By: Ana Margarita Olar| Pinoytrekker.com
Summer is the best time to go on a family camping.
But if you’ve never camped before, you should know the basic necessities that you should bring along, in order to be comfortable and safe, without getting weary due to too much baggage. Here are some camping tips for you:
PLAN AHEAD: schedule you camping and mark it on the calendar. Campgrounds can fill up so quickly so you have to plan ahead to get a spot. Leave early so that you can scout the camping area and set up the tent before dark.
INVITE FRIENDS: When camping with family, kids can get bored easily, but whose going to get bored if they are with their friends?
CHECK THE CAMPING GEAR: Check the tent and other stuff on your camping checklist to see if they are damaged or in good working condition.
Here is your basic family camping checklist:
CAMPING CHECKLIST#1: THE MUST HAVES– it includes your big ticket items which you can borrow or invest on when as needed:
Tent
Ground cover/tarp
Sleeping pads or air mattresses
Sleeping bags or sheets and blankets
Pillows and kids’ favorite items during bed time
Maps
Binoculars
CAMPING CHECKLIST #2: “TECHIE STUFF”
Cell phones with full charged batteries (you can bring along an extra battery or a fully charged power bank)
Camera- to capture precious moments with the family
CAMPING CHECKLIST #3: Clothing
Extra clothes and underwears (depending on how long you’re going to camp out)
Jackets, bonnets, and gloves (it may get cold at night even when it’s summer).
Swim-wear (favorably a rash guard)
Hats sun visor
Sunglasses
Bath towel (to be also used as beach towel)
CAMPING CHECKLIST #4: TOILETRIES
Diapers (if needed)
Baby wipes (this is handy for cleaning almost anything!)
Toilet paper
Bath towel
Tooth brush and tooth paste
Soap
Feminine hygiene products
CAMPING CHECKLIST #5: EMERGENCY KIT
Insect repellant lotion
Sunscreen
Band-aids
Sterile Gauze
Povidone-Iodine Solution
Alcohol
Antihistamine Lotion
Antibiotic Creams
Tweezers
Maintenance Medications
*Note: anything more serious than this kit can handle, go to a hospital or clinic immediately
CAMPING CHECKLIST #6: FOR LIGHTING AND OTHER RELATED STUFF
Flashlights with strap and a whistle (come in handy when calling for an emergency)
Battery-operated lanterns
Candles
Lighters
Pocket knife
Solar lights
CAMPING CHECKLIST #7: COOKING STUFF
Foldable table and chairs
Camp stove
Campfire grill
1 medium pots, a pan and 2 lids
2 large bowl
Cups and plates (you can cover the plates with plastic so you don’t have to wash them after eating)
Spatula, spoon, and fork
Knife
Can opener and bottle opener
Tongs
Garbage bags
Water jug filled with safe drinking water
*note: you must also plan your meal beforehand, and if you are familiar with the campsite, you should know if you can pick fruits and vegetables or catch a fish in the area.
Don’t forget to bring a spare tire for your car and the basic car fixing equipment. Make sure that your car is in good working condition before leaving. And for safety reasons tell someone at home about where you are going, when are you leaving and when you are coming back. So that’s it! Have fun and enjoy your camping trip!
