Tent, sweet tent: Tips for a happy family camping trip

Always being cooped up indoors, under fluorescent lights, wired to gadgets and computers, and breathing A/C-supplied air can be somewhat fatiguing. For a change of pace, it can be fun to go camping with the family and experience fresh air, open spaces, and starry skies. Still, fun as the idea is, it can be rather overwhelming for beginners.

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But making a memorable happy camping trip doesn't need to be complicated as long as it's planned out carefully. For starters, it's best to book a campsite way ahead of time, especially if it's around long weekends or holidays, as they tend to fill up early. Involving all members of the family in choosing the camping location and as well as the stops along the way can ensure that each one has an activity to look forward to during the trip.

Before heading out it's imperative to have an accomplished checklist of things to bring such as tents, an ice chest, a first aid kit, headlamps, clothes, and sleeping bags, among others. To keep things organized, everything can be placed in plastic storage bins, so they're not strewn about in the car or campsite. Also, taking along a few garbage bags for trash or wet clothes can prove very useful.

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Food is a given, and it's imperative to make sure that all allergies and preferences are given attention to, to avoid any health or sharing problems along the way. Aside from food to eat on the campsite, keep some snacks and water for the drive and hikes.

Each task should be divided among family members to make the process quicker and easier to make sure that the trip is fun for everyone. Additionally, everyone should agree with activities beforehand. Some members might want "me time," and that should be okay as long as there's also time to spend with each other, especially mealtimes.

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Camping is great for bonding with the family and de-stressing between work and school. Spending time together and learning about each other away from home, school, and work may deepen the relationships. At the very least, it can be an interesting experience, being under the clear skies and within nature.

And, of course, no family outing is complete without a few photographs, so make sure there's at least one camera along on the trip!  

Dayna Hardin is glad she gets to experience the great outdoors often as owner of Lake of the Woods Camp in Decatur, Michigan. Visit this website to learn more about the perfect place for children to spend their summers communing with nature.