Take a tarp and paracord so you can keep you cooking and eating area dry. Hang the tarp above the picnic table area. Also put tarps beneath your tents to keep the dampness from coming into the tent. Don’t be afraid, no one will go hungry and you will have a wonderful time! You can do this mama!
We always set up a second tent to put all the ruck sacks with clothes in it. If you are using the air mattress iin the tent put one head to back of tent then the next one head to front of tent. Alternate them and you can fit more in. No air mattress is a true rectangle, the end with the pillow is wider.
I recommend setting up tents in your yard before trip, also good to have extra tent stakes. Having a first aide kit is most important. Aloe for burns. Soap for poison ivy.
That's a good idea. We purchased a tent that had questionable plastic pegs that snapped after the first set up..went to hardware store and bought metal stakes that went into the ground with less pounding and held through a nasty storm..still use them..20+ years later
Use air tight containers to keep food in and critters out. All food outside and NOT IN THE TENTS!! Maybe get a screen tent for actually eating at the picnic table.
I grew up tent camping! Best memories ever!!! 1.) take more flashlights than you think you’ll need. And batteries. The tent lights are great, but trips to the bathroom, or even trips to each others’ tents, will need flashlights. 2.) Take blankets. The mattresses are great (do they self inflate?), but cold seeps through from underneath at night. It also gets colder at night than you might think. Also warm Jammie’s. 3.) It’s always nice to have more room in a tent than less. Baggage, clothes, personal care items. 4.) Be sure your camp site will allow multiple tents. Some limit the number, or might make you take extras down during the day. 5.) Camp chairs! Lots of them. The picnic table is not good for extended relaxation. 6.) Sandwiches and cold cereal are great for your first few outings, until you get a feel for how it all works for you. Prep as many meals ahead as you can. I can see how Sharp Shopper will be a huge blessing as you prep! 😉 7.) since you said you’d have electricity, take an extension cord. Maybe you can use a crock pot for dinner. Camp beans and roasted weiners make a fun camping meal! 8.) Lots of wet wipes! 😉 9.) A metal whistle! My folks always brought one. Train the kids to always respond to the whistle. If you are missing one during nose count, use it! If you need the kids to come back to camp, use it! Surprisingly helpful. Might even invest in ones for the Littles, if they get lost. 10.) HAVE FUN! Our camping trips when I was small were very rustic. No flushing toilets, no electricity. By the time I was grown with my own kids, I’d perfected our three week camping trips quite a bit, with a full fledged kitchen, pantry, etc. GREAT MEMORIES WERE MADE! Praying the same for your family…Relax and have fun. Make notes each trip for the next one. 😃 🙏🙏🙏
Bless your heart! No matter how this turns out your kids will remember it for the rest of their lives. Have a wonderful birthday. I turned 70 earlier this month so I will live vicariously thru you. 😊
Highly recommend buying camping cots vs air mattresses. They don’t deflate in the middle of the night. Extremely proud of you for being brave and taking your kiddos camping. You’ve got this! Here’s to fun adventures.
Jamerrill you will have a fantastic time! I’m 60 and have camped as a kid and with all my kids. Just don’t overthink things. Camping is a time for family. Just remember a couple things, always put food and garbage away. Have a first aid kit on hand, a carpet outside each tent is a must. And a clothes line and pins to hang towels and wet clothes on. Good luck. Remember breath and just go with the flow!🏕️🇨🇦
Many may have suggested this already, but be sure to get an air pump for those mattresses. Board games, card games, or musical instruments for evening entertainment. A camp shovel to trench rain water away from you tents. Large water jugs, the collapsible ones are great. A portable clothes line. Fire starters and lighters, lots of towels. Don't know how long your trip will be for, but what a great way to start. Wish you well!!!
To make camping super easy, I always get a site with water and electric to tent camp. I use an electric skillet only (not griddle -The skillet has tall sides) and plan my menu around what I can cook with that. Also food prep your meals so you aren’t cooking all day. Like I will make a pot of chili at home, put it in bags or tupperware and refrigerate it. Then at camp, I dump it into the electric skillet to reheat. Done! I make hot dogs, quesadillas, pancakes,eggs, hamburgers, etc with electric skillet. Works well.
I take my griddle. The biggest cooler ever,84 quarts at Sam's. Solar yard lights at Dollar Tree for night lights.we take a potty/shower tent for night time potty needs.you can use adult potty chair or a camping toilet. You will have a great time! Kids will never forget it! Extra ropes for towels. Lots of Reynolds wrap and air tight lock n lock.a fold up table for your food tent and one for your stove. Research how to make an oven with a box n aluminum foil...make pigs in a blanket or biscuits. Hobo packs.pancakes on the griddle!
Not sure why it's not letting me make a regular comment myself but I'll do an add on . Lol sorry to the original commenttor here. I wanted to comment if u use air mattresses all u need is blankets n pillows so do t need a sleeping bag :)
That works if it's hot in the summer. Not spring/ fall/ other parts of the country! Cold without a slepping bag when it gets down into the 40s-50s overnight.
I bought a 4 person tent for my adult son who is autistic. He lives in a supported living home and beautiful yard areas. There is a small hill with a level top. My friends who know camping told me to put plastic painting floor protectors, then a tarp on top of that, then pitch the tent. Buy dog tie downs for tent stakes. To keep the inside clean, buy cheap indoor outdoor carpet for tent floor. And I put a welcome mat in front of the entrance. It is so pretty in that little campground. His housemates family bought a porch type swing that's out there, we put a shepards crook with petunias and a solar light chandelier. It's so beautiful! And a picnic table and lots of chairs. Those dog tie downs work great, here in my area of Ohio, we had several tornadoes last week, with week long power outages, etc. My son's tent is still standing! The sun shade needs adjusting, but the tent is still tied down.
Jamerrill you are strong amazing woman. Your first camping experience will be amazing. Do not worry about the small things. Have a great time and have a very Happy 45th Birthday 🎉❤
We are an active camping family of 5, and when we started camping the options were totally overwhelming. I quickly learned to forgo the traditional air mattress and get a self inflating (built in foot pump or air bag) sleeping pad. They pack up so much smaller and you're not reliant on electricity or a labor intensive hand pump to inflate them. We also love watching Outdoor Boys. Some of his earlier videos are really handy for new campers.
A lot of camp stoves are designed to hook up to the little green 1 gallon propane bottles… Another option, is to spend about 20 bucks on a hose that converts the connections so that you can connect to the #20 barbecue size bottles.
I keep my camping supplies packed in totes. Very little unpacking. Dishes, cookware, appliances only designated for camping. I store my airmatresses in totes also. I bought packing blankets off internet for tent floors...they work nice n are cheap.
🇦🇺I was a foster parent for 20 years and would take them camping. Have the first nights food made and just heat it up. We had a 8 man tent for us and a army bunk beds for the littles. We had 3 x 5 man tents. Choose tents that can be popped up easily. Extra tarps for under and over the tent in case of rain. We had a large tarp for the common area. Always have extra ropes for tents plus rope for a washing line. Each child had a backpack with their clothing items,torches, head lamps books etc. We cooked over a campfire. We used an old pressure cooker without the jiggler for the main meal- cheesy meatballs in tomato soup, with toast. You will not want to cook after setting up camp. We had bags for everything, on the inside write in permanent marker what should be inside. cooking bag- kettle, pressure cooker, frying pan, toasting rack. Fire starters, lighters, waterproof matches. Cleaning- tea towels, dishwashing liquid, scrubbers, sponges, washing line for washing, pegs, hand shovel and broom, rubbish bags, large washing basin, Bathroom bag- toothpaste, toothbrushes, hair bands, feminine hygiene, small black rubbish bags, emergency toilet with Rubbish bags. First aid bag, wound care items, medication, bandages, sling, vomit bags, tweezers etc Tent bag- hammer, extra metal pegs , extra rope, knife, air pump (with car plug-in) , air mattress patches, extra poles.
