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Awesome Things To Do When You’re Camping As A Family

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Camping has to be one of the very best types of vacation for a family group. Not only do you get to explore the great outdoors, but you also get to spend time together away from all the distractions of modern life. Of course, if you take your family campaign you will want to make sure that they are amused and engaged during their stay. The good news is you can find some of the very best activities everyone can get involved in on a camping trip below. Read on to find out what they are. 

Do some campfire cooking 

The first and some may argue one of the most fun activities you can do while camping is cooking. After all, you’re going to need some hot meals during your stay, and campsite cooking is quite a different experience from cooking and eating indoors. Where possible try and do some proper campfire cooking, even if it’s just S’mores! All you need is gram crackers, chocolate and marshmallows. Although a spread like Nutella can make them pop. 

Campfire bread cooked by wrapping it around sticks and placing it in the fire is another firm favourite. This is because the kids not only get to search for and collect the sticks to cook it and make the dough, but they also get a fun savory snack at the end of the process. Although, you will need to make sure the kids are well supervised whether cooking on a camping stove or over an open campfire flame, and that you maintain proper campfire safety.

Try building a survival shelter

Another great camping activity that the whole family can get involved in is building a survival shelter. The idea of this is to collect materials that you find around you in the forest and then use them to create a structure that provides some protection from the elements including the cold and the rain. If you are a truly adventurous family you may want to spend some time in your shelters before you head back to camp as well. 

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To prepare for this task, watching videos on the different types of shelters that can be effective is a good idea. You can even split the family unit into 2 teams and have a competition to see who is the best survivalist! 

Fly your drone 

Flying your drone is also a great camping adjacent activity to try. This is for two key reasons, the first is that it’s a great way of recording your trip and getting a bird’s eye view of the terrain you are in. While the second is that you can often find locations that are great for camping, and drone flying at the same time. A perfect example of this is camping in a coastal spot which allows you to to fly your drone out over the sea. 

However, some important considerations need to be made when flying a drone. First of all, you need to make sure you have a reliable and robust piece of equipment, like the DJI M30T which is lightweight but still portable. This is something which makes it perfect for camping when you don’t want to have to use up all your luggage space. 

Secondly, you need to plan the location where you will fly and film carefully. For example, densely populated forests tend to be a bad idea even for the most advanced drone users as it can be hard to avoid all the obstacles that they hold. Last of all, it’s crucial to remember that in many places you will need to hold the proper permits to fly your drone, so be sure to apply for these well ahead of time, or you risk confiscation and fine. 

Scavenger Hunt 

One of the most fun activities for the whole family during a camping trip is a scavenger hunt. The basic principle of a scavenger hunt is that you set a certain number of specific objects that each team or individual must find. The great thing about this is that you can tailor it specifically to your group or location making it easier for kids and more challenging for the adults. Another great thing about scavenger hunts is that you can get a wealth of premade sheets to use online. All you need to do is download them and then print them. 

Alternatively, if you are looking for something for the older kids or a more mixed group then what about giving geocaching a go? It’s very similar to a scavenger hunt but the idea is that you are given the latitude and longitude coordinates of a geocache and then you hike to that area to find it. The twist is that not all geocaches (usually small plastic containers to protect from the weather) are easy to find and some are rather deliberately camouflaged and hidden so you really have to search for them. 

Happily, you can usually get some clues from the notes that other people have entered on the geocaching website you use. Once you have found the cash, there is usually paper and pencil for you to add your name, initials or date. Sometimes there will be tokens inside which you are encouraged to take and then distribute in a different geocache so they move around the country and even the world! 

Go on a Hike

Surely a classic camping activity has to be to take the whole family on a hike? Hikes can be great fun for so many reasons such as getting out and exploring a new location, getting to see things that you can see from any other vantage point, and working up a good sweat. 

For the whole family to hike together successfully it’s a smart idea to make sure everyone is kitted out with the proper equipment before you begin. This means sturdy walking shoes or boots, along with natural fibre socks that provide comfort and a barrier for the foot so it does not rub, but that also lets the foot breathe and will dry out fast if they get wet when fording a stream. 

It also makes sense to do a little research into your route before you begin. Look online to check the skill and fitness level of a potential route, and make sure it fits everyone including the weakest member of your group. Also, be sure to get information about potential hazards, the times of year that it’s safe to hike that trail, and how long it should take approximately. Be sure to take at least one fully charged smartphone and a powerpack in case of emergencies as well.

Relax 

Last of all, but by no means least, a fantastic activity to do as a family while camping is to relax. Indeed, there is no better place in the world to relax than in the wilderness because you are so far away from people, work, school, and all the little things that stress you out every day. 

With that in mind, what about hanging some hammocks between the trees and spending some time dozing in the sun? Alternatively, you may like to spend the time reading, or telling spooky stories around the campfire. (A great activity that helps kids develop their imagination and public speaking skills).

