Camping is a great outdoor activity that the whole family can enjoy. Whether it is a tent in the back yard, sleeping bags in the woods, or a cabin by a lake, children of all ages can delight in this nature based fun! Try reading a camping themed book as a simple introduction to nature and outdoor living.
Helping Children to Enjoy Camping and the Outdoors
Children who are unfamiliar with the outdoors may feel apprehensive or frightened before the first camping experience. Even children who are used to playing outside may worry about the woods being scary or a tent being different from a house.
Before embarking on a camping trip, it may be helpful to fully prepare a child for an outdoor activity. Family conversation and discussion is a great way to help put an unsure child at ease. Start off the discussion by reading one (or more) of the books suggested in this article. The stories, pictures, and facts found in these books may help to turn a worrisome time into an exciting experience.
Animal Theme Children’s Camping Books
The books in this section all focus on camping through an animal based narrative. Bibliographic information and a brief description are included.
- Good Night, Animals by Lena Arro and Catarina Kruusval [R&S Books, 2002]: Two children, Bubble and Pearl, hear frightening noises while camping in a tent. These noises turn out to be cuddly animals such as rabbits, a cat, a dog, a sheep, and more.
- Duck Tents by Lynne Berry and Hiroe Nakata [Henry Holt and Company, 2009]: Five ducks set up tents, walk through the woods, fish, roast marshmallows, and go to sleep in this fun counting book. A great read for toddlers.
- Curious George Goes Camping by Margaret and H.A. Rey [Houghton Mifflin Company, 1999]" The mischievous monkey and the man with the yellow hat go on a camping adventure. A family favorite featuring the beloved animal character.
Camping Books Featuring Children
The books in this section feature children in outdoor and camping situations.
- Molly and Emmett’s Camping Adventure by Marilyn Hafner [Cricket/ McGraw Hill, 2001]: Molly and her car friend set up a tent in the backyard. Watch as the rain puts a damper on the outdoor plans. The book includes a camping planning guide (at the end of the book). The guide contains a supply list, activities for the day, and activities for the night.
- Camping by Nancy Hundal and Brian Deines [Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 2002]. Beautiful illustrations take the reader through a family camping trip. The book begins with the family making plans, moves into the car ride, and then recreates the camping experience. Toasting Marshmallows:
- Camping Poems by Kristine O’Connell George and Kate Kiesler [Clarion Books, 2001]: A collection of poems featuring multiple aspects of camping such as setting up the tent, sitting around the campfire, walking through nature, fishing, and more.
Camping is a fun way to spend time together in nature as a family. Before beginning the trip, plan for some ways to introduce the inexperienced camper to the great outdoors. Initiate a family discussion and try reading a book or two about camping.
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