Let's go Camping

E asked all summer, "Can we sleep in a tent?" "Can we go camping outside in a tent?" "When are we going to sleep in the tent?" As a family, we have never tent camped before, therefore this is what we did and here is what we learned.

1. We asked a friend who camps to help us out. He was incredibly amazing! Not only did he let us borrow both a tent and other items to try it out, but he also taught us how to set up the tent.

We waited until the beginning of fall so it wouldn't be extremely hot or humid like summer normally ends up being. 2. The most important detail of our camping adventure was our location, the backyard. For many reasons we wanted to be close to home in order in case the boys wouldn't fall asleep, we needed a bathroom, or if we decided that camping wasn't for us. 3. Sneak peak... we loved it!

 

We picked a date and got started. Part of our goal was to spend as much time outside as possible for this adventure to make it as authentic as possible. We did bring a fan inside the tent, so not really authentic, but we tried! We made a clicklist for outside foods: we decided to make paninis and smores. We used our outdoor stove to cook the paninis and they were delicious. The boys had pepperoni, crackers, and cantaloupe. The boys played outside, in the sand, and drew pictures inside the tent.

"Being in the tent is cool mom."

It was a randomly warm day for fall so we were able to enjoy the backyard as we normally would during the summer. One thing I would change for "real" camping is food and snacking needs. It most likely needs to be contained, but at home they just run around or drop a chip. I would imagine that would have to change for "real" camping. 

(At least, I think so!)

 

When we made s'mores later that day, we taste tested a few new "recipes" as E likes to say. 

1. S'mores with dark chocolate

2. S'mores with m&m's on top

3. S'mores with double marshmallows

I love my marshmallows well done, so the boys know that if it isn't burning it isn't ready yet!

Later that night, when it was dark and the kids were ready for bed: we got out the flashlight and told stories in the dark. Not scary stories, but bedtime stories made from their own inventions. I think if I were to guess over the entire day, that may have been their favorite thing that we did (besides sleeping outside in a tent). Days later, the boys still ask when we are going to do it again.

Our experience can be summed up in the photo below...

we all SLEPT through the night OUTSIDE in the tent! For us, not only was it an accomplishment, but it was an adventure I was glad to have with my family. #guentheradventures are the best adventures.