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Have you ever tried to pack for a camping trip, only to have your children continuously dragging out more and more toys, bikes, roller blades, and other unnecessary items for you to try and fit into your camper, car, pickup, or van? It's time for you to learn to say no. Your family recreation activities will go much smoother. You'll benefit greatly from exerting just a little bit of discipline and establishing some limits for your children.
Camping should be about family togetherness, hiking, swimming, fire-building, marshmallow roasting, and exploring science and nature in the forest. It should not be a relocation of Nintendos, Play-Stations, bikes, roller blades, and other toys from your home to the forest. Promise your children that you will see to it that they are not bored on your trip. Then, explain that this camping trip is not going to involve taking everything but the kitchen sink. Finally, do your homework, so that you can keep your promise.
Contact the area fish and game department near where you will be camping. Ask them what resources are available locally for educational and recreational opportunities for children and their families. Ask them if they have contact phone numbers for any other local agencies that provide educational and recreational camping services. These folks can be a great resource.
Be sure to ask them where the best wildlife viewing areas are, as well. These are the folks that know. Find out about fishing opportunities from them, too.
Call the park that you will be staying at and ask for an activities brochure. If they do not have one available, ask what type of camping activites are available for parents with children. Some parks have story hours that are great for kids from one to one hundred! Others provide minimal opportunities for organized recreation, but have great hiking trails. Find out what is special about this park. Maybe it has a beach with lots of agates. You can organize a rock hound day for your kids.
The main thing to remember is that you are in charge. It is therefore up to you to provide your children with fun choices of camping activities. Don't take them camping, just to play Nintendo in the RV! Help them to learn to enjoy the great outdoors. Hike. Swim. Canoe. Fish. Observe wildlife. Go on an organized plant walk.
Kids want to learn. It's their nature. They just want to be active and entertained, as well. Make your camping trip fun, and leave the extra packing behind!
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