by Chris Dixon

Created on: June 19, 2008   Last Updated: July 06, 2009

There is nothing to bring you and your kids closer together as a family than to pack up the minivan and head out on the open road to go camping. You will get back in touch with nature, and more importantly each other. (Provided you leave all portable electronics at home.) With the fast paced schedule of a single parents life it can be hard to feel like your really connecting with your kids, but take them camping and you will learn a lot about each other and reconnect all over again.

The first question you must ask yourself before planning your trip is 'what kind of campers are we?' The rough and tough primitive camper type who will hike for miles to find the perfect place to pitch a tent? If so, then you are already a pro and don't need much of my advice. This type of camper has to pack light. I cant seem to pack light and be prepared at the same time.

Therefore, I don't do primitive camping. I bring everything but the kitchen sink. I pack a tent, a canopy, a portable cooking stove, cooking supplies in a locking storage tub, a lantern, flashlights, batteries, air mattress, air pump, sleeping bags, pillows, coolers, chairs, wood starter sticks, food (which must include smores ingredients)folding tables, and most importantly my own portable toilet for those middle of the night emergencies. (When I don't want to wander off and get eaten by a bear)

I seek out camping with toilets in the vicinity, and showers. I can only be so tough. I want my vacation to be enjoyable, and I must have food and water at my disposal to adequately enjoy myself. I also prefer to camp near natural water sources like rivers and lakes so we can play in the water or go tubing and so we can wash our dishes or even our bodies in it.

You must also take into consideration what type of activities you all enjoy together as well so you can wok those in to your trip. Do you want to swim or hike or explore or go horseback riding? Maybe there's something new the kids are interested in that you can do together during the trip. For example maybe an archaeological dig or mountain bike expedition? Make your camping trip an adventure they will never forget.

Make it a team effort. Let your kids plan the trip with you and let each of them make a final decision on some part of the trip, so each child feels special and gets to feel responsible for a specific part of the trip. Make this a valuable lesson about responsibility, compromise, budgeting and even goals. Plan your trip months in advance and estimate costs. Get an large empty water bottle and encourage everyone to put their change in the jar to save for the trip. We count ours together one week before we leave and use this money for an extra surprise during the trip. Something fun we hadn't planned or maybe souvenirs. One time we panned for gold at this little place on the road side on our way home. Teach your kids that planning ahead pays off in the long run and reaching for their goals can be fun and rewarding.

Have fun camping and remember what Smokey the bear says only YOU can prevent forest fires!

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