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My family has been enjoying camping since my kids were babies and we have been somewhat fine tuning it. Camping with kids is not the easiest task, but it is a fun adventure and we have found many ways to make it a bit easier and a lot more fun! We have also been working on a greener version of camping and I would love to share with you some ideas on "eco camping".
1 Bring Reusable Plates, Bowls, Cups, Utensils: If you have sturdy plastic plates, bowls, etc. in your home already, then use these. If you don't, then a small investment in some stainless steel, bamboo, or plastic items is the way to go. Each family member only needs 1 plate, 1 set of utensils, 1 bowl, and 1 cup to be cleaned after each use and used again. We used our To Go Ware Bamboo utensils at our last camping trip and we all loved it!
2. Use a Natural Biodegradable Camp Soap: We use Dr. Bronners for washing dishes and hands! You can find specialty camp soaps at your local camp store. Do not use soap in rivers or lakes.
3. Use a Natural Sunblocker and Bug Spray: We love using Mama Rose's Naturals Sunblocker and Insect Repellent!
4. Pack it Out: Even if you bring reusable items, you will still end up with trash. Make sure to bring a trash bag so you can bring your trash out of the camp site with you.
5. Campfires: We love evening camp fires while camping! Make sure to only burn wood fallen from trees....do not cut down branches from a living tree. Build campfires in designated fire rings only and never burn plastic or other toxic materials.
6. Campsite: use existing campsites to prevent impacting new areas and pitch tents in cleared spots.
7. Have fun: Enjoying nature and teaching our kids how important it is to respect nature is a great way to have fun while camping. Allow your kids to explore nature and play with what is available rather than bringing too many toys from home (although a few balls, hula hoops, and jump ropes can be fun for kids). Going with other families can be a great way to make the experience more special and fun and can help kids to appreciate their natural surroundings.
We do our best to take care of our Earth and it is important to get out and enjoy ourselves in her beauty. If you follow a few simple guidelines while camping, it can be eco friendly and fun!
*The last time I posted about camping I had a few emails asking for advice on camping with kids. I welcome these emails and appreciate the opportunity to share my experience with you all!
~Suzy
suzy@hipmountainmama.com
Great tips! Oh how I miss camping. Thank you for visiting my blog! Have a wonderful day!
ReplyDeleteWe so love camping. Your family obviously does too. Have a great day!
ReplyDeleteWe are going to a music fest and camping this weekend. These are great tips, Thanks Suzy!
ReplyDeleteThanks all.
ReplyDeleteJay, we love music fest/camping trips. We have a few planned for this summer! Have a great time!
Suzy
These are some great tips.
ReplyDeleteI started camping as a tot with my grandparents and dad. Fortunately, my husband is a fan of it too, as well as our daughter.
May you get in lots of camping time this summer!
Thanks Jodi. I never camped as a kid and my hubby introduced me to it...I now love it and look forward to it each season! I hope you get lots of camping in this summer as well!
ReplyDeleteGreat tips to keep in mind. Mother Earth has given us so much, it's the least we can do to be more respectful towards her. Enjoy your camping adventures this summer! Thanks so much for stopping by.
ReplyDeleteA pie tin can be used as both a plate and bowl, a cup doubles as a bowl and cup. Thank goodness you had a campfire *grin* Did you see the episode of "Living With Ed" when he took the family camping? He wouldn't allow a campfire??? THAT is just plain wrong. *shaking head* We have had many enjoyable years of camping with our boys. Each finds their own way in Nature. It is a fascinating process. And for those 10 days, NO fighting! Bliss..
ReplyDeleteMaple Leaf Red