September 20, 2010

We might go camping

Are you all campers? Big is in Scouts and they are having their first camp out and it's kind of killing me to think about going. I know he will love it, the outdoors with his school pals will be his personal nirvana. But when I think about it I start to get itchy with anxiety. I'll start out with a few facts about me. 1. I don't camp. 2. Neither does my husband, so we have no camping gear. 3. It's camping!!??



So please be honest should I be scared, because I feel really scared. Planning it out, putting up a tent, bringing the kids, it's like planning a trip into space as far as I'm concerned. Maybe I should take a deep breath and visualize an unplugged, relaxing time. Help me am I getting warm?
{image via Martha}

15 comments:

Luvs2dance said...

Camping is more than FUN - it a BLAST!!! You will thoroughly enjoy your adventure. Now you have no excuse to say no when we ask you and the family to come camping with us!!! LOL:)

Christine said...

Hi Sarah,

Camping is fun but can be super stressful for the lady of the house especially because she is usually in charge of packing everything. Here is a list I have come up with that I use when we go car camping. I also make a list of all of the ingredients I will need for meals and what is going to be pre-chopped and pre-cooked.

I hope this helps!

Christine

Camping Supply List

Kitchen Supplies
Foil
Tongs
Spatula
Rubber Spatula
Pot Holders
Fry Pan
Cutting Board
Kitchen Knife
Can Opener
Plates
Silverware
Cups
Water Jugs
Paper Towels
Trash Bags
Fire Grate/Bag
Grate Cleaner
Soap
Wire Hanger
Sponge
Zip Locks
Coolers
Wine Key

Sleeping Supplies
Tents
Sleeping Bags
Floor Pads x2
Tarps
Pillows
Flat Sheets
Down Comforter

Gear
Table
Chairs
Flashlights
Lighter
Pocket Knifes
Rope
Spade
Batteries for flashlight

Personal
Toilet Paper
Wipes
Shovel
First Aid Kit
Cards
Board game
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Bug Spray
Camera

mamacita said...

I've managed to weasel out of scout campouts for going on four years now. You gotta work on your skills ;-)

Failing that ... the list above will help you a lot. Just try to relax and enjoy it. You will live through it!

Anonymous said...

My husband tells people my idea of camping is a mint on the pillow when they turn the bed down. HA! My thought is that if you have to haul all the food and bedding then cook and clean up you might as well stay home. Love your blog!

Andra said...

I love camping Sarah and you are welcome to borrow any of our gear! Serious!
My favorite part of camping is the food! Prepare all the ingredients ahead of time for fajitas the first night.Then use the "fixings", bell peppers and onions for scrambled egg burritos in the morning. Yum!
Camp near a lake, Woods Canyon is our favorite spot!
Love
A

Blackboard Kitchen said...

We love to camp! It is our favorite summer activity. :) I hope you guys go and have a great time!

Kellie Collis said...

There's always a first for everything. Christine's list above sure makes it a lot easier. Good luck on camping! Kellie xx

Anonymous said...

Oh my son wants to try scouts but we keep putting him off because we do not want to do the camping stuff either. Camping sounds like a nightmare to me, way too much work. Good luck!!

Pinecone said...

Camping is great! We have had some of our best family times camping.

When we used to camp without kids, we would be more elaborate with the food...once we started camping with kids I made that part easier. Bagels, donuts, fruit...that kind of stuff for breakfast. Easy lunches and dinners too. It helps free up the day, so you don't feel like all you are doing is cooking (and getting ready for the next meal) I mean I think we get enough of that at home. You want your time to be spend fishing, hiking, yadda yadda.

Ashlyn

Kelle Dame said...

Just found your blog and you are cracking me up with your camping anxiety! When it comes to camping I just say "NO!" as if it's an illegal drug :) I am a mom who has done her fair share, pre-kid, and it's just too much work to be considered a vacation to me. I do enjoy the outdoors, but it's just not fun to me. Who knows, you may really like it, so you might as well give it a shot.
Hope you have a great time!
Your newest follower,
Kelle
xx

Leah said...

My kind of camping is in a hotel! lol! Loving your blog!

Luvs!

Sarah said...

I love being outdoors but I don't love the work or the bugs. That said, you should do it.

Plan ahead and keep things really simple and relish in being unplugged and away from your laundry or computer (gasp!). There is a little work involved but I think it can be worth it. With an air mattress sleeping is blissful. Also, give yourself some special (remember, easy though) treats along the way; your favorite bottle of wine or a stinky cheese you LOVE, or some special scones...You get the picture.

I have a post coming up in the next week or two on this very topic. (We are hitting the road for a trailer/camping trip this weekend.)

All in all, I would say a successful (and relaxing trip) is all in the planning. Do as much as you can ahead of time. Keep it simple. The time together as a family is priceless. I'm not lyin'!

Do it and then tell us about it. :)

Rosanne said...

Just found your blog! Yay! My camping days are long gone. When the boys were little we went several times a year. It was fun for them, work for me. My hubby still goes camping with buddies, they drink beer, swear, scratch themselves, while I go shopping, the spa and dinner with girlfriends!

Sarah Ring said...

Camping is pretty new to me as well, but so fun! Worth the try if you take the essentials (like warm clothes and smore making materials of course). Good luck!!

XOXO,
S

Sarah's Fab Day said...

It's almost a no. We have so much going on this month that doing the campout seems nuts. Thank you for all of your helpful tips and suggestions, not to mention moral support!