Summer is just around the corner and if you’re like me, you’ve got Go Camping on your summer bucket list.

Summer Camping in San Fran in the fog

Since the last time I remember really camping was before I had kids, I thought I’d brush up on family camping tips.

Here’s a quick list to help get ready for family camping.

Know why you’re camping.    Can you answer this for yourself and for each family member?  It’s all about managing expectations.  Getting away from it all and Spending quality family time may not be the same thing.  Are you Bonding with nature or Seeing the sights?

Share the load.  Get everyone involved in planning the trip.  Kids can help pick a spot or choose an activity.   Involve everyone in the packing and the clean up.  More involvement builds more excitement, and may even reduce whining.  Even toddlers can help move rocks or pick up sticks at the campsite.

Plan your meals.  Whether you’re a great meal planner at home or not, being able to plan adequate food for a family camping trip is essential. Don’t forget to include enough water and snacks to last through travel time and hiking time.

Make a list.  What do you put on a camping checklist?  Gear to pack, clothes to wear, food to eat, road trip supplies – you could make a list of your lists. Don’t sweat it if you forget something.  Chances are you’ll be making it memorable by making do.

Bring a support team.  No, I don’t mean a chef and a trainer. Invite another family to double the fun and share the work. Your kids will have buddies and you might actually be in one of the photos.

Be realistic.  Taking 15-month old twins to a glacier field for a 3-day outing may not actually work.  (Some how, my brother and I survived this glacier with my dad!)

For young campers, practicing at home is a great way to train for a family camping trip.  Building a tent and sleeping outside are skills you’ll want to every person to have.  Knowing how far you can go will also keep you safe and happy.

Looks like we’ll be testing our camping skills this weekend…in the back yard.

Add to my list – Turn off automatic sprinklers.  Pack pencils and maps.  After we try geocaching in our neighborhood, we’ll try tackling our Family Camping Plan for Memorial Day weekend. Want to join us?

What are your tips for family camping?

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It’s almost that time of week when I rally an extensive list of chores on my children.  I’m all into the free printable kids chore charts these days. They brighten up the process.

More than crossing things off of my own “to-do” list, chores teach kids a sense of responsibility and a work ethic. I find myself needing to constantly evaluate what responsibilities I’m giving my children.  Just a couple of weeks ago my son wanted to buy a hamster – mostly because his friend got a hamster.  The friend’s mom bought the hamster for him. On the other hand I (the slave driving mom) made my son work to earn money for his hamster and the supplies that he would need to take care of him.

Don’t get me wrong, I have no judgement on the move to simply buy a hamster for your child for no reason.  Not everything we give our kids has to be earned. However, I did notice this difference.  The friend who got his hamster without a lot of effort, is ready to return his hamster to the pet store. He’s just not into him anymore. While on the other hand, my son has worked too hard to just return his hamster to the pet store and has now placed a lot of value on that hamster.

If you haven’t been giving your kids chores, it’s time to crack the whip! It’s better for everyone in the end! Especially homeless hamsters . . .

Back to our free printable kids chore charts!

I’ve rounded up a few of my favorites below:

 Customizable Chore Chart

Chore Jar Sticks

Chore Checklist Printable

So go ahead and be a task master! Your kids will thank you later!

More Printables on TodaysMama:

Valentine Gift Card

Service Jar Slips

Lunch Box Notes

I am a mum & step-mum to 4 kids and Founder of a free family life-stories-on-a-timeline website. I blog about the memories we are making together and the memories I made as a child with my own parents. I am passionate about the preservation of our stories for a future generation and let’s face it, getting old is funny!!
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A stay at home mama to a darling daughter and fur son. Work out guru, craft enthusiast, blogger fanatic, and all around crafty lady.

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A Mommy blog written by a stay at home mom of three daughters topics include, raising children, holiday ideas, baby sleeping problems, breastfeeding and many laugh and learn moments. I also feature product reviews and give a ways. I love offering funny parenting advice and practical parenting advice. I am very relatable and enjoy sharing the ups and downs of my life as a mom.

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