Specifications

EMMA GEORGE
ON TENTING IT WITH KIDS
Planning your trip
Location: Work out how far you want to drive,
where you want to camp such as bush, river or
beach. For first time campers, I would suggest
something closer to home with facilities as
you don’t need to pack or purchase as much
equipment. National Park campgrounds are a
good start as they are generally well maintained
and often have rangers nearby.
Weather: It is imperative to pack according to
weather conditions. When it is hot, camping can
be arduous if there is no water to cool off in. If it
is winter and rainy, ensure you have packed tarps
for shelter and plenty of clothes for the kids.
Facilities: There are a lot of great campsites
these days that have communal camp kitchens
providing essentials such as gas cookers, lighting,
running water and even kitchen sinks. This is a
great place to start because you don’t have to
purchase or bring as much equipment. Toilets are
generally provided (they may be composting) but
they do make life easier, especially when you
have kids.
Equipment: Once you have your gear (bought
or borrowed), ensure you know how it all works
before you leave home. Practice setting up
your tent in the back yard and even sleep a
night in it with the kids. Make sure you take a
well-stocked first aid kit and check torches, pack
spare batteries, cooking equipment and sleeping
arrangements – do you need an air pump for
your mattress? Once you are fairly comfortable
with the logistics, it is time to think about exactly
what you need to pack. Again this will depend
on your location and the facilities, duration of trip
and the distance from the nearest shop.
The three main prerequisites are the same it has
been for centuries - food, shelter and water. The
simpler the approach, the easier it is to pack, set
up and maintain camp. For a few days with the
kids, simple meals are easiest. That means more
time for spotlighting at night, less dishes for the
kids to wash and more fun.
A good quality esky with ice will suffice for a few
days and once you catch the camping bug, save
your pennies for an Engel fridge.
Always bring sufficient amounts of water for
drinking, cooking and washing. If there is water
available, play it safe and still carry drinking
water.
Camping provides the opportunity to spend
quality time with our children, get away from
the household chores, watch the stars, enjoy the
tranquillity and have time to do the simple things
together and bond as a family. It’s been proven
that children who experience nature are happier
and healthier. When in the bush, kids can have
free range to climb trees and the freedom to
explore.
So take the plunge, get that tent and put aside a
weekend. If you forget a few things, remember
them for next time but most importantly pack a
sense of fun and adventure.
10 tips for successful camping with kids
1. Get kids involved with planning and packing
2. Make a list as you don’t want to forget
something when you are miles away from home
and shops
3. Know where you are going and arrive in
daylight hours
4. Pick a level site away from water gullies if rain
is forecast
5. Have children help with setting up camp, it
gives them a sense of responsibility and they will
get better and more helpful each time
6. Leave electronic games and iPads at home, let
kids create their own games as camping is about
discovering outdoors
7. Stay calm, even when the tent is wet and
falling down – it’s all part of the experience
8. Try not to over plan and overschedule, it’s
meant to be relaxing
9. Let kids explore, climb trees and get muddy –
that’s what camping is all about
10. Bring a torch for everyone as night walks and
hide and seek in the dark are a highlight.
Emma George
A good quality esky is a great
investment as it can be used at
home as well as out camping.
Never too young to start
camping, Austin at just
8-weeks-old experienced
his first campfire and
sleeping in a tent.
Million dollar views for a fraction of the price,
although the baths are a little small.
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