Pathfinder III
Any tips on first over night trip? taking 5 year old son
First overnight overland trip
- Thread starter Swebb130
- Start date
Explorer I
Enjoy the time with your son and check your packing list twice before heading out. Where are you guys going?
Advocate I
Not having kids I have no advice as for how to handle the kid on his first trip. But I agree with @Sheedy614 : make a list and check it twice (or thrice) before leaving. Things you can't have too much of: water, non-perishable food reserves, baby wipes (not just for the 5 year old ;) ), warm clothes etc. If you're going somewhere without signal, which generally Overlanding involves, make sure you have a sat-com device like an inReach.
-TJ
-TJ
Advocate I
tablet or phone with some of his favorite movies downloaded. . . and his own flashlight or headlamp.
Trail Blazer III
- 4,847
- First Name
- Dave
- Last Name
- Ballard
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20527
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Small backpack just for your son with a collection of treasures, stuffed animal, books, a few toys. Let him pack it and be "responsible" for it during the trip gives them a huge feeling of being part of the trip, my kids loved it. When they were old enough they got to bring a small pup tent to put up, gave them a place to hang out even if it was to "scary" to sleep in overnight. Seemed the more chores and responsibility they had the more rewarding the trip was.
For just one night, there's nothing you can forget that will keep you from having a successful trip. Hope you guys have a great time!
Arrive at your campsite early enough to enjoy setting up and still having daylight to enjoy. Choose a place where you can have a campfire. Try to find out what (if any) your 5 year old's worries might be so that you can address them. Plan on toilet needs. Make sure you will )all) be warm enough. Have fun!
Advocate III
Make it an adventure. Leave the electronics and home and talk to him about what you're seeing.
Both of my boys were tech orientated. When they were around 5, I took them out for a day trip, then camping. In both cases, the electronics stayed home so they would be heads up. Be prepared for many questions. The secret was telling them about the forest, pointing out critters, telling about them. Doing this did two things. One, it took the "fear" out of the unknown and made for good conversation. For example, today's ongoing joke is that Mr. Bear will stop for coffee.
I recommend giving them something to do. Both of my son's adventure was to collect wood and assist with the tent. We made a game out of all of the above. Sometimes, they would be faster or beat dad at a chore.
The best part was talking about the stars at night, answering questions and telling stories about when I used to camp on my first camping trip.
The best advice I can give is to enjoy it and have fun, which will pay off in the future. Both children still enjoy camping with Dad; unfortunately, now at 22 and 30 they are the adults and often treat me as the child. :)
Both of my boys were tech orientated. When they were around 5, I took them out for a day trip, then camping. In both cases, the electronics stayed home so they would be heads up. Be prepared for many questions. The secret was telling them about the forest, pointing out critters, telling about them. Doing this did two things. One, it took the "fear" out of the unknown and made for good conversation. For example, today's ongoing joke is that Mr. Bear will stop for coffee.
I recommend giving them something to do. Both of my son's adventure was to collect wood and assist with the tent. We made a game out of all of the above. Sometimes, they would be faster or beat dad at a chore.
The best part was talking about the stars at night, answering questions and telling stories about when I used to camp on my first camping trip.
The best advice I can give is to enjoy it and have fun, which will pay off in the future. Both children still enjoy camping with Dad; unfortunately, now at 22 and 30 they are the adults and often treat me as the child. :)
Trail Mechanic I
- 13,638
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- Dimitri
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- Raptis
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Great. Enjoy. I have been camping with my kids before they even turned 1. Below some personal tips:
- Do not drive more than 4h, do regular stops.
- iPads aloud during boarding trips but not at the campsites (not they they ask for them)
- Arrive early before sunset. Expect more time to set up than planned
- Let daddy do everything… and let daddy bong with their child
- Teach your child how to light a fire and how to be safe around it.
- Bring their favourite toy, bring a ball.
- Ask them to explore the area freely.
- Have emergency calories
- Stay warm
Best Regards,
Dimitri
Enthusiast II
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- Steve
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- Whelan
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I am guessing that you already had your trip. Hopefully everything went well. If it didn't, then you recieved some knowledge for future trips 
Advocate III
Thanks for asking. Yes, we had a great time. Hopefully you can join next timeI am guessing that you already had your trip. Hopefully everything went well. If it didn't, then you recieved some knowledge for future trips
Trail Mechanic I
- 13,638
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- Dimitri
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- Raptis
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22608
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So true. We all learn something from each trip. Timings, gear, flexibility and much more.I am guessing that you already had your trip. Hopefully everything went well. If it didn't, then you recieved some knowledge for future trips
Pathfinder III
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- Kent
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- Reynolds
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Inventor I
Easy Just go and enjoy.. Take what you think you need and the next time work out what you did'nt.. Children are waterproof :)
