Whether you just haven’t had the opportunity to go camping as a family yet, you live in the city, to whatever the reason, this is a basic overview of how to camp with a kid for the very first time.

How to camp with a kid

Summer is here and most of you are considering going out camping, picnicking or just taking walks in the woods. If you are planning on taking your kid camping, there are some things you need to know, particularly if are a beginner camper.

Related: How to safely camp with a baby and enjoy your trip

You need to be well prepared before you go out to camp

Prepare the kid well before you go out to camp. One way you can do this is by during a ‘trial’ camping at home. Bring the tent out, pitch it in the back yard and let the kids know what to expect. It is also highly advisable to do this, particularly if your tent is new. You might get some rude surprises once you get to the camping ground only to realize that the tent cannot hold your family!

Build up their anticipation

If the kids are going out camping for the first time, start building their anticipation in advance. Let them know what to expect when they go out in the woods. Educate them on a number of things and answer their questions honestly. They will be ready and fired to go when the day comes.

Involve them in every step of the way

Let the kids get involved in every process from planning to execution of the camping process and trip. Listen to their opinions, preferences and plan accordingly. They will enjoy camping more, noting that they were part of the planning process.

Create a checklist and tick items off

A checklist will keep you in check to ensure that you carry everything you need for the trip. There’s a lot of stuff to pack when going camping with the kids and you might forget to pack everything if you do not have a checklist.  Tick off items as you accomplish them. This will keep your sanity in check, trust me.

Bring toys and games for the kids

You may carry toys for the kids so that they do not lose total connection from the world they are familiar with these toys will also keep them entertained when you are tired and do not feel like engaging them too much.

Related: 10 easy ways to keep toddlers entertained at a campsite

Give them responsibilities and chores

Even before you go out to camp, give your kids specific roles and responsibilities.  For instance, you can have one kid look out for specific species of birds, and another kid can keep look out for worms. Give them soft chores around the camp, such as helping you pitch the tent, collecting firewood for the campfire and fetching clean water in small buckets.

Prepare for the games on the camp

You need to be well set with various games and activities that you will undertake with your kids when you go camping. Create these games before you leave so that you can have an easier time. Prepare scavenger hunts, flag hunts, kites, rock climbing and other games. You can also carry board and mind games to play around the camp.

Be their guide

Keep educating them on a number of things you may find in the camp ground or around the woods. You can let them guess the names of the birds and animals you encounter and correct or applaud them accordingly.

There is so much to do when camping with your kid. Depending on where you go camping, you can make the experience a custom one for you and your kid. Enjoy!