With the summer season in full swing and kids out of school many families will be heading out for a little family camping fun over the next couple of months.  When I was growing up we used to camp all the time.  I have some great childhood memories from those camping trips.  Now that I am a mom I have a new found respect for how my mom was able to pull it all off.  We haven’t camped with our 7 month old daughter yet, but I’m sure we will at some point.  Just getting ready to go to a friend’s house for the afternoon requires quite the planning and packing, I can’t imagine the organization required for a whole weekend of camping!  I think my motto for camping is the same as for anything with kids, be prepared.

Here are some great tips for making that camping adventure a great one no matter what age your children are:

6 months to 2 years: probably one of the more difficult ages, but still very doable and fun.

• Diapers are the big challenge.  Bring as many as you need plus some, especially if you will not be close to a store.  Be sure to remember enough garbage bags to accommodate your disposable diapers if that is what you use.
• Make sure you have a tent that is big enough to provide for a sleeping area for your baby.  Plus all the baby gear you will need at your finger tips.
• Bring lots of toys and blankets so you can set your baby up with a little play area.
• Don’t forget to pack the baby sunscreen and bug lotion.  A sure way to ruin any family fun is to have a baby who is overheated, sunburned, and bug bitten.
• If you plan on doing any hiking don’t forget to bring your backpack carrier if you have one (of if your baby is still little, your front carrier).
• If your baby is eating solid foods be sure to pack enough jars of baby food, storage containers and spoons.
• Bring the camera and take lots of pictures.  You’ll be making some great memories on these first little adventures.

3 to 6 years: can still be a bit of a challenge, especially for the younger ones, but will be a blast I can promise you that.

• Let your child help you pack a bag especially for them.  Include comfortable, lightweight clothing that you don’t mind them getting dirty.
• If your child isn’t potty trained yet, or still needs diapers (or trainers) at night don’t forget those.
• Make sure you have plenty of things for them to do.  Including things to do in the tent if it happens to rain on you.
• If you will be hiking on your camping trip think about getting a little backpack for your child to carry.  They will think that is pretty cool.  Allow them to choose what they bring with them in their backpack.
• A first aid kit is a must.  With summer fun often comes bumps, bruises and cuts.

7 years and up: camping is quite an adventure for kids this age.  It is also a great time to start teaching them things about camping.

• Again, let them help pack their bag.  Give them rules about what they need to bring and then let them have at it.  See what kinds of things they pick out.
• Bring a list of camping chores that your child can help out with, like gathering firewood, helping to set up the tent, helping clean up the dishes after meals, etc.  Talk about the list before hand so they know what they will be responsible for.
• Think up some fun games like a scavenger hunt or hide and seek that you can all do together.
• Bring plenty of things to keep them busy and occupied inside the tent in case it rains.
• Some bigger kids may think it is cool to have their own tent.
• If you will be hiking kids this age are definitely ready for their own backpack.  They can carry things like their own water, some snacks, and books about vegetation and animals in the area.
• Again, a first aid kit is a must.

Camping together as a family is a great way to create some fantastic memories.  Planning ahead, packing the right gear, and being prepared for what mother nature throws your way will help make your family camping adventure a fun and safe one.