As someone who is simply in awe of nature and its extraordinary miracles, I can vouch for the fact that camping with your kids is a brilliant weekend getaway plan! We have been indulging in camping ever since our kids were old enough. Remember, the sooner you begin, the higher are the chances of your kid growing up loving the outdoors.
When our family is camping, nobody exhibits as much enthusiasm, excitement, and anticipation as the kids. More than an adventure, they look at the whole thing as an opportunity to bond with us when we’re not working, texting, or otherwise preoccupied. With that, it is also thoroughly important to have a comprehensive set of camping rules for when you’re with kids!
As your source for all kid-related dish, I’ve compiled a list of our camping rituals that are applicable for all age groups!
- No eating inside the tent. The room inside a tent is tight enough as it is without having revolting critters gracing you with their presence in search of food! Trust me, you don’t want to be looking for a Cheetoh or cookie inside a fully-packed tent. Instil the fear of creepy species in your kids, it worked like a charm on ours.
- Establish boundaries. Kids love to wander, so whether you are creating your campsite footprints with markers such as ‘past the eating spot’, or building a makeshift fence, ensure that they know that staying within boundaries is non-negotiable. We attached strings to trees and posts to create a fence, which was quite effective.
- Respect the campfire. Burning mishaps are disastrous enough as it is, you don’t want to experience one in the woods, where there is a considerable lack of cellphone service and doctors! Fun activities and games are an excellent way to keep kids busy in camps.
- Water zone is a danger zone! Unless you’re with parents. Kids look at a lake and the next thing you know, they want to jump right into it! Ensuring you’re with them when that happens is the only way to have some water fun while keeping them safe. Additionally, you can incorporate water activities in your daily routines, so they’re less tempted.
- Camp tools are not for playing! It is important for kids to understand that tools like knives and axes are a strict No-No. To involve them with a tinge of creativity, you can enlist their help in digging the perimeter of the firepit or give them the safer tools like water pails.
- Camp chores are for everyone. Yes, make it an established rule before the trip. While parents are busy taking care of the smallest details at camps, kids should be kept busy through chores. It also gives your camp an edge and ensures more safety. My eldest typically is on trash disposal duty, much to his chagrin.
- Always wear shoes in camp! One misstep in the woods and get ready to say hello to nasty cuts and scrapes, accompanied by panic screams and frenzied tears! Greater chances of wounds getting infected outdoors unless you’re never barefoot.
- Wear your whistle or have it on you, at all times! This rule should also be a non-negotiable since kids are prone to getting lost in the split second that parents are distracted! Believe me, I am a paranoid mother, so it is easier for me to relax when I know my kids have their whistles with them in case they lose their way!
- Avoid wild food like berries and mushrooms! Kids literally have no filters when it comes to food, and as much as wild food can seem similar to their counterparts found in supermarkets and stores, it is essential for them to understand they cannot be consumed. Fun tip – carry an antibiotic and painkiller in your medical kit.
You can use all of these or cherry-pick the suitable ones most relevant for your family!
I also invite you to share a few camping rules for kids with me in the comments section.