We always take extra blankets camping with our sleeping bags, we are in Utah so even in the summer the mountains can get cold at night. I am so proud of you I have always camped but the first time after my husband passed and I took my four boys camping I remember how I felt. I hope you all have a wonderful time!❤
First aid kit Portable pump for air mattresses Firewood Stakes for the tents w/hammer You will forget things but it's amazing how we can improvise Enjoy!!
Not trying to tell you what to do. These are only a few suggestions. Get a tarp to setup each tent on. This will save the floor of your tent and hopefully keep roots etc. from puncturing your air mattresses. Also, this time of year, I would get a battery operated fan for each tent to stir some air and keep it from being so hot. If you take meats in the cooler, be careful, as the ice melts, your meat can get soggy. I learned this the hard way on my first camping trip. For example, a pack of hamburger, leave in the packaging from the G. Store then wrap in Reynolds wrap and finally place in Ziplock bags. This will keep your meats SAFE not soggy from water that has seeped in. Finally, take a rake to go over site where you will be pitching tents to get it as smooth as possible. Hope this helps and your trip goes SMOOTHLY and you ALL have a GREAT time! YOU CAN DO THIS !
I know all too well the stage of " should I stay or should I go?" And I'm watching you look at the camera while your looking at flashlights and you mouthed "i don't know" and you just shrugged... My god I wanted to jump through the phone and hug you and say who cares if you don't kno, you'll know eventually. And each experience with your kids will help you know more along the way. I'm just so inspired by you. Your kiddos will never forget the time spent healing each other, and they'll never forget the calm after the storm.
I found that the easiest way to pack food, was planning meals that can be frozen. Each meal was stored in ziplock bags, stacked in the cooler with refrigerated food on top. Then pull out a bag a meal.
Yes! I saw someone who even cracks all of their eggs (and scrambles them) puts them in Ziplocs and freezes them for each breakfast. Pre-made frozen pancakes, waffles, etc.
I actually like to make the food at home, then freeze it. A favorite is beef stew. Just have to warm it up, usually bring some bread to serve with it. Also, a meaty spaghetti sauce is also a good one.
Headlamps are great for the kiddos. Especially nice if they need to make a nighttime run to the restroom.❤ you did a great job shopping, especially for such a big crowd. It absolutely can be overwhelming but you got this.👏👏 Don’t worry about getting it Perfect, just enjoy your family and make those memories, I loved camping with my children when they were young. My nest is empty now, but the memories remain😊
Make sure you have bug repellent so in the evening your not getting eaten by all the bugs. Also take a few of your old throw blankets just in case it gets a little cooler than you were expecting. Also if you’re taking eggs crack them and put them in a mason jar with the milk and seasoning all mix together in the jar. On our last breakfast we would make dangerous eggs. We took whatever meat and vegetables we had leftover from the other meals and cooked it all with our leftover eggs. Take some of your freeze dried vegetables ( Becky over at acre homestead made some of those freeze dried green beans with a little bit of salt like you can buy in the store. Or you can also freeze dry some candy for snacks. Hope some of these ideas help
Tarp for under the tent. Extra tent stakes. A rug for outside the door. Fan in hot weather, heater in cold weather. Fly swatter, bug spray, sun screen, first aid kit. Get a good cooler for food. Just use regular silverware and utensils possibly thrifted. An electric frying pan gives many food preparation options. If you are getting an electrical site bring a long heavy duty extension cord and a multi plug. One of those pots that heat water. Cheap solar lights around tent stakes to avoid tripping hazard.
Definitely grab a "pop up" tent for over the picnic table, also a patio/outdoor rug is great to keep dirt down under that tent. The biggest luxury item we've gotten is a table with a sink meant for gutting fish, it's great to have an easy access sink for hand washing and cooking.
Empty milk jugs with a couple of glow sticks make great night lights and little kid run about lights. The little sink will be great for rinsing feet before jumping in a sleeping bag. The area rugs that have seen better days work great outside the entrance of the tents. Have so much fun!🙌🏼♥️
Depending on what you want to get out of your camping trips, your basics are something to sleep on (plus some sort of pump for airbeds) your sleeping bags, something to cook with,see with (torch) and something to sit on 😁food can be things like the pocket meals that you can put on a rack on a fire pit, and put some kind of meat, potatoes and veggies in, and once cooked pour into a dish or plate
Small wisk broom and dust pan to sweep out the tent, small cheap throw rugs on the outside to collect dirt. If water is involved, swimming in creek wading a small clothes line to hang up wet towels and swimsuits is helpful.
I grew up camping every summer. My Dad got 4 weeks vacation every summer. We tent camped at first. We started out with state parks and eventually we camped out of state. You have already bought what we used. It was some of my best memories. We were a family of 6 and our friends were also a family of 6 . I’m grown and have grown kids and grandkids. They were all taken out to camp.
We have found out the dome tents are not tall enough to stand up in. Also you can take volleyball, badminton, corn hole, these are just a few things we do camping… Fishing in the creek/river is fun too… Enjoy your time…
Hatchet/small axe for firewood/kindling, $Tree batteries, strike anywhere matches or OCO storm matches, sew old sheets into tubes for sleep sacks inside sleeping bags - extra layer when it’s cold or option when it’s too hot, and easier to wash than the bags. Throw some extra blankets in the car just in case.
MOST IMPORTANT make sure u pack all the poles and dont get them mixed up keep each tents poles with it. If u can get groundcover sheets its nice in outside kitchen area if u get a gazebo. We have a lot of ground covers all over because we camp in area with lots of snakes. Groundcovers also keeps the sand mostly at bay
A pop up gazebo is perfect for camping to keep you in shade as well as protect you from the rain.. Also table cloths and tablecloth clips to hold them on..We use rechargeable headlamps too.. Don’t forget your outdoor extension cord and a surge protector to plug all your things into..Another good thing to have is a camping cook tripod to cook over the campfire..And make sure All your garbage is secured to keep animals out..
Tarps to put on the ground under your tent are nice to help protect the bottom of your tent. Bring long outdoor extension cords, tablecloth with clips for the picnic table, and both hand soap and hand sanitizer are nice as well as dish soap, the tents come with pegs, but you can buy nicer ones separately next time. A mallet will probably be needed. Yes, keep your food in the van at night, and keeping gear in totes works great. You guys will make many memories and learn along the way. Hope you have an amazing time!
Tarps to put under the tents bc of moisture. Or mats, it makes it nice and soft. Easy meals. Lots of water and drinks. Trash bags for trash. I'd take paper plates and bowls. Paper towels. I'd get a tall air mattress for you and your mother. It'll help trust me.
Do you have a pump to blow up the air mattresses? I would also bring, a cooler for your food, plastic sheets, they come in handy if it rains. Also, a rope and clothes pins. you can tie it between trees and hang up wet clothes. Utensils, plates and above all...HAVE FUN!
Biggest camping tips. With kids, you can never have too many lights or blankets. I really hope you have an amazing time I'm.so glad I've been able to take my kids camping. As long as you are warm, dry, and fed, you'll be great.
happy Birthday and good girl! My suggestion is a large container for water. Wide shallow containers to wash dishes. Batteries, a large tarp so if it rains you can hunker down under a tarp. We always had a screen tent just for kids to play games. Picnic table clothes,
When we go camping it helps to precook items as much as possible. I cut my onion, veggies, fry my sausage for gravy and bake biscuits, all before leaving.
Lots of wipes and a few large trash bags. First aid kit. Good that you have warm sleeping bags. When our daughter, who was going through the colt stage, on a trip, it got down to 50 degrees at night. We would pile everything on her , even clothes!
Best birthday present for yourself, your mom and the kids ❤️💕. A foldable/ collapsible/ portable camping toilet is a game changer especially during the night.
