Camping Advice
So you are ready to go off camping, have you forgotten a vital piece of your kit? You need to pre-plan for a successful and enjoyable camping expedition and it is important that you make a checklist of things that you will need with you.
There is no definitive checklist for camping holidays, however, here is an example of a checklist for camping that covers most of the basic essentials you will need and it will allow you to get to know the kinds of items you may need.
If you are a beginner to camping you will discover things once your are at your location that you wish you had brought, this is normal, make sure you include them next time.
Sleeping Quarters
- A groundsheet
- Your Tent including all pegs, stakes, guy ropes
- A hammer/mallet
- Air bed
- Sleeping bags and blankets just in case. It can get colder than you expect at night
- A flysheet if required (especially in high summer)
Cooking Equipment
Bin bags
Kitchen foil, kitchen tissue, cling film, napkins
Food and drink supplies
Cooker, stove, and/or a BBQ kit
Matches and/or lighter (matches can get wet)
Cooling box
Pots, pans, plates, cups, cutlery, glasses
Cooking utensils, e.g. ladle, tongs, large spoon, fork
Tin opener, corkscrew, bottle opener
Food storage containers
Personal Hygiene
Soap and shampoo
Deodorant
Toilet paper
Sanitary towels
Anti-bacterial soap
Clothes
Warm clothes
Waterproofs
Boots/walking shoes
Sun hat
Woollen hat
First Aid
Insect repellent
Antihistamines
Plasters/bandages
Paracetamol or some other kind of pain relief
Make sure you include your prescribed medication
Miscellaneous
Pen and paper
Duct tape
Trowel
Map and compass
Mobile phone
Camera
Toys, books, games, Ipod, radio
Spare batteries
Backpack
Outdoor furniture e.g. foldaway chairs/tables
Camping with the Children
If you are going camping with your children for the first time, you may be interested in the following:
Plan the camping trip together with the kids
Decide on places to go before you leave – consider interests, outdoor experience with reference to the children’s ages.
When and where to shop for your meals
Try a campout in your own backyard before you go for the first time
Teach the kids how to put up and use a tent
Show the kids how to use some camping equipment
Show them the constellations on a clear night
Listen to the many night sounds
Teach them about safety
Go on a flashlight walk
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