Memorial Day Weekend is just around the corner, and families across the country will be looking for fun and exciting ways to create some summer family memories. As two busy attorneys, Chris Kaminski and Amy C Marshall relish the time they get to spend together with family. One of their favorites activities to enjoy with their family is camping as Alabama has plentiful picturesque campgrounds. Knowing that some parents may envision camping with the kids as more of a hassle than a vacation, Chris Kaminski and Amy C Marshall will offer some tips for families new to camping.
Chris Kaminski and Amy C Marshall recommend introducing kids to camping by setting up a tent in the backyard on a warm night. If a clear backyard space isn’t available, a living room tent will also work. One of the ways to make it a fun and engaging experience is to lay out duffel bags for the kids to pack. When making a list of items for a kid to pack, Chris Kaminski and Amy C Marshall recommend including a special snack and a favorite blanket or stuffed animal to relieve any trepidations a child is having about their first camping experience.
When visiting a campground, certain amenities may appeal more to your family than most. For instance, Chris Kaminski and Amy C Marshall love visiting Alabama camping grounds that provide access to beaches and swimming areas. Other camping areas will prioritize access to tennis courts or playgrounds. Parents with first-time campers may also want to ensure that the campground they are visiting still has hot showers and working toilets nearby.
As we live in the digital age, Chris Kaminski and Amy C Marshall understand the struggle parents face when phones or tablets are unavailable and complaints of boredom are right around the corner. Most camping grounds will have bulletin boards that map out everything from the location of easy hiking nature trails to phone numbers for boat or bike rentals. Parents should bring a few family friendly board games or crayons and coloring books to help their kids stay engaged.
Regarding practical advice, Amy C Marshall and Chris Kaminski recommend packing all kitchen supplies, tents, clothes, and sleeping bags in separate compartments. Clear plastic bins can make life much easier upon arrival at the campgrounds. The less time spent rummaging through a bag in search of something, the more time can be spent enjoying the great outdoors with your loved ones. Also, while packing, utilize a checklist. There’s a lot of unnecessary stress that can come with forgetting sunscreen or a pair of socks. Another piece of essential packing advice is always having enough clothes to dress the kids in layers. The temperature will fluctuate throughout the day, and no one wants to be cold while camping.
Putting safety first is essential. Layout parameters right away on where kids can roam and why they need a parent before hitting a trail or playing near the water. It’s never a bad idea to dress kids in bright colors and equip them with a portable headlight or a glowstick at night.
One of the best ways to implement a lifelong love of the great outdoors in a child is to make sure they are included in as many activities throughout the process as possible. Sure, preparing meals or setting up a tent on your own may be easier, but involving the kids will keep them engaged. Be sure to maintain a positive attitude, and the kids will follow your lead. Kids who camp can also develop a curiosity regarding nature. Chris Kaminski and Amy C Marshall note that camping provides many teaching opportunities. From leading a scavenger hunt to find the most bug species to showing a child the difference between different plants, kids can understand first-hand why littering is detrimental to the homes of these creatures they see in their natural habitat.
No matter how much a family prepares for camping, not everything will go according to plan. Chris Kaminski and Amy C Marshall recommend embracing the unknown and understanding that every trip is a learning experience. Jot down notes of what was learned at the end of every camping trip and use them for future family excursions.