Although, if the weather is less than perfect you could build a pillow fort inside your tent. Then if the kids insist, you could all watch a movie on a portable DVD player or your phone while snuggled under a blanket! Add some yummy snacks like candy, chips, and popcorn if you have a gas burner and some Jiffy Pop and you can while away some happy hours altogether as a family. 

How To Ensure Your Family’s Safety When Camping

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Camping is a great way for you and your family to escape urban life for a period. You can also learn new skills, connect with nature, reduce stress, increase physical fitness, and strengthen the family bond. While considering the excitement and education ahead, it’s advisable to take measures to ensure your family’s safety. The following tips will help keep the family and yourself safe while camping. 

1. Consider any risks around your tent

Image credit – Photo by Xue Guangjian

Irrespective of your excitement, it’s important to consider the risk around where you hammer your first tent peg. If you’re with your children, consider hammering your tent in an area not close to a river. This ensures that your children do not play around the river and end up drowning if they are not so familiar with swimming. You also want to avoid pitching your tent under a huge tree with many branches. This helps to prevent accidents such as some branches falling from the tree, especially when the area you find yourself in is windy.

2. Be informed of the weather

It’s also prudent to consider the season because the weather can be unpredictable. This will also help you to know the kind of clothes to pack, whether you need some sunglasses, thick socks, or hats, among others. That said, you can shield yourself from any unexpected situation.

3. Have first Aid equipment available

Your first aid equipment is essential when camping, as activities happen in remote locations where access to medical aid may be far away. You need fully packed first aid equipment to assist family members in case there are any emergencies successfully. Several websites help with first-aid medications, so feel free to consider them. For instance, your family member may have a cut and bleed profusely. When this happens, you need to prepare beforehand.  It is essential to have basic items such as bandages, some antiseptic cream, safety pins, disposable sterile gloves and a thermometer; preferably, a digital one is needed in your first aid box. Make sure to look through your kit and replace anything that’s missing. Consequently, you can visit site to learn how to administer CPR when needed.

4. Don’t neglect your food and water 

Image credit Photo by Clem Onojeghuo:

Knowing that you will not have access to your gas or electric cooker while camping with your family, you must take as many non-perishable foods as possible if necessary. This will save you the trouble of having less food to eat while camping. Avoid taking along raw chicken, meat, or seafood, as they require temperatures at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s also advisable to cook your fish on the day you catch it to avoid spoiling. Consequently,  avoid drinking water directly from the lake or stream. You must do well to purify any water by boiling it for at least one minute or get water purification tablets to control viruses or bacteria.

Practicing camping safety can help you enjoy your experiences. Hopefully, you’ll leverage these helpful tips for the best results. 

How Can You Cut The Costs Of Your Family Camping Trip?

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Camping vacations are an excellent way to save money. You can either camp in a tent or stay in a caravan. The nicest part about camping is that you can prepare your food, which is inexpensive. Camping vacations are popular since they are inexpensive and allow you to do anything you want when you want. There are methods to lower costs even further if you try a few cost-cutting strategies. Here are some advice and tips for saving money when planning a camping trip this summer.

Photo by Djordje Petrovic

Stay Close To Home

You don’t have to go far to get a complete change of scenery. Swapping a long drive for an hour or two to a local beach or rural location saves money and stress, and it’s also better for the environment.

Stick To A Simple Camping Kit

There’s no need to invest in expensive equipment unless you plan on camping frequently or in harsh weather. Focus on the essentials, such as a good tent and a comfortable sleeping bag, before branching out with items you already own. Bring blankets and old pots for cooking, and never underestimate the ability of a warm pair of socks and a woolly hat at night. You should also think about packing a 18650 batteries button top so you have access to rechargeable batteries on your trip. 

Research Your Camping Equipment

Even if locating a cheap campsite is simple, you must still bring all of your equipment, which can quickly add up if you are not careful.

Before purchasing a tent, camping stove, or even a coolbox, see if any of your friends or family members have one you can borrow. People may even wish to give their equipment away permanently to make room in their garage or loft.

You may even borrow a campervan or caravan instead of purchasing one. “Many people don’t understand that you can even borrow a motorhome – a simple and cost-effective solution for those willing to try it for the first time,” explains a Pitchup spokeswoman.

Shop Out Of Season

Spring and summer are usually the most expensive periods to buy camping equipment, so if possible, wait until late summer, autumn, or even the January sales, when many stores will be selling off last year’s stock.

Signing up for email alerts from your favourite merchants will also notify you of any upcoming discount events.

Plan And Pack Ahead

Buying something at the last minute frequently means paying more for it, whether it’s a next-day delivery sleeping mat or a can opener from the corner store. Make a packing list well in advance of leaving and double-check that you have everything before departing to avoid any surprise purchases.

