| Is your family thinking about camping over a | | | | * some same craft project |
| warm summer weekend? Green's Canoe Rental | | | | * maybe a talking book or music CD (the library is |
| can supply you with just about everything your | | | | a great source) |
| family will need to enjoy your weekend. From the | | | | 3. For exploring, have a knapsack for each child |
| boat to the tent to the firewood... Green's has it | | | | with: |
| covered. It really will turn out to be a fantastic | | | | * sunblock and lip protection |
| weekend. Before you leave, if you do some online | | | | * a hat, wide-brim all the way around is best |
| research you will find the following tips very | | | | * a whistle on a neck cord |
| helpful with your children and will want to pass | | | | * one or two favorite snacks |
| them along. Camping is a family activity. Camping | | | | * water bottle |
| is just about the only affordable vacation you can | | | | * plastic collection jar (great for bug collectors) |
| take as a family of four. It's great fun but could | | | | * notepad and pencil |
| also be a huge hassle. Try these 6 ideas to | | | | * flashlight on a cord |
| reduce the hassle and increase the fun. | | | | * a small compass on a string |
| 1. Get the children's input. What do they like to | | | | * kid-safe bug repellent |
| do? What do they want to see? What would | | | | 4. Involve the children in the planning or preparing |
| they like to eat? Use this information in | | | | of meals. Even the youngest children can make a |
| preparation for your family time outdoors. | | | | batch of "gorp" by mixing a box of raisins with a |
| 2. Have an activity box for each child. Fill an old | | | | bag of nuts, and maybe some chocolate candy |
| shoe box with things, such as: | | | | like M&Ms tossed in. |
| * scrap paper crayons, water color paint, colored | | | | 5. Make the child's sleeping mat a game board. |
| pencils | | | | Use a permanent marking pen to draw a checker |
| * round tipped scissors | | | | board, tic-tac-toe grid, race track or whatever on |
| * coloring book | | | | the sleeping mat. Collect the, playing pieces from |
| * glue stick | | | | material around campground. |
| * small game like a tic-tac-toe board | | | | 6. Take patience and gather memories, children |
| * a favorite doll or toy car | | | | grow very quickly. Don't forget the smores! |