My partner and I aren’t exactly swimming in money. There’s no treasure trove of gold coins like Scrooge McDuck’s for us to dive into. We cherish the idea of a family vacation each summer, but when travel expenses, dining out, and hotel fees come into play, the costs can quickly spiral out of control. This leads to stress and disagreements. Instead of the usual expensive trips, we opt for something more affordable and enjoyable for our little ones: camping.
I’ll be honest; it’s not my top choice for a getaway. Last summer, I struggled to sleep because I heard something prowling around our tent. Plus, there are bugs and cold coffee to contend with. However, my kids absolutely adore camping, which makes it the ideal summer escape.
At home, I usually don’t allow my children to play in the dirt or throw rocks. But when we’re surrounded by nature, I let them explore freely, away from the rules of our household. They thrive on the opportunity to run wild outside, which is essentially the essence of camping. It’s a dream come true for them to get as messy as they want!
While they have responsibilities like making their beds, sweeping, and cleaning their rooms at home, camping flips that routine on its head. Taking out the trash becomes a fun walk to the nearest dumpster, and making their bed takes mere seconds as they just adjust their sleeping bags. They even get to collect sticks for the evening campfire, hang their wet swimsuits on trees, and prepare marshmallows for dessert — everything feels like an exciting adventure.
And let’s not forget about food! I don’t even try to serve anything “healthy” when we’re in the great outdoors. It’s all about hot dogs slathered in mustard, an array of chips, and, of course, s’mores.
Camping is a fantastic way to escape from daily life and disconnect from screens. Even the most devoted parents know their kids often spend time watching movies or playing video games, but in the woods, they have no desire for those distractions. Instead, they’re eager to explore, skip rocks, discover unique bugs, splash in the lake, play Frisbee, and read by flashlight. It’s all about fun because they’re engaging in activities they can’t experience at home — isn’t that the purpose of a vacation?
Despite financial constraints, my children never feel deprived during our camping trips. They eagerly anticipate these adventures and count down the days until we go.
One day, I hope to take them on grander vacations, like trips to Disney World or the Grand Canyon. However, I’ll always prioritize summer camping. Cozying up by the campfire, waking up to crisp mornings, and indulging in chocolate and graham crackers are experiences that nourish the soul. I hope these memories stay with them forever.
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Summary
Camping with kids is an affordable and joyful alternative to traditional vacations, allowing families to bond over outdoor adventures while creating lasting memories. The experience encourages children to explore, indulge in fun food, and forget about the everyday rules of home.