camping {with kids}

Last summer, I took off a few day to take my kiddos camping. Unfortunately, Handyman had to work. I've never gone camping without him before, and our last trip was cut short by an unhappy camper -this little guy-so even though we went with friends, I was still a little bit nervous.

don't be scared, go camping!

camping with kids: easy meals and activities

Lucky, I when I'm nervous I tend to over-prepare, and those preparations came in nice and handy on this trip.

ACTIVITY PREPARATIONS
One of my favorite aspects about camping is that the kids love being outdoors and playing in nature. And for us, that means lots of imaginative play and few structured activities. However, for those moments when their creativity is running low, there's been on too many squabbles about freezer tag rules, we've already been to the beach, taken our daily hike, or no one wants to ride bikes anymore, an activity bucket comes in handy.

The activity bucket doesn't have to be elaborate, in fact the simpler the better. (Remember, you'll be camping, so be emotionally ready to loose or damage anything you pack.)

I filled a plastic bucket with an oversized checkers set, pick-up sticks, crayons & coloring books, creative clay, embroidery floss for friendship bracelets, water balloons, and simple puzzles that I made from cutting up cardboard cereal boxes. We were camping with kids from newborn to 12, so having a variety of activities was important. Fill yours to suit your needs and preferences.

Of course when you're camping you have to eat. Our camp site had a little country store that sold ice and a few groceries like milk, so it was easy to keep our perishables cool and food safe. I did plan to eat the fresh food first, then progress to more pre-fab foods.

MEAL PREPARATIONS
Dishes

• silverware
• plates
• cups
• tablecloth and clips
• chef's knife
• cutting board
• mixing bowl & spoon
• cast iron skillet
• dish soap, dish pan, & towels

MENU-Day 1
Breakfast
eggs catastrophe
homemade cinnamon rolls
fresh fruit

Lunch
peanut butter & jelly sandwiches
fresh veggies
store bought chips &cookies

Dinner
tin foil dinner {meatballs, green beans, onions, carrots, onion soup mix}
s'mores & popcorn


MENU-Day 2
Breakfast
zucchini bread muffins
fresh fruit
eggs

Lunch
peanut butter & jelly sandwiches
fresh veggies
store bought chips &cookies

Dinner
chicken skewers with peppers, onions, pineapple
s'mores & popcorn

MENU-Day 3
Breakfast
pancakes with maple syrup & hashbrowns
fresh fruit
eggs

Lunch
peanut butter & jelly sandwiches
fresh veggies
store bought chips &cookies

Dinner
hotdogs & canned baked beans, fresh fruit platter
s'mores & popcorn


MENU-Day 4
Breakfast
oatmeal & hot chocolate

Pack up and go home!

Packing & Prep Ideas
Prep all your meals at home. for the above menu I:

• baked the zucchini bread muffins
• baked the cinnamon rolls (make and drizzle the icing on site)
• assembled the tin foil dinners
• assembled the chicken skewers
• assembled the eggs catastrophe (minus the eggs, add on site)
• chopped all the lunch veggies
• cut the breakfast fruit

Preparing and packing for a camping trip can be a lot of up front work, but once you get to your destination and are all set, it becomes all worth it when you can set back relax and enjoy the surroundings.

Plus, then you can get fun photos like this of your children.

 

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