Hi Jamerrill, thats awesome introducing camping for your children, I have been camping since I was young, mostly Algonquin Park, Ontario, Canada. The necesities, must haves: you will need are;quick pop up tents, a tarp to put up between the trees in case it rains, screened in dining tent ( you will also need a dining tent in case it rains to cook in), cook stove, folding chairs, battery light for dining tent , camp fire starter, tripod hanging pot or cooking wok for campfire-allows you to cook stews etc, rope and clothes pegs to hang wet towels, fishing rods/lures, flashlights, solar lights, firewood (firewood can be expensive at campgrounds), coolers, extention cord to connect to electricity if your camp ground offers it, groche coffee pot great for coffee over campfire or cookstove, also cooking gear rotisseriery to cook whole chickens over campfire, instant porrige is quick and easy for kids in the morning, meals prepared ahead of time:lasagna, spagetti, hot dogs, wraps, smores, marshmallows, burgers, Prepare ahead of time: chopped potatoes/green peppers/spring onions/tomatoes-wrap all this aluminum foil with butter, salt and pepper put on campfire. Lots of mini propane tanks for your cookstove. Hope this helps- have a great time!
We have a bin dedicated to camping supplies-so go through your kitchen and see what you have extra of-large spoons, spatulas, knives. Also keep soap, foil, lighter/matches, first aid kit, snake bite kit, cutting board, towel. Plan on investing in a tarp or 3 to put under or over your tents depending on the time of year. Having rope, garbage bags, and hand soap are good to have on hand.
I have 5 boys and we LOVE camping - both tent and our pop up. We LOVE disappearing into the woods for 2 weeks. My husband comes on the weekends when he's not working. Some "extras" we have enjoyed having are torches to steak into the ground with the oil to fill it with. Great for night lights. Also Christmas lights or outside strand light to string between some trees for extra lights. An inverter for your tent for "power". Flashlights for everyone and even headlights so you don't have to hold it while you're walking around. Take your own firewood if you can to save money and in case what the campground has is wet. Fire starter (bought, saved dryer lint in egg cartons (cut apart for fire starter), old paper, magazines, cardboard boxes). Definitely get extra tent pegs. What comes with the tents normally don't last. Get a good mallet or hammer. Inside hanging lights for your tent. I'll add another comment with more later
Get some blue tarps and put them under your tents to keep them cleaner. Before putting your tents up since you are going to use air mattress' you need to make sure the area is as clean as possible. ie, no rocks and debris that can poke holes in your mattress. Def take your cast iron skillets and griddles. A campfire won't hurt them. Go check out Brooke @Southern Frugal Momma, she has some camping videos that they use the sandwich maker using diff things. Do a "dry run" at home on putting up one of the tents. Just so you have more of a handle on things before you go and not go crazy. Just have FUN!!!!!
I was going to suggest Southern Frugal Momma also I wish they could speak to each other Brooke could give her some great tips. Your tips are excellent especially the tarps we always did that also a outdoor throw rug to go I front of the tents to help keep the sand and dirt out.
Congrats Jamerill. I'm 52yrs old and my youngest are Twins 11yrs. left my Husband 2.5yrs ago and bought a Camper Van last year after going tent camping. I always wanted to be a Camping person and do these things with my kids. We did 5 trips this year. And we love it. I hope you have a fabulous time as a family.
For the warm weather sleeping bags put a fleece blanket inside it and wear long jammies when it gets colder. Take your cast iron with you. Yes they are campfire safe..have folks take shoes off before entering the tent it will save your sanity with dirt..You may want a folding table and a pop up canopy and a table cloth..shower caddies work for utensils.
I love camping! We camped alot as a child, such great memories. Now as Im older, I occasaionally camp with my son and grandaughters. One of the best invesments has been a portable potty (its like a skinny tent, I hang a clip on lite, you have a 5 gallon bucket to cover with a trash bag and a seat on top) Take a bag of cat litter and sprinkle between uses. Its a game changer for small children (and old Momms 😂) at night. The other great thing is we use glow necklaces and bracelets (dollar tree) to keep up with kids around the fire at night, because it gets so dark! Have a great time!
We love to camp. I always take a little rug to put outside of our tent for shoes. Shoes always come off before going into the tent. I also bring lots of ziplock gallon and quart size baggies to protect from rain or varmints. If you can, bring a tarp for emergency covers.🤓 Have fun.
You will need bug spray, tarps for under the tents to keep them dry, foil to cover the fire grates to cook meat( you can also do hobo packets )paper plates, and plastic silverware. OLD pot and pans. Cast iron to cook in. One of your big bowls to wash dishes and it will do will do double duty. Old stained tee towels. Dish soap. Lots of baby wipes. Great for cleaning up the kids and adults. Don’t forget to take your chairs. Have fun!!!!
Hi Jammerill! My two best camping tips is to borrow as much as possible first time, to see in it´s fun before buying loads of stuff. And give eveyone a handheld flashlight. Flashlights are so much fun and it keeps everyone feel safe and in control and with one each there will not be any fights over them. I love flashlights as gifts for kids any time. It gets cold in the night and sometimes a bit humid. The sleeping bag is ment to keep you warm without alot of clothes and you need good quality tents that keeps rain and hot sun out. As a beginner, ask the staff in a specialist shop when you buy camping equipment. When you got everything home do a test, put up the tents in the garden and so that everything is there, all the little parts and that you know how to do + be sure that everyting and everyone with the air matrasses) fit in the tents. Same if you bring a camping stove, try it out at home first, not when everyone is hungry and it´s getting dark... About buying special camping items like special silverware, blankets, cups aso, don´t! Look at what you have at home first and use that. Bonus tips. If you bring hot water in a thermos you can have instant coffee in the morning before making breakfast. A good quality thermos should hold hot water warm over night if it´s full. A simple screwdriver is also good to have, use it to stick into the ground and prepare holes for the tent pegs. Those pegs is so easy to bend and break. I hope you will have a lot of fun camping with the family.
Years ago I used to go camping every weekend, yes I had an air mattress, but used bed sheets to cover ther mattress, with a fitted sheet is the way to go, then open the sleeping bag, to use as a blanket, bring pillows from home., and of course pillow cases. Go with the 6 person, to ensure you have room for you baggage, clothes, shoes, turn a box upside down, and use a battery lamp on it.
A screen tent for eating. One that can go over the picnic table. Several extension cords, power strip for all the plug ins, walkie talkies for communication, table cloths, hang washing station you can set up....have fun!
I highly recommend the black bins with yellow tops from Sam's. They're perfect for storage when not camping AND taking with you. They're made with a spot to attach a lock or bungee cord for travel; so you can put them on a trailer, leave them out at the camp site, etc, and everything is protected, animal/weather proof. BONUS, you don't have extra work when you're leaving home or the site to reorganize everything for storage. I think you said you have a propane camping stove and water bag? If not I recommend the plastic ones that store flat when empty but can hold tons of water when filled. I'm sure you know about using metal mixing bowls on the camping stove to heat water to wash dishes, etc so you're not always relying on disposables, etc. Also super helpful when you have kids who get dirty a lot and need washing and don't want to trek to the bathrooms. I grew up camping all over the US with my family and they are the most special, bonding experiences. The quality time is amazing and leads to so many memories we all treasure. I'm so happy for you and hope you're willing to share some of your adventures with us :) PS we always put a fitted sheet on our mattresses (helps keep them clean and protected)) & took the top sheet as well. If it's really hot you can always lay on your sleeping bag and use the sheet for light cover. Highly recommend. It's much easier to clean sheets than mattresses. :)
Hey lady. I have a large family and we camp all the time. Summer tips from me is to use sheets instead of sleeping bags, rechargable fans on amazon (love these) and if you are going to really be a family of campers, the coleman dark technoagey tents are amazing there is a big difference in temp . it really helps in the summer. And dont stress enjoy in. Good luck mama.
What wonderful plans for your kids and you. You will learn...I would just keep it easy for the food on your first trip out. Have a great camping trip and Happy Birthday to you!!
A small hand broom and dustpan to keep the tent tidy. A boot tray to sit near the doorway of the tent. A couple basins that nest can be used for so many things. An aquatainer is nice is nice to have. I love cast iron but I prefer simple lightweight enamelware for camping. Can be used on butane/propane stoves or campfires. Dont forget camp chairs.
