The troops putting up the Jayco Eagle pop-up.
Notice how happy they are? Our oldest wears the smile. It was her turn to crank.
If it is, remember that a lot of used gear can be had on local Craig’s Lists by just typing in your location and then “camping” in for sale. This is a great idea for used large items, like campers, trailers, tents, or stoves that you want to inspect personally. It’s best not to buy used personal items such as sleeping bags, bed rolls, or climate clothing. They are always better bought new. However, the internet does hold a wealth of equipment and information, to which I am about to add my small share from personal experience.
At the time we bought our Jayco Eagle pop-up trailer, it was new, a leftover from the year before. Our Eagle is a hard-top, manual crank-up camper that you’re supposed to turn slowly, and pause to pull out the beds on the ends of the trailer little by little.
Patience. The five children needed to learn patience and how to work together. They needed to crank slowly and not fight over whose turn it was to crank, for which I kept a schedule. See “Keeping the Peace with Schedules.” The non-crankers yanked out—carefully, another learned concept—the two end beds and jammed in the support poles underneath.
The two dinette tables had to be set up. They convert into beds, which helps when you have five children. There is no bathroom or shower in it. We use a small camp potty when absolutely necessary—another thing to buy new although potties are usually plastic and completely washable.
While researching for this blog post, I came across a wonderful website for campers and outdoor enthusiasts. Everything Outdoor Camping is a highly useful site where you can not only purchase what you need for camping and hiking, new, but also engage in conversation with an expert about the equipment or the camp trip you are going to take.
Please remember that you needn’t purchase thousands of dollars worth of camping equipment before venturing out upon a family camping excursion.We started out with a 1960’s patched up canvas tent on a trailer.We started with a patched up tent trailer.
Besides, amenities abound at many campgrounds.KOA Kampgroundsoffer basic to deluxe wood cabins, all with electricity and some with full kitchens. KOA’s are located just about everywhere and all you need do is bring bedding, food, and cooking and serving utensils.
Start with basic equipment, nothing fancy, no extras. Go on nearby camping trips for a short amount of time.Campers can be rented for the weekend or for a week at Cruise America or another RV rental place. Read the rental contract; calculate the insurance expense and breakdown insurance. Always get the rental insurance, whether you are renting a car or a camper. Practice handling the rig as it will most likely be larger than your vehicle and definitely handles differently.
Camping is the perfect way to see the world, be it close by or at opposite corners of the country or adjoining countries. Steve Trommer, an award-winning seasoned Boy Scout Leader and Owner of Everything Outdoor Camping, says that “Any time spent in a tent, opens the world to bigger adventures.”And he’s right.In our little home away from home, in our blankets and bedding, pots, pans, and potty, we explore the world one camping trip—and family adventure—at a time. Maybe you should try it, too.
I don't plan to be doing any more camping so I'm not looking for anything. I probably still have some camping items in my garage that I should put on Craig's List. I sold a small tent several years ago on Craig's List and that turned out okay.
There's a good idea, Lee. Craig's List is a great place to find used [and barely used] large items at good prices. Thank you so much for visiting my Camping with Kids blog and leaving a note. Have a wonderful holiday season.
It's easier than you think to get back to camping, Lynda. Wait for a good weather report and take a short trip to see if it's still for you. Many times, if you purchased good quality equipment and have maintained it, the equipment will last. Thanks for visiting my Camping with Kids blog and leaving a note. Happy Holidays, my dear.
No Victoria Marie, camping gear is definitely not on my Xmas list. I am glad to say my camping days are long gone. At 70 I much prefer a comfy bed after a good meal and a few drinks. Bill http://www.walksintameside.co.uk
You've earned it, Bill! I think it's wonderful that you and your friends trek all over the countryside, though. A comfy bed after all that walking/hiking–miles and miles–lugging everything on your back is well deserved. So is a hot meal that you don't need to prepare. As for the drinks? Here's to you, Bill. May you have a healthy and happy 2016! Thanks for visiting my Camping with Kids blog and leaving a note. It is greatly appreciated.
Thanks for the great information!
My pleasure, Michelle. Thanks so much for visiting Camping with Kids and leaving a note. Merry Christmas!
I don't plan to be doing any more camping so I'm not looking for anything. I probably still have some camping items in my garage that I should put on Craig's List. I sold a small tent several years ago on Craig's List and that turned out okay.
Arlee Bird
Wrote By Rote
There's a good idea, Lee. Craig's List is a great place to find used [and barely used] large items at good prices. Thank you so much for visiting my Camping with Kids blog and leaving a note. Have a wonderful holiday season.
It's been a long while since I've gone camping. I do miss it. We still have all our equipment and it's still in good nick.
Merry Christmas, Victoria.
It's easier than you think to get back to camping, Lynda. Wait for a good weather report and take a short trip to see if it's still for you. Many times, if you purchased good quality equipment and have maintained it, the equipment will last. Thanks for visiting my Camping with Kids blog and leaving a note. Happy Holidays, my dear.
No Victoria Marie, camping gear is definitely not on my Xmas list. I am glad to say my camping days are long gone. At 70 I much prefer a comfy bed after a good meal and a few drinks.
Bill
http://www.walksintameside.co.uk
You've earned it, Bill! I think it's wonderful that you and your friends trek all over the countryside, though. A comfy bed after all that walking/hiking–miles and miles–lugging everything on your back is well deserved. So is a hot meal that you don't need to prepare. As for the drinks? Here's to you, Bill. May you have a healthy and happy 2016! Thanks for visiting my Camping with Kids blog and leaving a note. It is greatly appreciated.