Taking toddler camping

[caswana]

Hello Everyone,
I am new here, my name is Cassie. This is the first year I am taking my 2, almost 3 year old camping. We have gone on camping trips before with out her but I now want her to get used to this as we are going to go more often and will want to take her. So my question is, has anyone else ever done this and what should I expect? I have a list of activities for her to do if she gets board.
My other question is, can she hike and what materials should I get for her if she can. I do need to say this, I have a major injury to my left side. I have to take medication inorder to move around due to pain. (torn ligaments connecting my hip to my spine) So as you can see I can't do to much because of this injury and I still need clearance from my doctor inorder to hike. How ever I still want to try. It's a favorite past time of mine and I miss it extreamly. Gosh who doesn't just love to go through woods and smell the wonderful plant life it has to offer?
I lived in texas for 2 and a half years and fell back in love with Michigan's natural forests and smells that I don't ever want to leave this state at all. lol.
So any help on these matters would greatly be apprichiated. Thank you very much in advance for listening to my problems with camping.
Blessings,
Cassie

[PrtyMolusk]

Howdy, caswana-

Welcome to the site! Glad to have you here.....

Sorry to hear about your injury; don't over do it!

You know your daughter better than anyone here; plan short trips initially so she doesn't get bored. Spring is an ideal time to go as you can stop and look at all the emerging plant life, insects, critters, etc. Stop whenever you see something, and whenever she sees something. pack a lunch and/or several snacks. Bring plenty of water, and towels to unroll and sit upon. Don't forget a camera (even a cheap disposable will do fine.) You'll want to keep these memories forever!

P.S. Be sure to go to file out your profile; you never can tell who else is in your area, and what opportunities might be available via other members... :D

[Brian S]

Cassie, my youngest son was 2 when he started camping. Hikes were short or we pulled him in the wagon. I remember many times he would make it to the final destination only to fall asleep, requiring me to carry him back to camp. For 3 yr olds, there is enough entertainment and things to discover right around camp so long journeys aren't needed.

The campgrounds we stay at have showers which I would highly recommend. I remember one year where it rained half of the first day. My 3 and 6 yr old boys were having a great time splashing in the mud and playing in the rain. Hosing them off in the shower afterwards made life a lot easier.

Mosquito lotion and sunscreen, I probably don't have to say it but apply both and re-apply often.

Bed times go out the window. Since it stays light out until after 9 and the campfire is half the fun, our kids rarely got to bed before 10:30.

Considering that she is 3 and hasn't been camping yet, it shouldn't be too hard to keep her entertained. There's just so many new things to see and do.

Good luck, have fun, take lots of pics and plenty of wipes.

[caswana]

I am not seeing a place to fill this out. Can anyone help please?
Blessing,
Cassie

[caswana]

Thanks for everyone's help. I wont over due the hiking or the medication I take will be of no use. I 've already overdone my self on spring cleaning lol. It's nice to be able to have a spotless house once in a while.
I did figure I'd need the bug repelant and the sun screen. But what is the best thing to take with her to keep her happy? Know I did read short trips at first. Unfortunatly, this time it's a 6 day trip because of her daddy only being able to take that week off. So right now I can see she might get tired of being up there. I am bringing her wagon. I've asked in the fishing forum on how to teach her to fish if she is old enough and that is something me and her father are unsure she can do. I am also wondering if trying to or using a compass while hiking is good for her as I want her to learn how to use one.
The place we are going to is Newaygo State Park. If anyone has been there I'd like to know what it's like. I am also bringing my 1 year old beagle this time. And I am wondering what I need to be prepared for her. Her vet said that with the shots and spay she has had done she would only need a lime shot. But thats all I know that she needs and thats not at the camping ground.
I just want to know what to expect for these two situations while camping for 6 days. I did read to throw out our 9:30 bed time. Which is fine... lol and yep I am a worry wort. This trip is 2 months away. and I like to prepare well in advance to make sure I don't leave anything out.
Thank you for welcoming me and all your help. I hope some day I can return the favor.
Blessings,
Cassie

[Neal]

On the tool bar above, click on "Quick Links", then edit profile.

If you are in S.E. Michigan, I'm involved with several organizations that put on all kinds of outdoor activities for the young ones.

Welcome to the site

Neal

[caswana]

I live in Lansing and am interested if you are close enough...

[Bow Hunter Brandon]

caswana, I dont know the park you are going to but I can give you an idea from our backpacking trip. This works best with a cold stream but also works with a cold lake. You mix this up ahead of time in a heavy zip lock bag. Put in pudding mix and enough powdered milk to equal the milk you are suposed to use when its mixed with water. you put the water in shake it really good and then place it at the botom of the stream to cool. A lake works also. Its really no different then if you made it in the fridge at home but the kids sure do think its neat. ( so do the adults when 5 miles from a road). Make sure you use a powdered whole milk lowfat or 2% will taste terible. We get the milk at an organic health food store.