Camping is so much fun! Make sure your tents are not only big enough for everyone to sleep but large enough to have room for your clothing, etc. A good cast iron skillet and hanging pot to cook over a campfire is all you will need to cook in. Good sleeping bags and blankets. Don’t forget the pillows, lol. A few coolers to keep your food in. A radio, a couple of good books, a couple of lanterns and basic essentials. I grew up camping and did the same with my children. Sandwiches and chips for lunches, eggs, bacon, pancakes for breakfasts, burgers, hot dogs, yummy fried potatoes with onions. You can make toast over the fire with those sandwich holders. Oh the memories! You can do this mama!!❤️❤️
We did the whole camping thing with the kids when they were young. Keep everything as simple as possible as camping can be labor intensive. Plan to cook only 2 meals for your full days. There is nothing wrong with lunchmeat and PB&J sandwiches and chips. You want to actually have time to enjoy your surroundings and activities. With the lanterns/flashlights switch them out so that I can you only need the same size batteries. Amazon has great sets (4/6 pack of different colors) LED lanterns that adjustable that are great so you slide the cylinders open for very bright light or close it down for just a bit. They are not expensive and I have had mine for more than 10 years. After a couple of years we switched to a travel trailer and found that better suited our needs. We loved that we could keep it packed up and ready to go at a moments notice. The kids also could just throw a tent up if they wanted to still get that type of experience. Good Luck!
Yes I wanted to yell at the computer you need bigger tents lol we have a ten person for my family of 4 plus a dog and my kids are 5 and 4 lol you need room to move and stay comfortably
Head lamps especially for younger kids, camp chairs, good bug repellant and bug repellant lamps for each tent. All the lovely freezer camp meals x enjoy guys
Camping is a lot of work but so much fun too. I would suggest taking sheets for your beds. Tents are hot when you get all those bodies in there and no matter how fast you are, bugs will get in, so being covered with a sheet is always a good idea while sleeping. Bring easy games for those rainy days and wind down times. Food--Foil dinners cooked in hot coals! Everyone can make their own with choice of meat, veggies and seasonings. Don't forget hot pads and oven mitts. Through this experience make note of what you think might have made it easier and the next trip will be easier. You got this!! Can't wait to hear how it goes! 😄
Just know if the tent says 4 people it will comfortably hold two. Get some tarps to go under the tents to help prevent tears. You can also string tarps above tents for sun cover and communal space. Have fun! Don't forget camp chairs! You got this!
You have a good grasp already , you will have a wonderful time, as for additional items? Sense of humour (check) Cooler (check) pumps for air mattress (check) 2 plastic dish pans,if you have rain in your area tarps for under your tents.first aid kit,large water jug,bags to carry toiletries to the shower.tin foil and parchment paper for.in the future a dinning tent to cover the picnic ,table veggie bags on the fire. And eventually camp chairs. We’ve been camping for over 60 ( still doing it) years it’s a wonderful way to enjoy a simple life and creation as a family. Looking forward to your videos.
@Jamerrill, do you have any sleep walkers? Put yourself in a position with your little ones that they have to step over you to get out. Also padlocks for your tent while you're all away as a deterent.
Being over 70 and 20 years of Army life, my camping is a hotel room. We still take long motorcycle trips and I carry a small instant pot and a French press.
I used to live in your area. We primitive camped at Bentonville for over 25 years. We fished, canoed, tubed, hiked, biked, cooked over open fires, used an outdoor toilet...the works. No electric, no running water except the Shenandoah river which was where we camped...on the banks of the river. None of my tents ever came with pegs and I always took many extra....they disappear and break at the most inopportune times. Don't forget a hammer! It does get very cool at night in the woods and the bugs are viscous take repellent and check everyone often for ticks. Read up about preparing for camping in bear country. They are real, they do come to visit and proper food storage is a critical safety issue. So much I could tell you! You are going to an organized campground so you will be fine and I hope you love it as much as we did. Enjoy and be safe.
You will do amazingly. My sons were boy scouts so they learned from them. My ex husband refused to go so I went with them when needed. Make sure you bring a coffee pot and I believe they always put a tarp under the tent first. It’s alot of stuff to take for 1 or 2 nights but you will have fun. Make sure you take fire wood unless the camp ground provides it. That’s all I can think of now but I’m sure there is so much more to share. I’m proud of you !!! ❤
My suggestion is small side tables for sitting around the fire and tarps for under the tents, it will wick away the moisture from the ground. Maybe some cheap rugs for kicking shoes off before getting in the tents. Tin foil for all the fun hobo packs you can make. Also, those breakfast burritos you make would heat up fantastic on a cast iron skillet if wrapped in tin foil. We camp in a camper, but there's so many things you can get for camping to make it easier, but as you stated you will probably realize after the fact and take notes. You got this, and I can't wait to see how it goes.
Good for you! I remember taking my boys camping by myself. It was challenging, a little scary but a great memory for all. Good luck. You will learn quickly what you need for next time. I’m sure you and your family will have a fun time no matter how things go. Happy birthday to you!
![Megan Thee Stallion - Bigger In Texas [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/QxTkZTLWdo4/mqdefault.jpg)
Take a tarp and paracord so you can keep you cooking and eating area dry. Hang the tarp above the picnic table area. Also put tarps beneath your tents to keep the dampness from coming into the tent. Don’t be afraid, no one will go hungry and you will have a wonderful time! You can do this mama!
yes!
Paracord is also great to use as a clothesline to dry clothes/towels.
A Gazebo will also help u get nice gazebos with side shades
We always set up a second tent to put all the ruck sacks with clothes in it. If you are using the air mattress iin the tent put one head to back of tent then the next one head to front of tent. Alternate them and you can fit more in. No air mattress is a true rectangle, the end with the pillow is wider.
I recommend setting up tents in your yard before trip, also good to have extra tent stakes. Having a first aide kit is most important. Aloe for burns. Soap for poison ivy.
That's a good idea. We purchased a tent that had questionable plastic pegs that snapped after the first set up..went to hardware store and bought metal stakes that went into the ground with less pounding and held through a nasty storm..still use them..20+ years later
Excellent idea to do a practice run on their property.
I was going to say I’d just do a backyard camp out.
Soap great idea
Use air tight containers to keep food in and critters out. All food outside and NOT IN THE TENTS!!
Maybe get a screen tent for actually eating at the picnic table.
I grew up tent camping! Best memories ever!!!
1.) take more flashlights than you think you’ll need. And batteries. The tent lights are great, but trips to the bathroom, or even trips to each others’ tents, will need flashlights.
2.) Take blankets. The mattresses are great (do they self inflate?), but cold seeps through from underneath at night. It also gets colder at night than you might think. Also warm Jammie’s.
3.) It’s always nice to have more room in a tent than less. Baggage, clothes, personal care items.
4.) Be sure your camp site will allow multiple tents. Some limit the number, or might make you take extras down during the day.
5.) Camp chairs! Lots of them. The picnic table is not good for extended relaxation.
6.) Sandwiches and cold cereal are great for your first few outings, until you get a feel for how it all works for you. Prep as many meals ahead as you can. I can see how Sharp Shopper will be a huge blessing as you prep! 😉
7.) since you said you’d have electricity, take an extension cord. Maybe you can use a crock pot for dinner. Camp beans and roasted weiners make a fun camping meal!
8.) Lots of wet wipes! 😉
9.) A metal whistle! My folks always brought one. Train the kids to always respond to the whistle. If you are missing one during nose count, use it! If you need the kids to come back to camp, use it! Surprisingly helpful. Might even invest in ones for the Littles, if they get lost.
10.) HAVE FUN! Our camping trips when I was small were very rustic. No flushing toilets, no electricity. By the time I was grown with my own kids, I’d perfected our three week camping trips quite a bit, with a full fledged kitchen, pantry, etc.
GREAT MEMORIES WERE MADE! Praying the same for your family…Relax and have fun. Make notes each trip for the next one. 😃
🙏🙏🙏
This is a great list!
