Tent Camping - must haves and suggestions

I looked for my camping packing list and could not find it YIKES!!  I have been keeping that list (and rewriting) it for decades. 

Below is my list of ... 

must haves (* / **)

strong recommendations (-)     and    

other ideas that were/are helpful to me

** Camera & lots of extra batteries (and a way to keep it dry)

** Car charger for phone

** Always have at least TWO (2) pair of comfortable shoes, preferably that can dry quickly (and extra socks)

** Large heavy weight trash bags 28-32gal (tents will leak and in a sudden downpour throwing everything in large trash bags saves so much discomfort and work later)

** "wet ones" pop ups. Seriously will not go camping without them.  The name brand original scent (Off brand and light scent, smell unpleasant and leave a residue). Uses: easily clean dishes and utensils (very light pleasant scent, do not leave a soapy residue or taste on dishes etc); Quick & easy people clean ups.  Wipe down all inside tent surfaces at the start and finish of the trip.  Damp wipes help remove the sand and dirt from a tent floor.  They can be tossed into the campfire for environment friendly disposal.

* rag rugs for inside and outside the tent.  [Mama's tent rule: take shoes off outside tent, knock off dirt on outside rug, open tent door, go in quickly and close tent door, wipe feet again on inside rug, once inside tent use one of the large trash bag with camp towel to put wet clothes and dirty shoes on (like an imaginary mud room to keep the tent more comfortable), keep this area in a "corner" near the door and near the inside rag rug]

* bug away incense (works better than citronella candles) We have family members with allergies (including all bug sprays) and this incense causes no reactions and works effectively.

* bug away bracelets 

* bounce original fresh scent dryer sheets hang a few inside & outside tent to help keep bugs away

* decks of cards & paper and pencil, (optional small family fun games: Mad Libs, 20 question elect game ball, etc )

- campfire time we usually do "top 5 favorite things of the day" conversation time. This not only encourages gratitude and good memories but as children grow up this keep us knowing each other and connected to each other.  Change it up to the funniest, prettiest, weirdest, etc.  The goal is conversation, gratitude and cementing good memories.  I was and continue to be very intentional about this.

** small partial roll of TP in a zip bag (We have been thankful for this several times, even at state parks.) Take it hiking too.

* emergency ponchos & emergency blankets (1-2 per person) 

* emergency whistles (teaching children rules about not using them except in emergency can be challenging but this is an important emergency item)  http://justyouraveragehiker.com/2013/02/02/emergency-whistles/

* feminine products bring every time

* small hammer & screw driver (for driving tent stakes), cotton clothes line (as clothes line & rope), clothes pins, extra tent stakes, can of water proofing spray, duct tape, flashlights, extra batteries, ...

- camp hand broom and pan

* don't forget the tongs, manual can opener, salt & spices, lighters, sharp knife, paper towels, and fire starters.  We have forgotten each of these before and they are inconvenient and/or costly to replace.

Roll of wide heavy duty aluminum foil (food prep surface, keeps rain off grill/fire, can be molded as serving "dishes", and to keep foods wrapped and warm)

- travel corn starch baby power (quick comfort for sweaty feet & other body parts)

- travel Fabreeze for tent

- travel Lysol (camp toilets)

- I pack all/everyone's toiletries (shampoo, soap, etc) all in ONE heavy plastic carry bag. Saves space and forces simplification.  Note: I have a boys bag and a girls bag - all girls w. women go to bathroom & showers together - same for boys w. men This is for safety and to mange dawdling and mischief. 

** OTCs & First Aid (don't forget a compression bandage, flexible band aids, water proof band aides, sting away, anti-itch spray/cream, ...)  Also don't forget liquid or melt on your tongue Benadryl for significant allergic reactions where swallowing might be difficult! 

A cheap small charcoal grill and bag of quick light charcoal (for times when wood fires are not possible). This is much more cost effective in the short run than a propane camp stove. 

