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Once you have the tent and sleeping bags covered, you will want to turn your attention to other camping items that will help makes your trip a success.
Here are some of my current favorite take alongs.
One of the first things you will want to think about is lighting. When it gets dark, your kids will not likely be thrilled with that. Lanterns around the tent (and inside as you get ready for bed) as well as flashlights are going to be not only needed, but a huge comfort to your little campers.
Children will love the HABA Terra Kids Lantern, and so will mom and dad. Kids never remember to turn off lights (or toys) and this won’t be a problem with this lantern, since it requires no batteries and charges when the child winds up it’s attached crank. They can keep their light shining all night long (or at least until they fall asleep) with the HABA lantern. It also features very bight, easy to see by LED lights, a compass (perfect for little explorers) and a padded handle with neoprene cover, attachable karabiner, and alarm whistle for safety, and is extremely well built and sturdy.
For more, please see http://www.afterschool.com
For exploring and nighttime, Melissa and Doug have a kid-friendly flashlight that will make any child smile. The Bibi Bee Kid’s Flashlight will be an instant hit, and will chase away any fears of darkness. It has a cute handle just right for little hands, and a happy face that can scare away nighttime monsters. It takes AA batteries, which to access require you to press down a tab and also remove a small Phillips screw so that you can you unscrew the cap. These are preventatives to keep the child from opening the flashlight and removing the batteries.
For more, please see http://www.melissaanddoug.com
Parents will want the Thermacell Outdoor Lantern for there campsite. This DEET free insect repellent and LED lantern in one is a good resource for any camper. Keep mosquitoes and other insects in any outdoor setting, while still a functional portable, long-lasting outdoor LED lantern. This lantern is non-toxic, silent, and odor free, using allethrin instead of DEET (a version of a natural insecticide found in chrysanthemum flowers). It weighs only 13 ounces, provides 12 hours of power and is powered by 4 AA batteries.
For more, please see mosquitorepellent.com
Lets go fishing! Camping is a great time to take your child fishing, and practice telling stories about “the one that got away” at that evening’s campfire. I love the options you can find at Afterschool.com- they carry everything from rods, reels, poles, and tackle for dad, to character poles for the kids (even pink ones for our little princesses who still want to play in the mud and water). We used the Zebco 33 Spincast Combo because it was good for both newcomers to fishing and those with more experience. It was easy to use for both my son and my husband (and myself, who has more experience) and the fact that it comes pre-spooled makes it that much easier. We used the Original Floating Rapala lure as twich bait, but if you prefer you can also use it as a retrieve. And since it’s summer and you are on the water, don’t forget the bug spray. Natrapel Bug Spray is available on the same website, and it is not only effective, but DEET free so safer for your family. Don’t leave home without it, or suffer later.
For more, http://www.afterschool.com
I absolutely LOVE this camping trip! I love camping!! And those Terra Kids lanterns are just so stinking cute! I want to go camping with you all!!