And why not, it’s economical; it can fit into almost any time frame, travel distance or geography; and it’s a pleasant change of pace for kids and adults alike.

Kids are the reason many people choose to camp. Parents want their children to have that opportunity.

“Family camping is a priceless experience,” says Jim Reid, director of public relations for The Coleman Company, Inc. “Many people say some of their fondest childhood memories were created while camping with family and friends.”

“The campsite and the great outdoors provide exciting classrooms for children of all ages to learn and to make myriad discoveries. And while the experience is mostly about having fun, another thing that usually happens is the formation of special bonds between kids and their parents. It goes beyond just sharing a special time and place together, but draws upon a sense of accomplishment and self-sufficiency that camping fosters.”

Camping can be approached in many ways. Following are tips to help families get started on their individual roads to adventure – everything from learning the basics while taking a practice run in the backyard to planning an actual away-from-home camping trip.

• Test drive all equipment such as tents, stoves, lanterns and grills to make sure all pieces are accounted for and working. This is also the perfect time to water-seal the tent for the season, air out the sleeping bags and refresh one’s memory on setup and packing.


• Sleep outside for the night. This will allow parents a chance to see how their children react to sleeping in a tent. Parents may find that they need to pack extra supplies such as a sleeping pad or air mattress in order to make their child comfortable.


• Use a battery-operated lantern such as the Coleman® Remote-Control Lantern, which contains features such as a night-light and remote control. It’s helpful to have when sleeping in separate tents or camping with very young children.


• Make notes of the backyard experience: Buy extra air mattresses, replace batteries in the lantern, purchase new fuel cartridges and don’t forget favorite blankets, stuffed animals and any other items needed for comforting children at bedtime.

• Consider the time of year, destination, activities, food and equipment needed. If it’s the first camping trip with the kids, try taking a one- or two-night trip that’s not too far from home.
• National parks and forests make excellent camping destinations. For help in choosing a destination, go to www.coleman.com/coleman/travel. You'll find a state-by-state listing of national parks and forests, recreation areas, campgrounds, lakes, hiking trails and more – all with descriptions, available activities and contact information. , the site provides information on camping spots, scenic drives and other outdoor experiences – as well as mapping and reservation capability – within a visitor-specified geographic region of the United States.


• Plan for the trip and begin with a checklist. Use notes from the backyard experience.


• Be sure to plan all menus in advance, and don’t forget to pack lots of healthy snack foods. These nutritious snacks will come in handy on long nature walks or trail hikes.


• Have the kids make their own personalized trail mix before the trip. Assemble items such as pretzels, nuts, raisins, chocolate chips and dried fruit. Store the trail mixture in individual zippered bags to take out on the trail.


• Be sure to pack a camera and plenty of film. Collect mementos such as area postcards and trail maps from your trip and make a scrapbook when you return. The kids will enjoy flipping through the pages of the scrapbook for years to come.


• Pack a first-aid kit with items such as sunscreen, bug repellent and itch reliever. Also include any general pain reliever, cold medicines, rubbing alcohol, cotton balls, anti-bacterial ointment, bandage strips and any prescription medications.


• Think creatively when it comes to games and activities. Children will love the opportunity to do something that they don’t normally get to do at home. Involve them in the planning stages so that they’ll feel a part of the vacation-planning process.


• Purchase a few books for the kids. Insect-, bird- and flower-identifying books are handy books to pack. These books can serve as reference guides during nature walks and hikes.


• Pack a box of crayons and paper so the kids can make nature rubbings along the way. Supervise young children while doing this activity in order to avoid contact with poisonous plants such as poison ivy, oak and sumac.


• Pack a campsite activity packet filled with items such as children’s books, board games, crossword puzzles, cards and bubbles. This packet will provide hours of entertainment for the kids while mom and dad catch a little rest and relaxation.


• Other children’s activities may be found right at the campsite such as star gazing in search of constellations, canoeing or fishing down a mild river or stream (always wear a life jacket), watching for unusual birds and seeking out interesting animal tracks. Coleman also suggests stopping by the ranger’s station to learn more about the wildlife in that area.


• Build a small campfire and roast marshmallows for S’mores.


• Sing campfire songs and, if the children are older, tell campfire stories that may give them an extra shiver as the night air settles in.

Note to media: For more information, see related sidebars – Helpful Hints for Camping with Kids, Checklist for Camping with Kids, Recipes for Camping with Kids, and Activity Ideas for Day and Night. Photos and news releases are available for downloading at www.coleman.com/newsroom.

Enjoying its second century of operation, Coleman is based in Wichita, Kan., and is a subsidiary of American Household, Inc. For more information, consumers can go to www.coleman.com or they can contact Coleman at 800-835-3278, consumerservice@coleman.com or P.O. Box 2931, Wichita, KS 67201.