We always roasted hotdogs on a stick followed by marshmellows (I held the stick with them when they were little). Take an extra pair of clothes each, someone always roins their cloths somehow. Don't forget your sunscreen, bugspray, and Bynadril. Bynadril saved my life while camping after I stepped in a bee hive (allergic).

Another thing we always did for the kids was a scavanger hunt. I would make a list of things you can find where ever we camped (like shell types on the beach with pictures and animals and plants you can find in the forest) The kids loved it and I always had a big prize for the winner and little prizes for the runner ups.

I also let the kids collect pine cones for the fire. Pine cones burn fast and hot and are a great fire starter. They loved it so much that now that they live with use they still collect them to go in the woodstove.

And another thing I didn't plan on starting with the skids but did was rock collecting. I've always collect odd looking rocks. I have a crystal bowl of crystals on my coffee table and the skids are always playing in them. Now when I go looking for them the skids do too. They even bring me rocks when they find them. I always take them and put them in a place of honor. Then if I don't want them. in a few weeks after they've forgotten about them I throw them into the woods while the skids are asleep.

~Don't fear the thorns among the Roses, but be greatful for the Roses among the thorns~

for food we do the scout thing of omlettes in a freezer bag(mix right in the bag-way cool), and then we do envelope dinners- fold aluminum foil (double layer) to look like an envelope- slide in chicken fingers/nuggets, potatoe wedges, and veggies then put their names on the foil in perm. marked(on the side where it will still be readable unlike my sons) and throw on the fire- last time was a while ago but I think it took about 30 mins. for it to be done.

we usually do scout stuff and have a few extra kids so maybe you can pair them off and see who comes up with the funniest skits,I love the hiking and learning about nature though since I wasn't exposed to alot of that as a kid myself.

Have fun!

There is no reason where logic does not exist

This is what I like to do when I camp.....

1st and foremost - don't stress about anything, and don't plan a minute to minute agenda !!! That will for sure add stress.

1. Eat
2. Eat good
3. Eat real good !!
4. Fish, play games - redneck golf, horseshoes, badmitten (sp), hike in the woods
5. Do things spur of moment.

Be sure to have the following: Bugspray not only for pesty mosquitoes, but if you have ever been plaqued with chiggers, you know what I mean. Have a supply of babywipes and antimicrobial handwash that doesn't require water. ER kit that includes band, benadryl(liquid), tylenol, camphor or hydrocortazone cream for bites, etc you get the drift and some type of night sinus medications. extra pair of shoes (incase of getting wet) loose light colored clothes and a sweatshirt. ) A compass/whistle are always a good idea. The most important thing is flashlights & extra batteries. (heaven forbid) but if you are staying in a tent, make sure not to have food, or you will never know who you might wake up with.

Let me know if this helps.

Stepwitch
Thank you Disney for portraying a positive image on all stepmothers!!!!