Camping with kids…priceless
The other day I read this post and it prompted some wonderful memories. Camping has always been one of my favorite activities that we’ve done as a family. Camping can be an affordable, fun and relaxing way to create incredible stories, memories, and family bonding. As a single mom, I never thought I could take my kids on many vacations (I’m in my 10th year of being on my own!). Here’s how we did it:
When they were little, I bought a basic pop-up camper. It was one that I could push myself to adjust for my lack of experience backing into a camping spot! It had no “bells and whistles”, but it allowed us to be off the ground and keep our camping gear in without having to pack each time. I paid $2000 for it 10 years ago. The people I bought it from had purchased it new and had used it a handful of times and it even still smelled new! Because I bought the basic, there was no maintenance and nothing to break down! Drive around this time of year and you will see many for sale–look for a great deal! I picked up pots and pans at garage sales, a small portable propane grill (about $25 that lasts for years), and already had sleeping bags and folding chairs.
The first few years, when I didn’t feel comfortable driving far, by myself, with 3 little boys, pulling a camper, we found a local lake that charged about $200 for me to park the camper there from May through October. Not only could we camp at anytime, but swimming, fishing, hiking, campfires, and picking raspberries were all included! Many times we would spend a week, other times a weekend, and even more times simply a night away together. Sitting outside by a campfire after a day fishing, telling stories, laughing at eating s’mores is the best!
As they got older, and I got better driving with camper in tow, we were able to go on many vacations by saving so much money camping. A pop-up is simple to set up (the boys all had their jobs), we spent the same amount on groceries as we did staying home, and there was no TV or video games!!
At the end of this past summer, I sold my pop-up camper to a young family for $1000. For $100 a year and campsites that cost $15-20 per night (hint–go to state parks–there’s more room, cheaper, and great amenities), camping has been an incredible way to go. And the memories and bonding…priceless!!
Filed under: Family, Fun, My Life, Parenting, Single Parent, Uncategorized
Hey, Rindy,
As a kid, my parents took our family camping
a lot. We also had a pop-up tent camper and your post brought back a lot of memories. By and far, these are the BEST memories I have of childhood. We didn’t have a fancy house or fancy cars, but my parents spent a lot of time with us camping and it was, as you said, priceless. I pray that Dave & I can create those memories for our kids as well. (And I’ve been on the lookout for a cheap used camper myself - too bad I didn’t realize you were selling!!)
Have a great day!!
Steph
I’m a tent camper. We love it! Although, my being pregnant this summer will limit our excursions. It’s so inexpensive. And so much fun. Some of my best (and few good) memories of childhood are from camping. Sitting around the campfire prompted many great discussions - far easier to discuss serious topics in the dark!
hey…if you’re still awake [it's thurs night]…hop over to Mandy’s blog. We’re bombarding her w/ comments before she comes home tomorrow by playing the game where you list the first word that comes to mind after reading the previous comment…come over and play!!!
Hey Thanks Rindy!
(and I’ll be happy to teach you some Spanish! ha ha ha)
Hey, I hope you are planning to come visit GA soon, I’d love to meet you. If not, I’m looking forward to coming up with some mission teams and helping out at Walls Down. I’m so excited for you guys!
We didn’t do camping in my family, but Sean’s family did. I wish we could borrow someone’s pop up, give it a try and see if it’s something we’d like to do together. I bet the boys would love it!
Hello! I just came across your site and really like the posts I read! Very interesting and much blessings! I will definately keep reading! I have some great camping memories with my two children