Bless your heart! No matter how this turns out your kids will remember it for the rest of their lives. Have a wonderful birthday. I turned 70 earlier this month so I will live vicariously thru you. 😊
Me too, no more tent camping for this 64 year old but I can doing via Jammeril
Highly recommend buying camping cots vs air mattresses. They don’t deflate in the middle of the night. Extremely proud of you for being brave and taking your kiddos camping. You’ve got this! Here’s to fun adventures.
Jamerrill you will have a fantastic time! I’m 60 and have camped as a kid and with all my kids. Just don’t overthink things. Camping is a time for family. Just remember a couple things, always put food and garbage away. Have a first aid kit on hand, a carpet outside each tent is a must. And a clothes line and pins to hang towels and wet clothes on. Good luck. Remember breath and just go with the flow!🏕️🇨🇦
Did anyone else want to go fly out and help her!?!
As a single mom who goes camping with my kids, let me tell you.... You got this Momma!!
I felt like ya’ll were with me 🤗🤗🤗
@@RaychM-vq3ou 💖Gosh I would if I had the money
Yes I wanted to yell that a 12 person tent fits 4 people and their stuff comfortably.
Many may have suggested this already, but be sure to get an air pump for those mattresses.
Board games, card games, or musical instruments for evening entertainment. A camp shovel to trench rain water away from you tents. Large water jugs, the collapsible ones are great. A portable clothes line. Fire starters and lighters, lots of towels.
Don't know how long your trip will be for, but what a great way to start. Wish you well!!!
The thin blue high density sponge matress is nice for underneath airmatress it not only prevents punctures but isolates the cold from underneath❤
She bought two pumps in this haul
To make camping super easy, I always get a site with water and electric to tent camp. I use an electric skillet only (not griddle -The skillet has tall sides) and plan my menu around what I can cook with that. Also food prep your meals so you aren’t cooking all day. Like I will make a pot of chili at home, put it in bags or tupperware and refrigerate it. Then at camp, I dump it into the electric skillet to reheat. Done! I make hot dogs, quesadillas, pancakes,eggs, hamburgers, etc with electric skillet. Works well.
I take my griddle. The biggest cooler ever,84 quarts at Sam's. Solar yard lights at Dollar Tree for night lights.we take a potty/shower tent for night time potty needs.you can use adult potty chair or a camping toilet. You will have a great time! Kids will never forget it! Extra ropes for towels. Lots of Reynolds wrap and air tight lock n lock.a fold up table for your food tent and one for your stove. Research how to make an oven with a box n aluminum foil...make pigs in a blanket or biscuits. Hobo packs.pancakes on the griddle!
Not sure why it's not letting me make a regular comment myself but I'll do an add on . Lol sorry to the original commenttor here. I wanted to comment if u use air mattresses all u need is blankets n pillows so do t need a sleeping bag :)
Same here
That works if it's hot in the summer. Not spring/ fall/ other parts of the country! Cold without a slepping bag when it gets down into the 40s-50s overnight.
That's how my Mom cooked when camping as kids, electric skillet 👍
I bought a 4 person tent for my adult son who is autistic. He lives in a supported living home and beautiful yard areas. There is a small hill with a level top. My friends who know camping told me to put plastic painting floor protectors, then a tarp on top of that, then pitch the tent. Buy dog tie downs for tent stakes. To keep the inside clean, buy cheap indoor outdoor carpet for tent floor. And I put a welcome mat in front of the entrance. It is so pretty in that little campground. His housemates family bought a porch type swing that's out there, we put a shepards crook with petunias and a solar light chandelier. It's so beautiful! And a picnic table and lots of chairs.
Those dog tie downs work great, here in my area of Ohio, we had several tornadoes last week, with week long power outages, etc. My son's tent is still standing! The sun shade needs adjusting, but the tent is still tied down.
Jamerrill you are strong amazing woman. Your first camping experience will be amazing. Do not worry about the small things. Have a great time and have a very Happy 45th Birthday 🎉❤
We are an active camping family of 5, and when we started camping the options were totally overwhelming. I quickly learned to forgo the traditional air mattress and get a self inflating (built in foot pump or air bag) sleeping pad. They pack up so much smaller and you're not reliant on electricity or a labor intensive hand pump to inflate them. We also love watching Outdoor Boys. Some of his earlier videos are really handy for new campers.
Happy 45th Birthday! I am so proud of you, mama! You will learn as you go. ❤🎉
A lot of camp stoves are designed to hook up to the little green 1 gallon propane bottles… Another option, is to spend about 20 bucks on a hose that converts the connections so that you can connect to the #20 barbecue size bottles.
Yes.get several trips on that tank n save money.if you have a propane grill you already have one. May need tools. Take a lighter like for candles.....
I keep my camping supplies packed in totes. Very little unpacking. Dishes, cookware, appliances only designated for camping. I store my airmatresses in totes also. I bought packing blankets off internet for tent floors...they work nice n are cheap.
I love this, it’s good to just jump in and start slow, keep it simple and enjoy yourself, I hope you all had a great time 💕😊
🇦🇺I was a foster parent for 20 years and would take them camping. Have the first nights food made and just heat it up. We had a 8 man tent for us and a army bunk beds for the littles. We had 3 x 5 man tents. Choose tents that can be popped up easily. Extra tarps for under and over the tent in case of rain. We had a large tarp for the common area. Always have extra ropes for tents plus rope for a washing line. Each child had a backpack with their clothing items,torches, head lamps books etc.
We cooked over a campfire. We used an old pressure cooker without the jiggler for the main meal- cheesy meatballs in tomato soup, with toast. You will not want to cook after setting up camp.
We had bags for everything, on the inside write in permanent marker what should be inside.
cooking bag- kettle, pressure cooker, frying pan, toasting rack. Fire starters, lighters, waterproof matches.
Cleaning- tea towels, dishwashing liquid, scrubbers, sponges, washing line for washing, pegs, hand shovel and broom, rubbish bags, large washing basin,
Bathroom bag- toothpaste, toothbrushes, hair bands, feminine hygiene, small black rubbish bags, emergency toilet with Rubbish bags.
First aid bag, wound care items, medication, bandages, sling, vomit bags, tweezers etc
Tent bag- hammer, extra metal pegs , extra rope, knife, air pump (with car plug-in) , air mattress patches, extra poles.
Good ideas I like the pressure cooker for a big cooking pot.
We always take extra blankets camping with our sleeping bags, we are in Utah so even in the summer the mountains can get cold at night.
I am so proud of you I have always camped but the first time after my husband passed and I took my four boys camping I remember how I felt. I hope you all have a wonderful time!❤
This is such a great idea! Your children will always remember this. God bless you and your family!
First aid kit
Portable pump for air mattresses
Firewood
Stakes for the tents w/hammer
You will forget things but it's amazing how we can improvise
Enjoy!!
Shes a trained nurse, she knows how to do that!
I really like how you're approaching this - keeping it simple so you have fun, as well as your kids. I hope it's everything you want it to be!
Not trying to tell you what to do. These are only a few suggestions. Get a tarp to setup each tent on. This will save the floor of your tent and hopefully keep roots etc. from puncturing your air mattresses. Also, this time of year, I would get a battery operated fan for each tent to stir some air and keep it from being so hot. If you take meats in the cooler, be careful, as the ice melts, your meat can get soggy. I learned this the hard way on my first camping trip. For example, a pack of hamburger, leave in the packaging from the G. Store then wrap in Reynolds wrap and finally place in Ziplock bags. This will keep your meats SAFE not soggy from water that has seeped in. Finally, take a rake to go over site where you will be pitching tents to get it as smooth as possible. Hope this helps and your trip goes SMOOTHLY and you ALL have a GREAT time! YOU CAN DO THIS !
Great suggestions 😄🙌😄
Campfire cast iron hand sandwich makers. Butter bread, butter side down, cheese, pepperoni, bread, close up, hold over flame. So yummy!
Get headlamps for each kid. Trashbags, D batteries, bug spray, buckets for trash or soiled items.
