Nomadic Scotland’s family camping tips
Camping with kids can be incredibly rewarding. Especially in an age where trying to get them off their screens and into the fresh air can become a daily battle. Getting them into the outdoors and among nature gives them space to explore, imagine and just be kids. However, it doesn’t come without its challenges. At Nomadic Scotland, we provide 4×4 camping holidays for all the family. So, to help you make the most of your holiday, we have put together some handy tips, gleaned from our own personal experiences (good and bad!).
Involve them in the planning
Get the children excited about the trip before you leave the house. They’ll love sorting out all the gear that you need, and planning activities and places for you to stay. If they are a bit older, you might even want to let them share the responsibility of designing the trip itinerary. If they love food, let them get involved in planning the meals that you will make – and don’t forget to include the s’mores.
Pack plenty of things to do:
The beauty of camping lies in being surrounded by nature, but that can also lead to boredom in kids. To stave this off, pack plenty of things to keep them entertained. Card games, footballs, frisbees, toys. And essentially, a torch for late-night reading in the sleeping bag. A little thought here goes a long way to keeping everyone happy. Don’t worry, if you do forget to pack extras. We have plenty back at HQ, or we have some add-ons to make the trip even more exciting.
Consider travelling with other families
Camping can bring children a sense of freedom that they wouldn’t usually get at home. Campsites are a safe place to let them explore and make new friends. If there is a group of you it can make the trip even more fun, for the adults too!
Embrace the mess
Let’s face it, camping is never tidy! The whole family will need to be prepared for a bit of chaos during a camping trip. From messy tents to muddy shoes, it’s all part of the experience and it’s the bit that children love! The more you embrace the chaos, the more fun everyone will have.
Be prepared
Taking the time to make a checklist of all the things you will need is an absolute must. When you are frantically searching for a tin opener or a bottle opener, you will be very grateful for that 5 minutes of organisation. This is a great example of what to take with you – but remember that at Nomadic we will be providing you with all the essentials as part of your Adventure Camping Package.
And don’t forget snacks. Lots of snacks!
Be flexible
Probably the best piece of advice. You may need to adjust your plans. Weather can be unpredictable, especially in Scotland. You might find yourself wrestling an awning in the middle of the night (true story – the kids slept through the whole thing!). The things that seem the most difficult at the time, will be the things that you talk and laugh about the most in the future.
Most of all … have fun
At the heart of it, camping is a fantastic way to spend real, quality time together. Away from the busyness of everyday life, you can find space to reconnect with one another.
So most importantly – have fun!
Camping holidays with Nomadic Scotland include 4×4 vehicle hire and all the camping gear you’ll need, including a roof tent and awning. 4×4 camping adds a level of freedom and adventure to a traditional camping holiday in Scotland. What’s more, we can help with your itinerary, including campsite recommendations and family-friendly places to visit. Book online or contact us here for more information.