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Hi Busygirl

Last time we camped (last Sept) ours were 3 and 5 and unlike some wonderful kids camping next to us, weren't going to sit in a car a minute longer. Our tent needs a two man effort for at least 15 minutes, 30 minutes and the tent goes up quicker than it does with one person. So hubby looks after the kids while I lay the tent out, then major two man bit is done while they eat a picnic. Lots of nibbles in a multitude of bags or foil so they can't woof their meal down, have to unwrap everything, make sure the bags are safe one and they can unwrap every otherwise you'll spend more time helping them than getting the tent up.

We did find the last time we camped they were surprising keen to help so we gave them tent pegs to carry while we knocked them in and as soon as the outer is up they helped empty all their belongings out of the car into the tent.

Then Dad takes them off for a walk while I finish off filling the tent. Also one of you can take them to the water tap to fill your water container. We have also put a little present hidden in their sleeping bags, a little soft toy to hug at night or a new barbie fannel for the showers etc. This was something we did for their first trip and we've just sort of got into the habit - the kids love hunting out their surprise now. 

Hi roo_too

thats a fab idea about the surprise in the sleeping bag, when we bought our sleeping bags at the weekend the shop owner told my 4yr old that there was a secret pocket in the sleeping bag for his sweets in the middle of the night, I wasnt too impressed with that bright idea but a new teddy sounds perfect.

Hi  we have beencamping a few times 3 kids 9, 6 and just coming up 2 the 1st big camp we did was for our youngests 1st birthdays and I hired a cot (from Haven) but I have now got a great travel cot that folds into a bag the same size as a chair it also acts as a play pen and has a side and top opening, we have a small babys sleeping bag and my son sleeps the best ever when we are camping.  We also have a roof box couldn't do without it!!!

Sue