Getting outside and going camping is a great way for families to bond and to get some much needed exercise out in the fresh air. Whether you’re a newbie to camping or an experienced camper, I think you’ll appreciate these tips and product recommendations from the great folks over at Gander Mountain.
Gander Mountain’s Tips for First-Time Campers with Kids
Practice Makes Perfect
Prior to the trip, practice setting up the tent. Make sure to check all gear to ensure that it’s in working condition and stock up on batteries or fuel. The biggest safety tip when camping with your family is to be prepared for anything, so double check the weather forecast and know your surroundings. For the first time camper, be sure to arrive at the site with plenty of daylight to set up camp.
Be Prepared for Any Sort of Weather
Prepare for all types weather as it could change in an instant, heat/ sun, cold, rain or severe weather. Layers are crucial, as temperatures can change rapidly. Also, have access to sunscreen, bug spray and rain gear for the warmer seasons and survival blankets and warms clothes during the colder months.
Let there be Light!
Camping can be scary for children, especially in the dark! Make sure to pack a lantern to keep the campsite well lit. Luci Inflatable Solar Lanterns or Princeton-Tec Lanterns are great options. You can find them at Gander Mountain.
Note: We received a complimentary Luci Inflatable Solar Lantern and have been enjoying our’s poolside. We sit it outside of the pool during the day, so it can charge up via the sun. During the evening or nighttime hours when we’re in the pool, we toss it in and it floats on top, giving us light! There are 3 light settings: low, bright and flashing lights. We love this lantern!
Don’t Feed Wildlife
Stay away from wild animals and bring binoculars to observe from afar. Be cautious so everyone stays safe. You never want to feed wildlife human foods!
Kids Get HUNGRY!
No camping trip is complete until you make the perfect s’more around the campfire! Stock up on chocolate, marshmallows and graham crackers and let Mother Nature provide the skewers for free. If you want to keep it simple, pack an on-the-go energy bar to keep your energy levels up. Be mindful of your food, keep it safely stored and away from animals; use a bear proof cooler or container, like Gander Mountain’s PermaChill Coolers. Do not leave food in your tents and make a habit of putting food away safely.
Another essential for a great camping experience is a portable stove by Camp Chef features two 20,000 BTU burners, a three-sided wind barrier, matchless ignition system and a stainless-steel drip tray. You can find them at Gander Mountain.
Roll with the Punches
Don’t sweat it if something goes wrong on your first trip! Remember to enjoy your outdoor experience, the time with your family, and lastly, HAVE FUN!
You can find all of the products recommended in this travel and camping feature at your local Gander Mountain store and at www.GanderMountain.com. Looking for additional recommendations? Ask your store manager for some help.
Disclosure: Shelly received a complimentary product that was featured in this blog post. No monetary compensation was received.
Your tips for an awesome and safe camping trip were well expressed. Very important for the campers to know their camping site very well. The weather can change from Beautiful to terrible in a matter of minutes in some places. Also some sites are known for Bears and other creatures coming around. I myself would avoid these sites!! I am not that brave and would not knowingly put my family in harms way! When our kids were young we went on camping trips . We had a small trailer popup tent type! We always went to camping sites with hook ups if needed. I always felt safer there. They had indoor washrooms . We always had a good time..
THese are good tips. We don’t go camping any more, but perhaps in the future. I didn’t know about the inflatable light which is solar powered. It would be good at home as well as outdoors.
We like to go camping and I certainly appreciate these important tips. Preparation is certainly important because weather can change so quickly and I agree no feeding the wildlife. I have been at campground where squirrels are so use to being fed that they wont leave us alone.
You definitely have to lay down some rules for kids when camping, lol. My nephews wanted to go off following a snake ‘to see where it goes’ last time they camped. Yikes!
These are all great tips! That’s definitely important to not feed the wildlife!
These are some very helpful tips thank you so much for sharing. I had no idea that there were inflatable solar lights those look so cool and perfect for camping.