How to Survive (and Love) Your Family Camping Trip

Since your kids have no access to their usual entertainment of TV and computers

during a camping trip, they will need some extra fun games to play. Of course, there

is the usual telling of scary stories and toasting marshmallows, but you may like a

change from that. Since a flashlight fascinates children, why not incorporate some

flashlight games into your evenings?

If you have a large flat area for play near your camping site, team the children into

pairs and let them decide on a flashlight code such as one long and two short flashes.

The pair then splits up to opposite ends of the designated area. See how long it takes

them to find each other using only their code flashes for location.

A variation is for one child to go some distance away and flash a message using

Morse code. Those at the other end have to work out what it is. The one who gets it

first should get a treat.

Shadow play is another fun activity. They need to be in or near the tent so they can

cast shadows on the wall with their flashlight. They can experiment with making

weird and wacky shapes.

Catching fireflies is another fun activity. It is possible to attract a firefly close by

holding the flashlight close to the ground and flashing it for one second. This imitates

the firefly’s flash and one will soon draw close enough to be caught. Have a glass jar

ready to pop it into. To keep it safely in the jar, cover with a circle of paper and

rubber band. Push small holes in the paper so the fireflies can breath. The children

will be fascinated to see how much light a jar of fireflies gives, but be sure to release

them after a little while.

Stargazing is another fun and educational activity. Everyone should lie down on a rug

and gaze at the stars. You can identify different shapes and make up new ones. It’s exciting for the children to see a shooting star, too.

Day camping activities can include a paper chase using a compass. You can set out

the course by using small treats at the stopping points, so the one who gets there first

gets the treat. Two heads are better (and safer) than one, so going in pairs is a good

idea.

Another fun game is for each child to make a small forest garden, using only found

items. These can be about one square meter and incorporate flowers, seeds, sticks,

stones, bottle caps or any amount of other things. You’ll be surprised at how inventive

your children can be when given free reign.