I know all too well the stage of " should I stay or should I go?" And I'm watching you look at the camera while your looking at flashlights and you mouthed "i don't know" and you just shrugged... My god I wanted to jump through the phone and hug you and say who cares if you don't kno, you'll know eventually. And each experience with your kids will help you know more along the way. I'm just so inspired by you. Your kiddos will never forget the time spent healing each other, and they'll never forget the calm after the storm.
Happy 45th Birthday Jamerrill! Hoping things turn out with your family camping trip.
How wonderful and brave. You are being a shining hero to your children.❤ I admire your 'spunk'.❤ God bless y'all- have a fun time!
Not a necessity, but when we used to camp, we had a little door mat at the tent opening and a small broom and dustpan to help clean out the tent.
I am SO here for this adventure! I imagine lots and lots of belly laughs and some of the best memories figuring it out together. ❤
I found that the easiest way to pack food, was planning meals that can be frozen. Each meal was stored in ziplock bags, stacked in the cooler with refrigerated food on top. Then pull out a bag a meal.
Yes! I saw someone who even cracks all of their eggs (and scrambles them) puts them in Ziplocs and freezes them for each breakfast. Pre-made frozen pancakes, waffles, etc.
I actually like to make the food at home, then freeze it. A favorite is beef stew. Just have to warm it up, usually bring some bread to serve with it. Also, a meaty spaghetti sauce is also a good one.
Same here, especially for longer camping trips
Headlamps are great for the kiddos. Especially nice if they need to make a nighttime run to the restroom.❤ you did a great job shopping, especially for such a big crowd. It absolutely can be overwhelming but you got this.👏👏 Don’t worry about getting it Perfect, just enjoy your family and make those memories, I loved camping with my children when they were young. My nest is empty now, but the memories remain😊
Make sure you have bug repellent so in the evening your not getting eaten by all the bugs. Also take a few of your old throw blankets just in case it gets a little cooler than you were expecting. Also if you’re taking eggs crack them and put them in a mason jar with the milk and seasoning all mix together in the jar. On our last breakfast we would make dangerous eggs. We took whatever meat and vegetables we had leftover from the other meals and cooked it all with our leftover eggs. Take some of your freeze dried vegetables ( Becky over at acre homestead made some of those freeze dried green beans with a little bit of salt like you can buy in the store. Or you can also freeze dry some candy for snacks. Hope some of these ideas help
Tarp for under the tent. Extra tent stakes. A rug for outside the door. Fan in hot weather, heater in cold weather. Fly swatter, bug spray, sun screen, first aid kit. Get a good cooler for food. Just use regular silverware and utensils possibly thrifted. An electric frying pan gives many food preparation options. If you are getting an electrical site bring a long heavy duty extension cord and a multi plug. One of those pots that heat water. Cheap solar lights around tent stakes to avoid tripping hazard.
You're doing the thing mama. I hope your family had a blast and you thoroughly enjoyed your 45th birthday
So fun!!!😊. "A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.". Hope y'all have the best time and great weather.
I think you're just amazing..i have nothing for camping just be safe and have fun..
Thank you!
Definitely grab a "pop up" tent for over the picnic table, also a patio/outdoor rug is great to keep dirt down under that tent. The biggest luxury item we've gotten is a table with a sink meant for gutting fish, it's great to have an easy access sink for hand washing and cooking.
Empty milk jugs with a couple of glow sticks make great night lights and little kid run about lights. The little sink will be great for rinsing feet before jumping in a sleeping bag. The area rugs that have seen better days work great outside the entrance of the tents. Have so much fun!🙌🏼♥️
Happy Birthday, Jamerrill! 🥳💐 You inspire me to do new things. Enjoy your camping trip! 🥰🎂
Try not to stress, have fun with it all! You will do great!
Depending on what you want to get out of your camping trips, your basics are something to sleep on (plus some sort of pump for airbeds) your sleeping bags, something to cook with,see with (torch) and something to sit on 😁food can be things like the pocket meals that you can put on a rack on a fire pit, and put some kind of meat, potatoes and veggies in, and once cooked pour into a dish or plate
Small wisk broom and dust pan to sweep out the tent, small cheap throw rugs on the outside to collect dirt. If water is involved, swimming in creek wading a small clothes line to hang up wet towels and swimsuits is helpful.
I grew up camping every summer. My Dad got 4 weeks vacation every summer. We tent camped at first. We started out with state parks and eventually we camped out of state. You have already bought what we used. It was some of my best memories. We were a family of 6 and our friends were also a family of 6 . I’m grown and have grown kids and grandkids. They were all taken out to camp.
We have found out the dome tents are not tall enough to stand up in. Also you can take volleyball, badminton, corn hole, these are just a few things we do camping… Fishing in the creek/river is fun too… Enjoy your time…
Life’s about the journey, not the destination. Enjoy your self! God bless
Hatchet/small axe for firewood/kindling, $Tree batteries, strike anywhere matches or OCO storm matches, sew old sheets into tubes for sleep sacks inside sleeping bags - extra layer when it’s cold or option when it’s too hot, and easier to wash than the bags. Throw some extra blankets in the car just in case.
Good idea on the sleeping bag liners out of sheets❤
MOST IMPORTANT make sure u pack all the poles and dont get them mixed up keep each tents poles with it. If u can get groundcover sheets its nice in outside kitchen area if u get a gazebo. We have a lot of ground covers all over because we camp in area with lots of snakes. Groundcovers also keeps the sand mostly at bay
You should get tarps to go over the tents it really helps with the rain not soaking through the top of the tents during really heavy down pours
A pop up gazebo is perfect for camping to keep you in shade as well as protect you from the rain.. Also table cloths and tablecloth clips to hold them on..We use rechargeable headlamps too.. Don’t forget your outdoor extension cord and a surge protector to plug all your things into..Another good thing to have is a camping cook tripod to cook over the campfire..And make sure All your garbage is secured to keep animals out..
I love camping and cooking outdoors. Time with family and relaxing under the stars sitting around the camp fire
Tarps to put on the ground under your tent are nice to help protect the bottom of your tent. Bring long outdoor extension cords, tablecloth with clips for the picnic table, and both hand soap and hand sanitizer are nice as well as dish soap, the tents come with pegs, but you can buy nicer ones separately next time. A mallet will probably be needed. Yes, keep your food in the van at night, and keeping gear in totes works great. You guys will make many memories and learn along the way. Hope you have an amazing time!
Tarps to put under the tents bc of moisture. Or mats, it makes it nice and soft. Easy meals. Lots of water and drinks. Trash bags for trash. I'd take paper plates and bowls. Paper towels. I'd get a tall air mattress for you and your mother. It'll help trust me.
How exciting!! I can't wait to see all the tips and tricks you will have to share.
Do you have a pump to blow up the air mattresses? I would also bring, a cooler for your food, plastic sheets, they come in handy if it rains. Also, a rope and clothes pins. you can tie it between trees and hang up wet clothes. Utensils, plates and above all...HAVE FUN!
Yes, I did buy two car powered air mattress pumps and those worked great!
@@JamerrillStewart I can hardly wait to see how your first adventure went!!!!!!!
Biggest camping tips. With kids, you can never have too many lights or blankets. I really hope you have an amazing time I'm.so glad I've been able to take my kids camping. As long as you are warm, dry, and fed, you'll be great.
happy Birthday and good girl! My suggestion is a large container for water. Wide shallow containers to wash dishes. Batteries, a large tarp so if it rains you can hunker down under a tarp. We always had a screen tent just for kids to play games. Picnic table clothes,
Please take protection for the family with all that's been going on in the world. Be safe. Love ❤️ and hugs
When we go camping it helps to precook items as much as possible. I cut my onion, veggies, fry my sausage for gravy and bake biscuits, all before leaving.
Pillows, rain poncho, extra shoes, first aid kit, fire starter material (newspaper etc) waterproof matches. Have so much fun!