Take Your Food 

Eating out is part of the fun of going on vacation, but it can get pricey if you do it every day. Bringing meals from home to eat on-site will help you save money, especially if you’re just heating things on the stove or campfire rather than cooking from scratch.

Create Your Own Entertainment

Camping is more than simply a cheap vacation; it also comes with its own brand of outdoor amusement, much of which is either free or inexpensive.

On a family camping trip, a frisbee, a football, and some campfire marshmallows will go a long way – and you can even make the preparation and cooking of an outdoor dinner into a fun activity if you approach it correctly.

Do you have any other ways of cutting down the cost of your family camping trip? Please share some ideas in the comments below. 

What an amazing summer it is going to be!

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My amazing Summer started off with a trip to Montego Bay in Jamaica! It was awesome, but I will leave that for another post.

I’m so excited for the rest of the summer! So far, I have been hanging out with my friends and having a great time. We’ve gone to the park, the mall, and the movies. We saw the new Wonder Woman movie… it was amazing!

Volunteering

I volunteered at the grade 8 grad with my Dad, and my friends Lauren and Ben. I handed out programs to the parents, while Lauren helped with audio. Ben helped back stage. My Dad was taking photos for the yearbook, which he also designs.

This week, I am also volunteering at my church’s VBS summer camp (Vacation Bible School) with my friends. I haven’t been to VBS in a couple of years, as we usually are away camping, but this year, we came back just so we can go.

Another Amazing Summer at Niagara’s Lazy Lakes!

Tonight, we will be heading back to the #SilvaBulletRV at our home campground Niagara’s Lazy Lakes (in Lewiston, New York) for the weekend. We’ll get a couple of days of relaxing at Lazy Lakes before heading off to Ohio with our camping family! I am so excited to be spending a whole week with them at Wally World in Loudonville, Ohio.

Wally World in Ohio!

Wally World is one of my favourite campgrounds. There is so much to do around there. They have an activity complex a few minutes down the road with go-carts, high ropes and low ropes courses, a mini golf course and lots more. You can also rent canoes, kayaks, or tubes to float down the Mohican river.

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A couple of years ago when we were camping there, I canoed 7 miles down the Mohican River with Mom and Lauren. The end point is right by the campground, which is really convenient. Dad followed our journey in the truck and took some awesome pictures.

Another one of my favourite things is visiting the Amish market near the campground. When you walk in, it’s like you just walked into bakery heaven. The awesome thing is that everything there is homemade. I especially like the apple butter and the ice cream.

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Camping at Lazy Lakes and Bronte Creek

After a week in Ohio, we will be heading back to Lazy Lakes for a couple of weeks, then a week at Bronte Creek Provincial Park, and then the last two weeks of my amazing summer will be at Lazy Lakes.

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At Niagara Lazy Lakes, there are two pools and a playground. But we always have things to do, whether the weather is good or it is raining. We have lots of games to play, movies to watch, and colouring books. We also have Storm, who loves our attention all the time, and loves to cuddle and run around.

We also get to spend a week camping at Bronte Creek Provincial Park, which is close to our house. We have only been there to visit the petting zoo and play at the activity barn. We have never camped there, so I am really looking forward to spending the week there.

The most amazing summer ever!

This is going to be the most amazing summer ever, and the best thing is I get to spend it with the best people in some awesome places!

Cheers,
Rachel

Let The Summer Begin!

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My favourite part about the summer is spending time with friends and family! In the summer we go camping in our travel trailer. It’s called the #SilvaBulletRV.

Camping is so much fun because we get to see our camping family. We have become very close with some friends at our campground. They are just like part of our family. I am so excited for when we go to Ohio because I will get to ride in a go-cart by myself! Ohio is going to be so much fun because we are going with our camping family. I am so excited!

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l love to go to the park and play with my friends at camp. Going swimming at the campground’s pool is so much fun. I get to make big splashes when I jump in! Swimming is the best this year because I can go to the pool with friends, and not have to have Mom and Dad come with me. I never swim alone, because it is not safe.

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Summer break is awesome because we don’t have to do any school work! Lots of popsicles and freezies for all those hot days. Even if it rains, we still have fun! I like to ride my bike and go on bike rides with my friends!

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Last year in the summer was lots of fun. We went to Universal Studios! I went on a few of the roller coasters!

We went to 3 campgrounds on the way to Orlando. While in Florida we stayed at 2 campgrounds. We stayed at 3 more campgrounds on the way home. We were so excited to go to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. It was amazing! We tried some Bertie Botts every Flavour Beans, Butterbeer, Frozen Butterbeer, and Chocolate Frogs. We had lots of fun at Universal Studios.

I cannot wait for the rest of the summer. We have a lot planned. It’s going to be so much fun!

TTFN,
Lauren