ll find it’s an incredibly rewarding way to spend time together as a family.

Now, I must admit, I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about camping initially, but if you follow these 7 Essentials for Camping with Kids you’ll find it a whole lot easier to love.

1. Wear the right clothes. Early on, my husband taught me that cotton is one of the worst things you can wear. It collects moisture and does not do a great job of keeping you warm. I wear a wicking undershirt, polypropylene top, zip-off pants, and proper hiking boots when we go camping. Oh, and of course, my favorite pink fleece jacket. I make sure my kids have similar clothing.
2. Prepare the kids ahead of time. By talking to the boys about what to expect, it makes the transition easier for all of us. When we’re camping, we’re not going to get to take all the comforts of home with us. To get my kids ready, I created this fun Camping Printable Pack. It has 20 Activities for Kids and it’s a great way to kick off a discussion about what to expect on a camping trip. I always try to focus on the parts that are fun and I de-emphasize things like no bathrooms or showers (oh wait, my boys actually LIKE that part!) Click the yellow button to get your printable pack.  Download the 27 Page Printable Pack with 20 Camping Activities for Kids. 

   

3. Pack the right food. When you go camping, you’ll want to focus on non-perishable foods. Depending upon your camping style (in a camper or a tent) you may not have a place to refrigerate items. I like to pack a combination of fruit and non-perishable foods. I love the flavor of Lorissa’s Kitchen Korean Barbeque Beef. It’s a tender, high protein snack that’s low in carbs, low in fat, has no MSG, no preservatives and is gluten-free. I pair it with Honest Tea® Organic Honey Green Tea. It’s just a tad sweet, and it’s only 90 calories a bottle. It’s the perfect grown-up snack. For the kids, I pack loads of fruit, dried fruit, water, and other crunchy snacks. Earn $1.00 cash back when you purchase Honest Tea and Lorissa’s Kitchen together at Walmart.
4. Always bring a camera. I have seen so many different wild animals while camping. Squirrel, deer, birds, and even elk. Even if all you can bring is your phone, make sure you leave room on it for pretty pictures. Between the natural beauty all around us, and the expressions of delight on my kids’ faces, I’ve got loads of great photos from our camping trips. I’ve included a collection of a few of my favorite wild animal sightings below.
5. Play it safe with your campfire. My husband is in charge of the campfire. And we’re always coaching the kids through fire-safety. Only start a fire in a well-ventilated area far away from tree branches. Make sure the area is free of debris that could catch fire. Teach the kids to never run or play near a fire. When you’re finished, always douse the fire with water from a nearby stream and ensure every ember is out. 
6. Bring the right gear. If you enjoy tent-camping, I highly recommend a six man tent, sleeping bags, thermarest pads, lantern, camp chairs, portable propane grill, bug spray, headlamps, hydration pack, pocket knife, folding saw to cut firewood, and for camping with kids, you can’t live without wet wipes. Affiliate links included for your convenience.
7. Let your extended family know where you’ll be. It’s always a good idea to let family members know where you’ll be camping. Wildfires do happen, and sometimes crazy weather can move in. By letting others know where you are, you can ensure someone knows where to look for you in the event of a natural disaster. These things rarely happen, but it’s always a good idea to have others in the know.

It is a crazy busy life to be a mom of two boys. During the warmer months, we’re out and about camping as often as we can be. But I would not have it any other way. Some of our best family memories are the ones we’ve made exploring the great outdoors.

Where to find Lorissa’s Kitchen and Honest Tea

You can find everything you need for your next camping trip, at least from a food perspective, at Walmart. I found the Honest Tea where bottled teas are displayed, and I found the Lorissa’s Kitchen products at the front check-out line.

Plus, don’t miss this special Ibotta offer: Earn $1.00 cash back with the purchase of the following combo, exclusive at Walmart.

• Lorissa’s Kitchen™ Premium Protein Snacks – Any variety – 2.25 oz. bag

• Honest Tea® – Any variety – Single bottle only
  • Both products must be purchased on the same receipt to receive credit for this rebate.

 

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Share your Tips for Camping Fun

How do you prepare for camping trips? Have any tips to share for teaching kids how to enjoy the great outdoors? As a mom of two boys, I am always looking out for great ideas! Please leave a comment below and join the conversation. I love hearing from my readers.

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