Juliane Liebermann
From hiking to fun activities, there are several ways to enjoy time with children while camping.
Words by Amy Bradley
Spending time outdoors with your kids is an excellent way to create memories that will last a lifetime. However, without careful planning, it can be a stressful experience and listed below are a few tips to help provide smooth, rewarding camping trips with your children this season.
Prepare for Long Drives
Long drives are common when RVing and smart devices keep kids entertained for only so long. Once the novelty of YouTube or games like Toca Builder fades, perhaps try some interactive activities. The alphabet license plate game, I spy, and 20 questions are some of the ways to pass time. If you can, prepare a scavenger hunt, both for the drive and while you’re camping.
Delegate Easy Tasks and Establish Site Rules
Once you arrive at your destination - and if the kids are old enough to help set up and unpack - give them a few tasks to do (even though it’s likely they can’t wait to get on their bikes and start exploring).
It’s also important to establish basic ‘campsite rules.’ Some may include staying a close distance to your site, respecting other campers, and being extra careful around campfires.
Kelly Sikkema
Healthy eating is important but classic s’mores are always the best treats.
Pack Games and Activities
Activities are another way to spend time together. Bocce ball, corn hole, and washer toss are easy games to pack. A good scavenger hunt during a hike can also keep kids busy while exploring a new park or enjoying a familiar one - it’s also an excellent way to learn about the dreaded poison ivy.
Create a list that you can call a ‘treasure list including:
- Who can find the largest leaf?
- What animal tracks can be found and what type of animal made the tracks?
- How many birds can be discovered?
- What was the best treasure that each person found?
After a busy day outdoors, your children may need to rest. A game of Go Fish, Concentration or Crazy Eights near the campfire is the perfect way for them to wind down.
Managing Foul Weather and Conditions
The weather can change suddenly, so be sure to pack enough clothes so your kids can dress in layers. For instance, mud in the campground can create huge messes so be sure to keep a basin of water with soap and clothing in a convenient area outside of the RV.
Healthy Snacks and Foods
Food and snacks are a big part of camping. A great way to avoid extended kitchen duty is by simply planning. Serving repackaged foods or prepping vegetables and fruit in the morning to enjoy later in the day will always save time. Healthy meals are important, but camping wouldn’t be complete without the classic s’mores.
While you’re enjoying family and securing lifelong memories, let Wayfarer Insurance Group help you with the security of insuring your home away from home so you can continue to build more fond moments during RV trips.
Starke Jett NPS
Getting in touch with nature is also important for kids when camping.
Wayfarer Insurance provides insurance designed specifically to address the unique needs that come with owning a trailer and motorhome. Our licensed brokers are available to provide peace of mind wherever the road takes you.
About the author: Amy Bradley has been a valued member of the Wayfarer Insurance team for almost 17 years. She is an experienced broker who remains passionate about the RVing lifestyle. Her honest, outgoing and friendly demeanour has been instrumental to Wayfarer in building strong relationships with customers, dealers and industry associations. For more information about their RV insurance policies visit www. wayfarerinsurancegroup.com.