The Test Run

One thing that I like to do before the first camping trip is to go on a "Test Run."  My kids and I have done this every year as soon as it's warm enough to go.  All we do is go to Grandpa & Grandma's backyard and set up camp.

I use this opportunity to teach/remind the kids about making a fire ring, clearing the ground under the tent, fire-starting skills, etc and we go through all the gear.  I like to show them everything we have, how it works and the proper ways to use it.  This just makes it a lot more fun for them when they understand how something works and can be in charge of that thing.

It's nice to be able to set up the tent and do a full inspection.  Checking the stakes, looking for rips or tears and getting it swept out.  We don't always sleep overnight in our test run campsite.  It's optional.  But we do sit around the campfire and have s'mores while discussing the future camping trips.

This is also a good time to get out the camping stoves and fire them up.  Believe me, you don't want to start them in the house.  You'll get in trouble with the wife.

I always enjoy these test runs because it's like a refresher course in camping.  It also reminds me of things that I need to get prepared for the upcoming camping season.

If you have any questions about camping gear, feel free to email me or contact me through my Facebook Page at Camping Dad.