First time camping - tent leaked, kid got soaked, still a win?

Jan 181 min read

Took my 6yo camping for literally the first time ever last weekend. Got a brand new Coleman tent from Walmart (like $70). First night it rains. Not a little bit - actually rains.

Woke up to water pooling under his sleeping bag. Spent the rest of the night in the car. Pretty sure I failed camping 101 lol.

BUT - he wants to go again, I learned I need a better tent and probably a tarp situation, and honestly the car sleeping wasn't even that bad? We still did a campfire, made s'mores, and he caught a frog. Calling it a win and trying again next month with an actual good tent.

5 comments403 views

Comments(5)

JJoshNew DadJan 19

Next time put some waterproof tarps under and over the tent. Made a huge difference for us after our first camping disaster. But hey, you learned something valuable this time at least.

KKevinRegularJan 19

The fact that your kid remembers it as a win is what matters. He didn't complain about being wet the whole trip?

TTommyNew DadJan 19

This is literally parenting in a nutshell. Something goes wrong, you handle it, and somehow it still counts as a victory. You're doing it right.

JJoseNew DadJan 20

That's still a win my guy. The fact that you got a new Coleman tent out of it and your 6yo still had fun means you succeeded at fatherhood that day. The wet sleeping bag is just character building.

MMason T.New DadJan 20

Coleman tents are great but definitely check the seams before your next trip. Could've just been missing some seam sealing from the factory. Easy 20 minute fix.