Making Camping A Great BMX Family Experience

My Outdoors/Camping Background: In 1991, I went through a Winter Outdoor Educators course through the National Outdoor Leadership School in Lander, WY. I spent 10 years as a wilderness trip leader and rock climbing instructor, leading adolescents and staff on backpacking, rock climbing, and hiking trips. The trips ranged from day climbing trips, to 9 day long backpacking trips. Several of my trips, (work and personal), also included winter camping. During my camping experiences, I’ve slept in tents, under a rain fly, under the stars, in snow huts, and in igloos in -20 degree weather. On average, I would spend a total of 5-6 weeks a year outdoors.

CAMPING vs HOTEL SAVING INFO HERE

CAMPING EQUIPMENT(Part One) 

TENTS/ SLEEPING 

Tent - This is one of the more important parts of what you need. Staying dry is most important in case it rains. I suggest a rain fly that covers most of the tent from top to bottom. Department stores such as Walmart do carry good starter tents for a very low price. Places like Cabelas have great quality tents for a little more, but well worth it. Be sure to get something fairly roomy if you have children. 

Tarp Under Tent – Always place a tarp under the tent to protect the floor from being punctured, and to also keep the dew from the grass from getting the floor wet. BE SURE that all of the tarp is under the tent, if not, when it rains water will run in under the tent creating a very wet and uncomfortable situation. These are very cheap at any hardware. 

Sleeping Pads/Air Mattresses – This is a matter of preference. But be sure you have something between you and the ground that does not absorb water. An air mattress will give you a better nights sleep if you are not used to camping and sleeping on the ground.

Sleeping and Sleeping Bags – These are also very inexpensive now for summer camping. I do suggest getting a sleeping bag that still has a comfort rating of at least 40 degrees. Summer nights can get cold in the mid-west. Bring a pillow if you wish. You do want to sleep as comfortable as possible. 

Depending on the weather, it will be up to you what you sleep in. If its chilly, don’t just automatically put a bunch of clothes on when you crawl in for the night. Once you are in the sleeping bag you will warm up. If you do not, then add a layer of clothing. But be sure you have something warmer to put on in the morning if its cold. 

Sleep In Layers – By sleeping in layers, this allows you to adjust your body temp easier.

Still Cold? - Cover Your Head–Put something over your head This can be done with a hat, or even an article of clothing, like a tee shirt, or sweatshirt.

COOKING
This area has a wide variety of options. This all depends on preference mostly.  

Gas Camp Stoves - Camp stoves come in a variety of sizes, and amount of burners. A lot will depend on how many you are cooking for. 

Charcoal Grills – They also come in many sizes. They do make small ones that are convenient for travel. 

Gas Grills - Many options here, but I have seen several compact ones that that work great for travel and easy cooking and setup. A lot depends on budget. 

Dishware/Utensils – This is also up to you. Of course paper plates, cups and plastic utensils will be the easiest. That all depends on how environmentally conscious you want to be. 

Pots & Pans – The best and cheapest way I have found is going to a local thrift store and buying old pots and pans and keeping them just for camping. Same goes for things like serving spoons and spatulas.