Specifications

EMMA GEORGE
ON TENTING IT WITH KIDS
Taking the kids bush, sleeping in a tent and forgoing life’s
creature comforts may be a daunting prospect for some but
camping is one of the most rewarding and fun activities you
can do with your kids. Camping provides the ideal opportunity
to get the family outdoors, away from computers and internet,
allowing kids to star in their own adventures, interact with
nature and create lifelong memories.
If you are new to camping, don’t panic as getting away for
a couple of days is actually pretty easy, with a bit of forward
planning and the right equipment you can be sleeping under
the stars and sitting around a campfire with ease. In regard
to equipment, you don’t necessarily have to spend a fortune
the first time you go camping. It is important to gauge if
your family enjoys it before spending hundreds of dollars on
expensive gear you may only use a couple of times. A tent is
a prerequisite (bought or borrowed) plus some sleeping gear
with a few kitchen essentials and you are almost there. Once
you have the basic set up, then camping trips become a very
low cost holiday and if your kids are like mine, one of their
favourites.
Planning is an integral part of a successful trip and it’s
necessary to consider location, weather and facilities then
pack accordingly. You don’t want to camp in the middle of
winter without enough bedding and warm clothes or expect to
have cooking facilities then arrive at your chosen spot to find
you have no means to cook dinner.
When out camping, its a great opportunity to
slow down and spend quality time together.
Left: Rain often means mud and fun – don’t forget those
extra clothes!
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