Lots of wipes and a few large trash bags. First aid kit. Good that you have warm sleeping bags. When our daughter, who was going through the colt stage, on a trip, it got down to 50 degrees at night. We would pile everything on her , even clothes!
Best birthday present for yourself, your mom and the kids ❤️💕. A foldable/ collapsible/ portable camping toilet is a game changer especially during the night.
For the sleeping bags, just toss in a few extra blankets, don’t stress about that. Bbq starter for the fire is helpful.
You will learn your needs and rhythm the more you do it. Camping is fun esp once you hit the right groove for your family!
Hi Jamerrill, thats awesome introducing camping for your children, I have been camping since I was young, mostly Algonquin Park, Ontario, Canada. The necesities, must haves: you will need are;quick pop up tents, a tarp to put up between the trees in case it rains, screened in dining tent ( you will also need a dining tent in case it rains to cook in), cook stove, folding chairs, battery light for dining tent , camp fire starter, tripod hanging pot or cooking wok for campfire-allows you to cook stews etc, rope and clothes pegs to hang wet towels, fishing rods/lures, flashlights, solar lights, firewood (firewood can be expensive at campgrounds), coolers, extention cord to connect to electricity if your camp ground offers it, groche coffee pot great for coffee over campfire or cookstove, also cooking gear rotisseriery to cook whole chickens over campfire, instant porrige is quick and easy for kids in the morning, meals prepared ahead of time:lasagna, spagetti, hot dogs, wraps, smores, marshmallows, burgers, Prepare ahead of time: chopped potatoes/green peppers/spring onions/tomatoes-wrap all this aluminum foil with butter, salt and pepper put on campfire. Lots of mini propane tanks for your cookstove. Hope this helps- have a great time!
We have a bin dedicated to camping supplies-so go through your kitchen and see what you have extra of-large spoons, spatulas, knives. Also keep soap, foil, lighter/matches, first aid kit, snake bite kit, cutting board, towel. Plan on investing in a tarp or 3 to put under or over your tents depending on the time of year. Having rope, garbage bags, and hand soap are good to have on hand.
I commend you taking all the kids camping on your own.
I have 5 boys and we LOVE camping - both tent and our pop up. We LOVE disappearing into the woods for 2 weeks. My husband comes on the weekends when he's not working. Some "extras" we have enjoyed having are torches to steak into the ground with the oil to fill it with. Great for night lights. Also Christmas lights or outside strand light to string between some trees for extra lights. An inverter for your tent for "power". Flashlights for everyone and even headlights so you don't have to hold it while you're walking around. Take your own firewood if you can to save money and in case what the campground has is wet. Fire starter (bought, saved dryer lint in egg cartons (cut apart for fire starter), old paper, magazines, cardboard boxes). Definitely get extra tent pegs. What comes with the tents normally don't last. Get a good mallet or hammer. Inside hanging lights for your tent. I'll add another comment with more later
Get some blue tarps and put them under your tents to keep them cleaner. Before putting your tents up since you are going to use air mattress' you need to make sure the area is as clean as possible. ie, no rocks and debris that can poke holes in your mattress. Def take your cast iron skillets and griddles. A campfire won't hurt them. Go check out Brooke @Southern Frugal Momma, she has some camping videos that they use the sandwich maker using diff things. Do a "dry run" at home on putting up one of the tents. Just so you have more of a handle on things before you go and not go crazy. Just have FUN!!!!!
I was going to suggest Southern Frugal Momma also I wish they could speak to each other Brooke could give her some great tips.
Your tips are excellent especially the tarps we always did that also a outdoor throw rug to go I front of the tents to help keep the sand and dirt out.
Congrats Jamerill. I'm 52yrs old and my youngest are Twins 11yrs. left my Husband 2.5yrs ago and bought a Camper Van last year after going tent camping. I always wanted to be a Camping person and do these things with my kids. We did 5 trips this year. And we love it. I hope you have a fabulous time as a family.
Have a great trip. My family used to camp when I was a kid. Great memories. 😊❤
Have a wonderful trip, you will have quality time together that's all that matters.
NO FOOD IN TENTS. It’s not just bears! Squirrels and such will chew right through your tent 💓
Added, 1 kids snuck chips in tent and there was a skunk in there eating them. So definitely beware. 😆
😅😅😅😅😅😅❤
I heard bears will even rip apart your car. A lot of tent camps offer a locked food bin.
@@audrab27yes they absolutely will!
@@audrab27I think the west coast, Yosemite and lake Tahoe are bad. They goin cars,houses,tents.
For the warm weather sleeping bags put a fleece blanket inside it and wear long jammies when it gets colder. Take your cast iron with you. Yes they are campfire safe..have folks take shoes off before entering the tent it will save your sanity with dirt..You may want a folding table and a pop up canopy and a table cloth..shower caddies work for utensils.
So much fun!! I can’t tent camp anymore because of health issues but that is one of my favorite things. I hope you have tons of relaxing fun.
Happy birthday jamerrill 🎉🎉🎉🎉hope you enjoy your camping adventures 🏕🌼have fun😊
I love camping! We camped alot as a child, such great memories. Now as Im older, I occasaionally camp with my son and grandaughters. One of the best invesments has been a portable potty (its like a skinny tent, I hang a clip on lite, you have a 5 gallon bucket to cover with a trash bag and a seat on top) Take a bag of cat litter and sprinkle between uses. Its a game changer for small children (and old Momms 😂) at night. The other great thing is we use glow necklaces and bracelets (dollar tree) to keep up with kids around the fire at night, because it gets so dark! Have a great time!
Tarp, tables (you will need surfaces for cooking and eating), perhaps a separate kitchen tent, chairs, a bathroom tent for late night use.
We love to camp. I always take a little rug to put outside of our tent for shoes. Shoes always come off before going into the tent. I also bring lots of ziplock gallon and quart size baggies to protect from rain or varmints. If you can, bring a tarp for emergency covers.🤓 Have fun.
The little rug is such a good idea.
Yes! Keeps dirt outta the tent.
You have got this, make those memories with your babies. Make it simple and just have fun.
You will have a blast! It’s not about doing it perfectly, it’s about having fun and making memories.You are good at both of those things!
You will need bug spray, tarps for under the tents to keep them dry, foil to cover the fire grates to cook meat( you can also do hobo packets )paper plates, and plastic silverware. OLD pot and pans. Cast iron to cook in. One of your big bowls to wash dishes and it will do will do double duty. Old stained tee towels. Dish soap.
Lots of baby wipes. Great for cleaning up the kids and adults. Don’t forget to take your chairs.
Have fun!!!!
Hi Jammerill!
My two best camping tips is to borrow as much as possible first time, to see in it´s fun before buying loads of stuff. And give eveyone a handheld flashlight. Flashlights are so much fun and it keeps everyone feel safe and in control and with one each there will not be any fights over them. I love flashlights as gifts for kids any time.
It gets cold in the night and sometimes a bit humid. The sleeping bag is ment to keep you warm without alot of clothes and you need good quality tents that keeps rain and hot sun out. As a beginner, ask the staff in a specialist shop when you buy camping equipment. When you got everything home do a test, put up the tents in the garden and so that everything is there, all the little parts and that you know how to do + be sure that everyting and everyone with the air matrasses) fit in the tents. Same if you bring a camping stove, try it out at home first, not when everyone is hungry and it´s getting dark...
About buying special camping items like special silverware, blankets, cups aso, don´t! Look at what you have at home first and use that.
Bonus tips. If you bring hot water in a thermos you can have instant coffee in the morning before making breakfast. A good quality thermos should hold hot water warm over night if it´s full. A simple screwdriver is also good to have, use it to stick into the ground and prepare holes for the tent pegs. Those pegs is so easy to bend and break.
I hope you will have a lot of fun camping with the family.
Years ago I used to go camping every weekend, yes I had an air mattress, but used bed sheets to cover ther mattress, with a fitted sheet is the way to go, then open the sleeping bag, to use as a blanket, bring pillows from home., and of course pillow cases. Go with the 6 person, to ensure you have room for you baggage, clothes, shoes, turn a box upside down, and use a battery lamp on it.
