One of my favorite memories of the single life is camping. Without children to pack for, I could be out the door 30 minutes after making the decision to go. What a feeling of freedom!

Have you seen the families go camping with large luxury trailers and generators for power? Wow, we have come a long way since the days of camping around a fire with no electricity. But for some, having a trailer for the kids to sleep in is just easier.

I still like to camp the old fashioned way, and while it is not as easy with kids, I try to teach them about necessities. I have them identify which items they would like to take versus which items they truly need to take.

After the necessities have been packed, let your kids select a few of the other items. Ask them which items will make the trip more fun and which items will easily fit into their bag.

Food is the next thing to plan. How are you going to cook your food? What utensils will you need? Make sure you plan ahead so you don’t spend all day and night cooking or realize you have all canned food and no can opener.

So what are you going to do during your camping trip? Don’t get too wrapped up in answering this. Just try to relax and enjoy your surroundings. Chances are, once you get away from all of the distractions of modern technology, you’ll find plenty to do.

Instead of preaching to children that simple things can be entertaining, be an example of this. Start having fun out in nature yourself and your kids will join in.

Now that I have children, camping will never again be as easy to plan for as it once was. But it is more rewarding than I ever dreamed possible.

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