The 3 P’s of Camping: Plan, Prepare and Pack

Camping trips are fun. There’s no way to deny that fact. Just imagine all the possible activities to do at the camp, the wondrous flora and fauna to explore and the scenic views to feast your eyes on and you’ll surely be looking forward to your next camping trip.

But the fun part does not come without work. Although, a camping trip means enjoyable activities and exciting games, we all know how much important the 3 P’s of camping—planning, preparation and packing—are to ensure that your camping trip is a successful one.

To get all these 3 P’s covered, here are some tips on planning, preparing and packing.

Plan

Some of the most important things you need to plan for are your camping destination, activities to do at the camp, and the food you’ll prepare. To ensure that you are able to plan properly, here are some planning pointers you might find helpful:

1. Research about campgrounds. Online and at the library, you will find a good deal of information about campsites all over the country.
2. Pick a reputable campground. Make sure that the campsite you choose is safe for the whole family and has sufficient and reliable camping amenities to cater to your needs.
3. Make a list of the activities you intend to do so you know which kinds of camping equipment to bring. For example, if you plan to do some bird watching bring a pair of binoculars and some bird feeds.
4. Check the weather. This will give you an idea on what type of camping equipment to pack (if it’s sunny, bring a tent with lots of mesh screen; if it’s cold don’t forget a portable water heater).

Prepare

Prepare yourself and your family for the camping trip. Some of the things you should do to prepare for the camping trip are:

1. Nourish yourself well. Eat healthy food rich in nutrients, vitamins and minerals because you need the energy for the camping trip.
2. Visit the doctor for a check-up to see if you and your family are fit for the physically demanding activities at the camp.
3. Have a good night’s rest prior to the trip. Not enough sleep will cause you to be sluggish and make it difficult for you to enjoy the trip.

Pack

It’s a good habit to create checklist of the things to pack so that you don’t forget anything essential. Here are some of the things you need to include in your checklist:

1. Basic camping gear: tent, poles and stakes, lanterns,matches, compass, maps, flashlights, batteries, and rope.
2. Outdoor cooking and food preparation: cook stove and fuel, pots, pans, plates, cups, bowls, eating and cooking and eating utensils, can and bottle openers, dish soap, folding chairs and table, coolers, food and water, ice, paper napkin, and trash bags.
3. Sleeping and comfort: sleeping bags, pillows, blankets, and air mattress.
4. Personal items: clothing, soap, shampoo, sunglass, toiletries, camera and film (or memory card), clothesline, bath towels, and toilet paper.
5. Safety: first aid kits, whistle, hiking sticks, medications, rain gear, insect repellent, and sunscreen.

There’s nothing like extensive planning, preparation and packing to make a camping trip a successful and memorable one.