Collapsible sink is an excellent idea. Comfortable camp chairs are a good idea as well. Have fun 😊
A screen tent for eating. One that can go over the picnic table. Several extension cords, power strip for all the plug ins, walkie talkies for communication, table cloths, hang washing station you can set up....have fun!
I highly recommend the black bins with yellow tops from Sam's. They're perfect for storage when not camping AND taking with you. They're made with a spot to attach a lock or bungee cord for travel; so you can put them on a trailer, leave them out at the camp site, etc, and everything is protected, animal/weather proof. BONUS, you don't have extra work when you're leaving home or the site to reorganize everything for storage. I think you said you have a propane camping stove and water bag? If not I recommend the plastic ones that store flat when empty but can hold tons of water when filled. I'm sure you know about using metal mixing bowls on the camping stove to heat water to wash dishes, etc so you're not always relying on disposables, etc. Also super helpful when you have kids who get dirty a lot and need washing and don't want to trek to the bathrooms.
I grew up camping all over the US with my family and they are the most special, bonding experiences. The quality time is amazing and leads to so many memories we all treasure. I'm so happy for you and hope you're willing to share some of your adventures with us :)
PS we always put a fitted sheet on our mattresses (helps keep them clean and protected)) & took the top sheet as well. If it's really hot you can always lay on your sleeping bag and use the sheet for light cover. Highly recommend. It's much easier to clean sheets than mattresses. :)
Can also get those black boxes at Costco and Home Depot. :)
Hey lady. I have a large family and we camp all the time. Summer tips from me is to use sheets instead of sleeping bags, rechargable fans on amazon (love these) and if you are going to really be a family of campers, the coleman dark technoagey tents are amazing there is a big difference in temp . it really helps in the summer. And dont stress enjoy in. Good luck mama.
What wonderful plans for your kids and you. You will learn...I would just keep it easy for the food on your first trip out. Have a great camping trip and Happy Birthday to you!!
A small hand broom and dustpan to keep the tent tidy. A boot tray to sit near the doorway of the tent. A couple basins that nest can be used for so many things. An aquatainer is nice is nice to have. I love cast iron but I prefer simple lightweight enamelware for camping. Can be used on butane/propane stoves or campfires. Dont forget camp chairs.
They also make a spray to waterproof the tent and the seams. We always put a tarp under tent before we set it up.
I am loving all this tarp advice, because we will definitely do that on our second trip!
Camping is so much fun! Make sure your tents are not only big enough for everyone to sleep but large enough to have room for your clothing, etc. A good cast iron skillet and hanging pot to cook over a campfire is all you will need to cook in. Good sleeping bags and blankets. Don’t forget the pillows, lol. A few coolers to keep your food in. A radio, a couple of good books, a couple of lanterns and basic essentials. I grew up camping and did the same with my children. Sandwiches and chips for lunches, eggs, bacon, pancakes for breakfasts, burgers, hot dogs, yummy fried potatoes with onions. You can make toast over the fire with those sandwich holders. Oh the memories! You can do this mama!!❤️❤️
Those collapsible bowls work great! For mixing, salad, dish and hand washing…. YOU’RE DOING GREAT 💖
Oh thank you!
We did the whole camping thing with the kids when they were young. Keep everything as simple as possible as camping can be labor intensive. Plan to cook only 2 meals for your full days. There is nothing wrong with lunchmeat and PB&J sandwiches and chips. You want to actually have time to enjoy your surroundings and activities. With the lanterns/flashlights switch them out so that I can you only need the same size batteries. Amazon has great sets (4/6 pack of different colors) LED lanterns that adjustable that are great so you slide the cylinders open for very bright light or close it down for just a bit. They are not expensive and I have had mine for more than 10 years. After a couple of years we switched to a travel trailer and found that better suited our needs. We loved that we could keep it packed up and ready to go at a moments notice. The kids also could just throw a tent up if they wanted to still get that type of experience. Good Luck!
4 person really means 2 adults comfortably. They are not that big. I hope you manage to fit everyone.
Right!!! One queen air mattress that's 2 teens max. You will also have backpacks and stuff in there too. Gonna need a couple more tents.
Yes! 100%
Yes! Especially if they are all sleeping on air mattresses
Yes 4 person tents mean 4 bodies, not all the personal belongings needed to support 4 people.
Yes I wanted to yell at the computer you need bigger tents lol we have a ten person for my family of 4 plus a dog and my kids are 5 and 4 lol you need room to move and stay comfortably
Head lamps especially for younger kids, camp chairs, good bug repellant and bug repellant lamps for each tent. All the lovely freezer camp meals x enjoy guys
Camping is a lot of work but so much fun too. I would suggest taking sheets for your beds. Tents are hot when you get all those bodies in there and no matter how fast you are, bugs will get in, so being covered with a sheet is always a good idea while sleeping. Bring easy games for those rainy days and wind down times. Food--Foil dinners cooked in hot coals! Everyone can make their own with choice of meat, veggies and seasonings. Don't forget hot pads and oven mitts.
Through this experience make note of what you think might have made it easier and the next trip will be easier.
You got this!! Can't wait to hear how it goes! 😄
Just know if the tent says 4 people it will comfortably hold two. Get some tarps to go under the tents to help prevent tears. You can also string tarps above tents for sun cover and communal space. Have fun! Don't forget camp chairs! You got this!
You have a good grasp already , you will have a wonderful time, as for additional items? Sense of humour (check) Cooler (check) pumps for air mattress (check) 2 plastic dish pans,if you have rain in your area tarps for under your tents.first aid kit,large water jug,bags to carry toiletries to the shower.tin foil and parchment paper for.in the future a dinning tent to cover the picnic ,table veggie bags on the fire. And eventually camp chairs.
We’ve been camping for over 60 ( still doing it) years it’s a wonderful way to enjoy a simple life and creation as a family. Looking forward to your videos.
I can’t wait for you to see our first adventure!
@Jamerrill, do you have any sleep walkers? Put yourself in a position with your little ones that they have to step over you to get out. Also padlocks for your tent while you're all away as a deterent.
Being over 70 and 20 years of Army life, my camping is a hotel room. We still take long motorcycle trips and I carry a small instant pot and a French press.
I used to live in your area. We primitive camped at Bentonville for over 25 years. We fished, canoed, tubed, hiked, biked, cooked over open fires, used an outdoor toilet...the works. No electric, no running water except the Shenandoah river which was where we camped...on the banks of the river. None of my tents ever came with pegs and I always took many extra....they disappear and break at the most inopportune times. Don't forget a hammer! It does get very cool at night in the woods and the bugs are viscous take repellent and check everyone often for ticks. Read up about preparing for camping in bear country. They are real, they do come to visit and proper food storage is a critical safety issue. So much I could tell you! You are going to an organized campground so you will be fine and I hope you love it as much as we did. Enjoy and be safe.
You will do amazingly. My sons were boy scouts so they learned from them. My ex husband refused to go so I went with them when needed. Make sure you bring a coffee pot and I believe they always put a tarp under the tent first.
It’s alot of stuff to take for 1 or 2 nights but you will have fun.
Make sure you take fire wood unless the camp ground provides it.
That’s all I can think of now but I’m sure there is so much more to share.
I’m proud of you !!! ❤
My suggestion is small side tables for sitting around the fire and tarps for under the tents, it will wick away the moisture from the ground.
Maybe some cheap rugs for kicking shoes off before getting in the tents.
Tin foil for all the fun hobo packs you can make. Also, those breakfast burritos you make would heat up fantastic on a cast iron skillet if wrapped in tin foil. We camp in a camper, but there's so many things you can get for camping to make it easier, but as you stated you will probably realize after the fact and take notes. You got this, and I can't wait to see how it goes.
Good for you!
I remember taking my boys camping by myself.
It was challenging, a little scary but a great memory for all.
Good luck.
You will learn quickly what you need for next time.
I’m sure you and your family will have a fun time no matter how things go.
Happy birthday to you!