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Hi, my girls were 7,4 and 2 when we went for first time last year, they loved it, what an adventure, their favourite bit, washing up!!

They couldn't get enough.  Give them lots of jobs, water and containers keep them busy and camp near to play area.  Good luck

Jane

I camp with my kids when hubby is working away.  They are now 8 and 5 but been doing it since they were 3 and 6.

Last year I timed my arrival at the campsite in time for a pic nic. So as I was putting the tent up my kids were having a pic nic lunch (pre prepared) and then colouring and some polly pockets/barbies.  Best though is to keep them involved with jobs. I had mine doing all sorts, even stuff I did nt reallly need right then just to keep them busy like filling the kettle up with water, setting up all the deck chairs, sorting the pegs etc etc.

Baby wipes are a godsend as is a porta potti or bucket with lid.

Go for it and have fun.

Don't be silly, of course you're not mad! Though i do understand it feels like it. I had been camping twice with my two boys (7 and 6) with other friends before i went it alone for the first time. Val and Wilkos are dead right in my opinion, get a tent that you can all put up and practice in the garden. I got the kids to pick a tent they would like to sleep in and then ended up with something too big - it was a dome and i coudn't get the thing up with kids helping. I've opted for a tunnel now and it's much easier singlehandedly. Though it doesn't help when the boys have the attention span of a mayfly.

And i can agree that everybody i've met has been very willing to help if needed. I remember once in the Lake district during a storm, a couple of pegs got pulled out of the ground and one side of the dome blew in. So i'm standing outside, in the rain holding these guys, trying to time it for a lull in the wind so i can race in and get my hammer and more pegs, getting as far as the door before i have to race back and pull the tent back up! But some very nice people came over and helped. It's hilarious thinking about it now. And the funniest bit was the kids waking up at 7AM, barking for their breakfast and they had missed it all.

The kids and i use air beds and vango sleeping bags. I got ones with an anti wicking (i think that's the right term) flannel inner so it's more comfortable for them. At least they haven't complained so far.

I'm so glad i started camping now and i certainly won't stop now. And you've found one of the best sites to get information and encouragement from a lot of very knowledgeable people. I just wish i'd found it before i bought my first tent!

Have lots of fun!

Quote: Originally posted by Auntie Social on 23/4/2007

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Morrisons have sets for £9.99 which include a sleeping bag, torch, pillow & drinks bottle. They come in pink or blue.

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The self inflating mats are not only warmer, but kids are also less likely to roll off them when they wriggle in the night.

Definitely recommend the potty/equivalent for them/you for night times, or even day-times when you can't be fussed to drag both of them to the loo (it's your holiday too!).

If you're likely to want to shower them while you are away I found towelling bathrobes the easiest - they can strip in the tent, put on the bathrobe to walk to the showers and then put them straight back on after the showers to walk back to the tent - you're not fussing with loads of clothes and impatient kids then!

Don't forget the marshmallows to toast over the tail end of the BBQ at night - all part of the camping fun.