Bedtime with kids can be challenging.  BE PREPARED! Pack comfort items that stay with the sleeping bag, books to read, etc.  Mom don't expect to get much sleep. Managing that expectation can also help manage your own mood.  Routine and talking about what to expect over and over again ahead of time will help.  Bedtime and sleep will improve over time as the kids gain experience.

I never actually had to use it but for a few years I carried a travel luggage lock to lock the tent door shut - so kids don't leave the tent without your permission (or while you are sleeping).  If you use it maybe put the key on a rubber-band and pin it to your PJs for middle of the night bathroom trips. 

- keep a flashlight under your pillow and/or next to tent door (middle of the night bathroom trips)

- Note pads and pens and colored pencils for nature sketches, rubbings and journaling. Plus, I make myself notes to be kept in the camp stuff to remember things that worked, what I forgot, or things to try next time.

I pack things in sorted Rubbermaid boxes to keep the campsite organized, for easy and quick packing up when it is time to go home, and I store everything in these (restocked as much as possible) for easy packing for the next camping trip.  This has truly made packing and camping so much more pleasant!

Linens and Toiletries (above):  See: Toilet Paper, rag rugs, camp towels, hand made camp travel pillow(s), toiletries bag, ...;  Not seen: sheets, bounce dryer sheets, and more ...

Kitchen Box (above):  See reminder note packed with the box when put away, wet ones (wrong scents shown), Clorox wipes, spices, old dish towels, baggies, bag of paper products, roll of paper towels - not seen: camp dishes {nesting camp frypan, big & med pan with removable handle}, tongs, utensils, heavy foil, instant coffee, powdered flavored creamer, and more ...

I have two smaller separate boxes (stored empty and nested - not shown) that I store food in while camping. Note: do NOT store fragrant fruits and veggies (ie bananas, onions) with chips, bread, ect or they will end up smelling and tasting like the fragrant item.

Camping gear box (above):   see collapsible camp stove (bottom left blue), cotton clothesline/rope, clothes pins, roll of trash black large bags, lantern, flashlight, hammer, screwdriver, extra stakes, duct tape, mini first aid kit, camp hand broom and pan, air mattress, - not seen: car plug air pump, extra batteries, extra propane canisters, fire starters in their own large baggies, extra large heavy weight baggies folded, water proof spray, bug spray, bug incense, and more ... 

Here a link to the Colman tent camping pack list.

http://www.coleman.com/checklists/tent-camping-checklist/

I hope this helps you pack for your next tent camping trip. 

... 
Oh one more thing...

#1 Camp Rule:  Everyone WORKS so that everyone can play!  This means that EVERYONE from toddlers to great-great grandparents works at setting up camp, carrying items, preparing and cleaning up from meals, packing up to go home, etc.  Little ones are assigned jobs and are expected to do them.  Older kids and parents encourage and oversee the younger one's work to ensure success but do NOT do their jobs for them. Teamwork is encouraged and complaining does not belong on a camping trip.  This camp rule is communicated ahead of time, especially to those who have not been camping with us before or not very often.  As needed a friendly reminder(s) will be given.  Teamwork and respect are essential for a pleasant camping experience. 

Oh and although it may not be verbally communicated much, in our group there will always be a camp leader.  Responsible teens/tweens and adults will take turns (according to their skill set) being the camp leader throughout the day, as activities change. The camp leader gives positive encouraging direction, and the rest of the team cooperatively and positively follows the lead. The purpose of the camp leader is order and efficiency. In our family camp leaders are appointed (not voted in) and in our family the heads of household never lose their authority, even when not acting as camp leader.  Also the point of having older kids be camp leaders is to train them in good leadership, and to affirm them, and encourage confidence to use their skills with the community in mind.

Go tent camping!  Have fun!  Bond as a group!  Discover things (over and over).
I hope my long list of do not forgets and suggestions are helpful.  If not, ignore them and carry on LOL!!