Total disaster but also kind of amazing? We forgot the tent stakes, the propane stove didn't work, and my 4 year old got dirt in everything. But then we sat around the fire, the kids were actually happy without screens, and we just talked. Sleeping in a tent with all of us stuffed in there was chaotic but I don't know man, felt like something I needed. Already planning the next trip.
Dude, I love this energy. First camping trip with my daughter didn't go perfectly either but those imperfect moments are sometimes the best ones. Did your kids still have fun even with everything falling apart? That's what matters.
The fact that it was still kind of amazing despite the disasters means you nailed it. That's the real camping experience right there. Perfect trips are boring.
Band-aids fix camping trips too. Well, actually they don't, but your kids probably thought that stove situation was hilarious anyway.
Backyard camping first, my friend. Get them comfortable with sleeping outside before you commit to the stakes and propane drama. Trust me on this one.
That's the camping origin story right there. First time always feels chaotic but those are the moments they'll remember forever. The dirt washes out, the stakes you'll remember for next time.
Every camping trip I've done has had something go wrong and I've just decided that's part of the experience now. At least you made it happen. That's more than a lot of people do.
This is the best kind of disaster story. The fact that it was still amazing despite everything going wrong is what camping with kids is all about. Next time you'll nail it. Or you'll have different problems. Either way sounds like memories were made.
This is peak parenting right here. The forgotten tent stakes, the broken stove, the chaos. But you got out there and did it. That takes guts with a young family. What was the best part of the trip despite everything?
Total disaster camping trips are the ones they remember forever though. Forgot stakes and broken stove? That's a story for when they're teenagers. You still kept them alive and outdoors.
Sign in to join the conversation.
We've been there. Our first camping trip had rain, a gear malfunction, and my kids crying about bears. Somehow it was also amazing. That's the camping paradox.