To do: Teach your child how to pack appropriate clothing for camping or outdoor time.
Time: 20 minutes
Materials: Ziploc or reusable bags, the weather forecast
__

Before going on a family camping adventure, consider packing as a family to learn about:

1. Packing for the weather
2. How to prepare for different activities like hiking vs sitting around a campfire
3. How to avoid getting clean clothes dirty in a limited space like a tent

Before asking your child to pack their clothes, have a conversation about the camping environment. For example, it’s a bit messy, so don’t take anything you’re afraid will get lost or dirty.

Additionally, look up the weather together to see if it’s going to be warm, rainy or cool. According to the weather, ask your child what they think would be best to pack. This is a great independence building activity: learning how to dress for the weather!

Then, ask your child to set out outfits for each day as well as each activity, and place each outfit in a labeled Ziplock bag or reusable cloth bag.

This keeps their clothes neatly packed and makes it easy for them to get ready in the morning. Then direct them to put their dirty clothes in the same bag at the end of the day. When they arrive at the campsite, ask them to designate a spot for their backpack in the tent, and be sure to put either a tarp or yoga mat underneath the bag so the clothes don’t get damp.

Once their bags are packed, your children can help you pack the rest of the camping necessities as well! Things to remember include:

• sleeping bags,
• blankets and pillows;
• a yoga mat to place under your sleeping bag;
• a sweatshirt or jacket for the evenings;
• a bathing suit and towel;
• chairs to place around the fire;
• water bottles;
• firewood and lighter;
• sunscreen and bug spray.

Be sure to pick out a natural bug spray and test on your child a few days before leaving to avoid a bad reaction.

Recommended for you:

Get our weekly roundup of great family stuff, directly to your inbox!