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38<br />
Camping<br />
with kids<br />
Top tips to making sleeping<br />
under the stars a whole lot more<br />
enjoyable…<br />
Fly the flag<br />
If, like me, you have the navigation skills of Nemo’s<br />
best friend Dory, you may find yourself getting lost<br />
occasionally. A telescopic flag pole and windsock is a<br />
useful marker, particularly if you’re planning to give the<br />
kids a bit more freedom.<br />
To wee or not to wee<br />
No one enjoys a 3am trek to the loo, so a portable toilet is<br />
your friend. A potty is fine for younger children, but you’ll<br />
need something a bit more substantial for older kids<br />
(and adults). If you have room, a bucket style loo is ideal.<br />
Otherwise, try a collapsible toilet. We recently bought<br />
the Bivvy Loo, which folds down small, supports up to 23<br />
stone and comes with biodegradable bags and powder<br />
to transform liquid to gel.<br />
Let there be light<br />
You’ll need headtorches for after dark. A rechargeable<br />
camping lantern is also useful for evenings (and 3am<br />
toilet breaks). A string of solar fairy lights around your<br />
door will help you to identify your tent at night.<br />
A decent night’s sleep<br />
If you’re only planning to camp occasionally, air beds are<br />
usually fine. However, they do tend to deflate somewhat<br />
overnight and don’t exactly have the longest lifespan.<br />
While camping beds are more expensive, they can work<br />
out far better value in the long run. And you’re likely to<br />
get a much better night’s sleep.<br />
Dress for the occasion<br />
Even the hottest British summer’s day can turn cool at<br />
night. Close-fitting PJs will help to keep the warmth in.<br />
Make sure you pack plenty of layers. You’ll appreciate a<br />
fleecy jumper when you’re huddled up sheltering from<br />
the rain. Speaking of rain, it can be difficult to get dry in a<br />
tent, so waterproofs are a good idea.<br />
Eat, drink and be merry<br />
A camping stove is essential for anything longer than<br />
a weekend break. Stick to easy-to-cook meals, from<br />
breakfast fry-ups to fajitas. Don’t have an electric hook<br />
up? A cool box with ice blocks makes a useful fridge.<br />
You’ll need to refreeze the blocks each day, which you can<br />
usually do in the site shop.<br />
My kids love ‘camping cereal’ (aka mini variety packs).<br />
Pour the milk directly into the cereal bag. No bowl = less<br />
washing up.<br />
Ideally, start collecting condiment sachets a few weeks<br />
before your holiday, so you have plenty of ketchup,<br />
mayonnaise, vinegar etc. to see you through.<br />
And what camping trip would be complete without<br />
toasting marshmallows?<br />
OTHER ESSENTIALS WORTH PACKING INCLUDE:<br />
• Washing line – string it<br />
between your tent and a tree<br />
to dry swimming costumes on<br />
• Baby wipes<br />
• Dustpan and brush<br />
• Doormat<br />
• First aid kit<br />
• Extra-thick thermal socks<br />
• Gaffer tape for tackling leaks<br />
• Travel games, a ball and a<br />
frisbee
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