by James Mackness

Created on: February 06, 2009

Whether you're a child or an adult, camping for the first time can be exciting, challenging and a little scary. Follow the tips below to ensure that you have a good first time. The most important thing to keep in mind is the "7 P Rule" Precise Planning and Proper Preparation Prevent Poor Performance. Take all the time you need to consider all of the details of what you are going to do and how. Talk through each part of the trip to ensure that you have left out nothing. Allow more time than you expect to need for everything.

Something has spurred you to want to try camping. If that something was a knowledgeable and experienced friend or relative, ask them to take you for the first time. This will save you a lot of stress, as you can relax and learn. If you don't have personal access to such expertise, start doing your homework. Head to the library and check out the many books that explain camping, backpacking, hiking and canoeing in great detail. There are also a lot of great resources online (such as at http://www.rei.com/expertadvice that can help you determine exactly what to bring, and outline essential camping skills.

Don't be too ambitious your first time out. Don't plan a week-long excursion when you haven't even slept in your backyard. Your best bet is to plan for a trip of one or to nights long enough to get some experience but not long enough to get yourself into too much trouble. Select an easy location too. Try a neighbour's woodlot, relative's cottage, or a local campground or park. If you're going to a public campground, make sure you make appropriate reservations and get all necessary permits and fees explained by the staff before you leave home. Especially if children are involved, try to use public campgrounds at off-peak times so it's not too crowded. A few rowdy neighbours can wreck your trip in no time.

Ensure that all trip participants and involved in every stage of the planning. This way everyone knows what to expect and can influence the plan. Plan to be comfortable. Save the hardcore, lightweight camping for when you have more experience. Make sure you have a good, waterproof tent, a mattress, a warm sleeping bag, and a pillow. If benches will not be available, bring your lawn chairs. Everyone should have good rain gear. A tarp and an "in case of rain" plan will also help salvage a soggy trip. Bring lots of bug repellent and sunscreen too.

Unless all members of your party are very used to the dark, ensure that you will have lots of light.

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