Ok, so in about 3 weeks, we're going camping for the first time ever. In a tent. It's with my son's cub scouts den. I'm not an outdoorsy person at all, but my son is soooo looking forward to this so I'm going into this with a positive attitude. Or at least try....lol! It's going to be for 2 nights in early April and my biggest concern is the weather being too cold at night. I have a 7 year old and a 3 year old. What are some camping tips or things that you ladies think I should get before we go.
Quoting JZB:
Prepare to dress in layers easy to as needed, also mats/cots if possible to stay off the ground will keep you warmer. Good sleeping bags will do wonders also.
These are good tips. Bring bug repellant and waterproof jackets too in case it rains. A couple of the flashlights that go on the head are handy too, so your hands are free.
Plan ahead. Have a few card/ board games in case the weather doesn't cooperate.
PP is correct..mats or blankets under where you sleep are great. I would NOT go out and buy "good" (expensive) sleeping bags with little kids. If you put a pad under you increase temp 10-15 degrees. Putting a fleece blanket or liner in a bag adds another 10-15 degrees.
Don't but a HUGE 6-8 person tent. Get a 4 man at most. The bigger the tent, the harder it is to warm with body heat.
You are "car camping" so you can pack extra vs trying to save weight and skip something important.
Bring extra blankets! If it gets cold, you can throw on a blanket. Make sure you use a pad on the ground, which gets really cold too. Or if you are camping somewhere where there are mattresses, bring a sheet to cover the mattress, or mattress pad.
If you are where the temp goes below 60, make sure the sleeping bag is rated for at least 30 degrees. The cutesy character kind are fine for an indoor sleepover, but outdoor camping might not be warm enough. And have hats and gloves etc in case heads and hands get cold. I slept in 52 degree temps and I was freezing and only warmed up after I put on a layer of sweatpants, fleece hoodie, hat, mittens, socks and extra blanket, even though I was wearing clean dry fleece pjs. I hardly slept a wink.
Change into fresh dry clothes, including underwear, before you go to sleep. The clothes you were during the day absorb moisture throughout the day and will make you colder if you sleep in them.
bring a good bright flashlight and roll or two of tp, just in case there isnt any in the latrine.
Is the scout troop providing anything, like use of pie irons, or food for the group? A lot would depend on that.
balls and frisbees are always good.
They encourage the entire family to attend almost all of the events/trips. My husband is the den leader.
Quoting natesmom1228:
You are allowed to bring the 3 year old? Siblings were not allowed to go on campouts with our pack, we also didn't camp in tents. You don't do that until boy scouts. Anyway, dress warm for the evenings.
Bring extra blankets and bring plenty of layers so you can add/take away as needed.
Have fun!
Quoting mom22tumblebugs:Bring extra blankets! If it gets cold, you can throw on a blanket. Make sure you use a pad on the ground, which gets really cold too. Or if you are camping somewhere where there are mattresses, bring a sheet to cover the mattress, or mattress pad.
If you are where the temp goes below 60, make sure the sleeping bag is rated for at least 30 degrees. The cutesy character kind are fine for an indoor sleepover, but outdoor camping might not be warm enough. And have hats and gloves etc in case heads and hands get cold. I slept in 52 degree temps and I was freezing and only warmed up after I put on a layer of sweatpants, fleece hoodie, hat, mittens, socks and extra blanket, even though I was wearing clean dry fleece pjs. I hardly slept a wink.
Change into fresh dry clothes, including underwear, before you go to sleep. The clothes you were during the day absorb moisture throughout the day and will make you colder if you sleep in them.
bring a good bright flashlight and roll or two of tp, just in case there isnt any in the latrine.
My confession!
- pixie-buttercup
on Mar. 17, 2013 at 6:52 PM