Tag: camping

Camp Shopkick: Camping Week

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We’re back with the latest theme for this week’s edition of Camp Shopkick! In case you’re new to “camp”, we believe summer isn’t summer without themed weeks of fun to enjoy with your family, whether you try a new activity each day or plan a packed day to fit in as much as possible. We hope you and your family have already made wonderful memories during Barbecue Week and Family Fun Week. This week, we’re taking “camp” literally – it’s Camping Week!

Have you ever taken a camping trip? Whether you’re an outdoor camping novice, someone who frequently pitches a tent in the backyard, or a camper with plenty of experience in the great outdoors, we thought we would dive into everything you need to know to take a camping trip at a campground. Let’s dive into the essentials! 

Where to Go:

Once you have decided camping is officially on your agenda, it’s time to decide where to go. Parks are a great place to begin your research because many offer both camping facilities (wash houses are wonderful!), campsites, and plenty of information to review before you arrive. You can also look into official campgrounds. These can range from sites you will need to hike to, to locations where you will drive up and keep your car parked nearby. Some sites even include amenities, like pools, to encourage you to have even more family fun while meeting other families in the process.   

What to Do:

When deciding where you would like to go on your camping trip, you will also likely need to decide what you hope to do as a family while you’re there. One decision will help to guide many others! Many camping sites are located in wonderful areas to hike. If hiking will be a new experience for your family, you will want to research trails that are clearly marked for beginners. Some trails are even flat, which are excellent for young kids! You will also want to be prepared in advance to swim, so research if your camp is near a stream, lake, or beach open to water play. 

Must-Have Items: 

Some of your must-have items will largely be driven by the activities you plan to do while you’re camping, but there are also plenty of other items you will want to have on hand. Keep the following in mind: 

  • Tent (P.S: One Crazy House has plenty of tent tips!)
  • Foam Flooring/Air Mattress
  • Sleeping Bag
  • Clothes
  • Flash Light
  • Kitchen Items & Food
  • Toiletries
  • Hiking Gear
  • Toys for Kids
  • …and plenty more!

We discovered this packing guide for camping, particularly camping with kids, on the blog Em for Marvelous. Make sure to open the PDF she created titled Master Packing List. It’s excellent and so thorough! 

Recipes to Cook:   

Before you set out on your camping trip, you will want to create a meal plan. This will help you to know what you will be making well in advance, so you can make sure to have all of your groceries on hand. Cooking over a fire is a must while camping, and we thought we would think beyond hamburgers and hotdogs. So, we highly recommend trying Camping Breakfast Burritos from Taste & Tell, Grilled Cheesy Buffalo Bacon Fries from Tablespoon, and Campfire Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches from Homemade Heather. All three recipes sound delicious! 

Of course, our top tip is to simply have fun on your camping trip! We are so excited to hear about the adventures you either experience or plan to experience on a camping trip with your family. Keep us in the know on Facebook!

Simple Ways to Get Outdoors This Summer

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Summer feels a little different right now, so we have to take matters into our own hands and make the most of it! We are all definitely not trapped inside, so let’s keep making sure to get outside into the fresh air. Whether you’re a homebody or an adventurer, we’re sharing fun and simple ways to get outside, and we think you’ll find a perfect match among these suggestions! 

Host a Cookout

Not feeling up to planning a full day trip or excursion? Why not spend the day with loved ones by hosting a backyard barbecue?! While this may not be the most outdoorsy option, you’re bound to have a good time. Get creative by putting your own twist on classic recipes to make new traditions in your household. Plus, get active by pulling out a soccer ball or corn hole boards to get a little friendly competition going. Kids not around? Throw it back to your college years and dust off the old beer pong skills. Whatever activities you enjoy, getting out into the sun is key!

Start a Garden

Whether you have a small plot of land in your yard or a little planter box on your balcony, you can turn it into something beautiful and beneficial! Just by putting in a little bit of research into the types of plants that will thrive in your environment or based on the level of care you want to commit to, you’ll find something great that works for you. Will fresh herbs or tomatoes elevate your cooking? Will your favorite flowers (we love wildflowers and sunflowers!) liven up your space? Let’s find out! Grab some soil, seeds, and get to work! 

Check Out a Local Park

No matter where you live, there’s a park nearby to explore! An easy way to get out into a greener environment is to check out open, public spaces. Maybe it’s a metro park, neighborhood park, dog park, or even national park. Make a day out of it by bringing the kids, dog, frisbee, and picnic. Just getting some fresh air and a change of scenery can make a huge difference if you feel stuck in a tired schedule.

Go for a Hike (or Walk)

Hey outdoor enthusiast! You’re our type of gal/guy. A great way to get outside and embrace the natural world around you is to find a trail and get those steps in. Maybe you have a favorite hiking trail, or maybe you want to take up hiking as a new hobby. Either way, a great place to start is alltrails.com! You can plug in your location and find a spot that fits your desired location, activity, difficulty level, length, and so much more. Enjoy the warmer months by getting out and exploring nature! 

If a strenuous hike isn’t really your thing, you can still get moving with a low-intensity walk around similar trails, parks (see above), or even your neighborhood. Got kids? Building healthy habits and fun hobbies together like going on walks as a family is a great bonding opportunity.

Go Camping

If you’re really vying for a chance to get away from home, try planning a camping trip. It’s super easy to go online and reserve a campsite at a drive-in campground, or you could even backpack into a remote area if you’re feeling ambitious. Either way, just being immersed in nature and soaking up the sights, sounds, and smells can bring peace of mind and soul. Getting out of the house and finding adventure and/or tranquility within the natural world is an easy way to have a vacation on a budget. If you don’t have the time or energy to round up the troops and get away for the weekend, try pitching a tent in your backyard to have a fun but low-stress “getaway” with the kids!

Fruit Picking

It’s summer fruit season (a personal favorite of ours)! If day trips are more your speed, fruit picking is a fun, quick way to try something new, get out into the sun, and get your grocery shopping done. There are lots of fruits and veggies in season this time of year, so check out berry patches, stone fruit (peaches, nectarines, etc.) orchards, and local vegetable gardens that allow you to pick your own produce. If something like this doesn’t exist in your area, try hitting up a farmer’s market! You’ll still be able to find the freshest goods and greens, but the hard part of harvesting is already done for you.

How will you get outside this season? Keep the conversation going on Facebook!