Camping: Exciting Activities That Must Be Done with Children

Camping is an outdoor activity that has many benefits, especially for relieving stress from daily routines. It is not only for adults but also for children. For parents, they can even teach many things to their children through camping, such as how to plan something and introducing them to outdoor activities.

Camping in the open air can even increase children's sensitivity to the environment. If you want to go camping with your child, the planning must be thorough. Starting from preparing equipment, food supplies, to the child's physical condition so they can have fun properly.

So, what are the things that need to be prepared before camping with children? Check out the following explanation regarding the preparation of equipment, food supplies, clothing, and what should be avoided when camping with children.

Camping Equipment that Must Be Prepared

When talking about camping, it is certainly associated with cold weather. The difference in facilities used, such as sleeping at home with a mattress, blanket, and the freedom to go back and forth to the bathroom, makes camping a bit uncomfortable. However, who doesn't love camping in a natural setting that can relieve stress after a week of work?

For those of you who already have children, you can still go camping. The difference is that when camping with children, you must pay more attention to their needs compared to camping alone where you can bring anything.

Essentially, the camping gear that needs to be brought is the same, such as tents, sleeping bags, and jackets. However, the materials of these supplies must also be considered to ensure that the child stays warm and comfortable.

Even if the camping location is a comfortable campsite, not on a mountain, it is important to pay attention to the tent with a double layer so that when the wind blows strongly, it won't be a problem for the child.

Some camping sites do rent out camping equipment, but bringing a personal sleeping bag for the child is also necessary. This is to ensure that the sleeping bag is hygienic for the child to use, not a used one from someone else. Bringing an extra jacket and a warm blanket is also essential to keep the child warm. Make sure they don't get cold and then become fussy. Also, try to bring your own mat, avoid renting from rental places to ensure cleanliness.

A lamp is also a must-have because children are usually afraid of the dark. So, when night falls, it can be turned on to assure them that activities remain fun and safe for them.

Essential Items to Bring When Camping with Children

For those of you bringing children under five years old, the first item to pay attention to is diapers. Stock up on diapers so that when they need to urinate, you don't have to go back and forth to the bathroom, and the child's hygiene is maintained.

Bring toys that can soothe their fussiness. Stuffed animals, toy cars, favorite pillows, and favorite blankets, anything that can make them comfortable during this outdoor activity.

Wet wipes are the next essential item to bring. The cold atmosphere in the morning and evening makes wet wipes a good alternative to water, so when the child needs to urinate or defecate, they can be cleaned with wet wipes, even for cleaning themselves when they wake up.

Food needs are usually what confuses parents when camping with children. The child's favorite snacks can be a good alternative to bring as much as possible to satisfy their hunger. However, heavy meals are still a basic necessity for the child. You can bring a portable stove plus simple cooking equipment like a small frying pan and pot. Adjust the food ingredients you bring according to what you plan to cook. So, before heading to the camping site, ask the child what they want to eat so that the ingredients can be prepared well.

Water needs must also be considered. If the child still consumes formula milk, don't forget to bring warm water in a thermos in sufficient quantity.

What to Avoid When Camping with Children

Worrying that the child will be cold, afraid of the dark, or feeling hungry is normal when camping with your little one. However, don't let these fears limit the child from exploring nature on their own.

When deciding to camp outdoors with your little one, you surely know what the purpose is? Allowing them to connect with nature and themselves is the main goal. So, avoid bringing electronic devices like phones or tablets under the pretext of entertaining them. Instead, introduce them to the environment. Engage them in conversations about their feelings during camping to strengthen the bond between parent and child.

Prepare all necessities before arriving at the camping site. Don't rely on renting camping equipment from the rental services provided at the campsite. It may be simpler, but cleanliness is not guaranteed for the child because it may have been used by others. Moreover, when everything is prepared well in advance, it will bring peace of mind, right?

As we all know, children's moods can be unpredictable. When they are sleep-deprived, they might throw tantrums. So, pay attention to this so that when the child feels uncomfortable and starts crying, you can immediately know how to handle it.

Getting dirty is a normal part of outdoor activities and cannot be avoided. Don't keep trying to maintain the child's cleanliness and limit their activities at the campsite. Playing in the outdoor area will likely get them muddy, and wading will certainly expose them to dirty water and fishy smells, but that is not the main issue. They can still bathe and clean themselves afterward. So, there's no need to worry!

Benefits of Camping with Children

The benefits of camping are certainly numerous for children. From training their sensitivity to open environments, building confidence in nature, to getting them used to being away from gadgets.

At the campsite, it is not just you and your family setting up tents. Many people do the same, and many of them also bring children. So, don't hesitate to introduce your child to those around them. Let them socialize with others, which will benefit them in how they interact socially.

Camping will certainly create exciting memories for children. They can learn to explore their environment and themselves. Conversations with them about doing fun things on their own. Parents can control activities while camping, but let them also learn on their own.

So, are you ready to camp with your little one, Mom and Dad?

Author: Nisa Maulan Shofa