Over the past weekend, we went on our second family camping trip that wasn’t in our backyard. If you are a long time reader, you will know how big of a deal this is for us and our kids.
We are not the “roughing it” or “outdoor adventure” family. Our version of family camping last time involved a long list of things to pack for camping trip like big tent, pillows, electrical hookup, laptop and Nintendo DS.
Family Camping with Cub Scout
This trip is different. It’s a camping trip with the cub scout. There were no electric hookup, no electronic and no wifi.
I wasn’t sure how we will do during that weekend. One saving grace was that we would not be the only camper there. It’s a group camping so I hoped for the kindness of my neighbor.
And I was not disappointed!
We survived!
The campsite is huge and on the lake!! It’s a private camping ground for Boy Scout of USA and the location is privately guarded.
We got there a little bit late and with a long line to check in we arrived at our site when the Sun already went down.
As soon as we pulled in and unloaded our stuff which I realized that I packed too much (There will be another post about lesson learned on this one.), we were approached by another family and helped us find an empty site to start setting up our tent.
First Test for Us, Setting Up a Tent at Night
I have to say that I was pretty proud of us to be able to setup our tent at night with just lantern and headlamp under 30 minutes. Granted, tents these days are much easier to set it up as long as you follow the instruction.
Our secret weapon was we did our dress rehearsal the previous weekend. We did a backyard camping with our friends who came to Cub Scout camping with us. And I’m glad we did.
No Need for Toys
Another great thing of camping with a group of people is the fun the kids had. We don’t have to worry about finding things to do for kids on family camping trip as they immediately found new friends to run around in the wood while adults were busy unpacking and settling down.
The next morning we were ready for a full fun day of activities. There were many fun activities planned throughout the day for the boys and siblings.
Mr. Z took part in the Archery. I had to say it wasn’t bad for his first time trying. He was able to hit the target 2 out of 3 times.
We then spent the majority of the day waiting in line for more activities. I guess it’s part of learning to be patience. By dinner time, we were so tired and ready to bed. BUT there were more activities after dark!
Trick-or-Treating at Night in the Wood
After a fabulous dinner of hot dog and vegetable soup, kids were ready for yet more fun at night. We started off with joining the Halloween parade where the judges gave out prizes during the costume contest.
This was our first year attending this event so next year we already talk about new and improve costume.
The trick-or-treating was definitely a highlight of the night for us. We walked along the path to different campsites in the dark with just the light source from our flashlight. The atmosphere made the event more fun for them but not scary because there were so many kids walking at the same time.
As we stepped into our tent for the last night, the kids were hardly up long enough to change themselves into their pajamas before they were fast asleep.
Memory that Last A Lifetime
The next morning was bittersweet. It was one of the best weekend we have had outdoor and one that I know we will remember for a really long time.
It was something as simple as sleeping in the tent and running wild in the wood that create such a long lasting memory for our family. I know that this will be one of the tradition that we will look forward to doing many years to come.
Camping with kids seem like a disaster in a making but once I let go of the type A personality and my camping phobia, it probably is one of the best thing you can do as a family with kids. Back to nature!
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My hubby & I loved camping & adventure vacations before having kids, but now not so much. I’m glad you made memories to last a lifetime. It was worth the trouble, right? :)
Yes, Debi! It’s so worth it. I think kids demand less than we thought and they actually survive without any toys the whole weekend! :)
Aw, it looks like you guys had so much fun. There are some fantastic camping sites around Atlanta, too. And what a cool idea to have the kids trick or treat between campsites! Sounds like the kids had a blast.
Hi Akila, thanks for stopping by. How is your trip? I will hit you up with the list of camp sites around Atlanta soon. :) We are addicted to camping now.
How fun! I would love to try this.
It was fun! One of the most memorable trip for us so far. You should definitely try this.
its great you had to do things with your family and had a great time. camping is fun especially if there is a group.
Yes, Zablon. You are so right. We had a great time!
well, you already know what I think about camping (it rocks). But I must say that chair in the 1st photo is something I don’t have. but now must add it to the already too-long of a list we camp with. looks like you guys did indeed have a great time. camping with a family is a lot of work, but the knowledge gained of the outdoors WiLL set the kids apart. hope you continue to expose them to such wonders.
Yes, Tammie. You are one of the people who inspires me and shows me that camping can be comfortable and fun at the same time. :)
This looks like it was fun. Great pictures.
Thank you, Don. It was fun!
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