Staying at home can be expensive. Pay-per-view channels offer new release movies for movie night. Pizza can be delivered to your home and is often a more convenient answer to a Friday night at home than cooking at home. The cost of a weekend at home can actually be quite pricey.

Camping is a fun family adventure that brings your family back to nature and the basics of life. Pack up the tent, sleeping bags, ice chest and some snacks. Catch fish to cook for dinner or eat Spam out of a can. Either is less expensive than a pizza delivery.

Does it cost more to go camping than to stay home? Probably not.

Families who camp often have already invested in the equipment and goods to take on a camping trip. Loading up the family and the camping gear doesn't have to cost much. Fill the car with gas and buy some ice and food and take off for the weekend.

It doesn't have to cost a lot of money to spend quality time with your family whether you choose to spend it at home or camping away from home. The important thing is to enjoy being with your family.

What does camping offer?

There are campgrounds all over that offer an excellent place to take your family for a camp out. To find a campground, check out the following websites:

http://www.reserveamerica.com/

http://koa.com/

http://www.gocampingamerica.co m/

Camping offers you time to spend with your family without a television blaring in the background, the telephone ringing, the doorbell ringing and everyone going in their separate directions in the house.

If you are camping in a tent, everyone can participate in setting up the tent and sleeping bags. Everyone can participate in the same conversation. Observe nature and wildlife and relax outdoors. These are often forgotten pleasures of life that need to be brought back into family life.

There is no monetary value for quality time with your family. Children need these camping trips to bond with their family and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Camping can be an educational experience for your children. They can learn to fish, they can learn to identify plants, trees, animals and insects. Teach your kids about their surroundings. These are fun, educational and important times that you will spend with your children.

What should we take?

Unless you are camping in an RV or a cabin, you'll need to pack a tent large enough to accommodate everyone going on the trip.

Sleeping bags for everyone.

An ice chest filled with ice, drinks and any foods that should be kept cool.

Picnic basket with food, snacks, plastic utensils, paper plates, etc.

A blanket to spread out to sit on the ground for a picnic or to play games, etc.

A camera or video camera to record family memories.

Binoculars for bird watching, etc.

A large water container for fresh water.

First aid kit including benedryl, bandages, sting relief, eye wash, etc.

Basically, plan out your camping trip in your mind. If your family enjoys card games or board games, you may want to take a game with you to play. If you intend to go fishing, pack your tackle box and fishing gear. If you are going hiking, make sure to include the gear for that. Whatever activities you plan to do, just make a checklist for those items you'll need for each activity.

The most important thing is to go and enjoy time with your family.

Learn more about this author, Monica Garrett.
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