First-time Family Camping

We've just started talking about what we're going to do during the holidays. We think we'll sneak off for a 'mini-break', family camping style.

If you haven't gone camping as a family, then I'd recommend it as a cheap means of resetting the family compass and reconnecting with one another. There's nothing like working together to set up camp and sharing a meal that you've prepared together.

I think there are 10 things that are essential purchases for any family getting into camping:

1. A good tent - but not one that is too big. Buy a tent that's just big enough to accommodate everyone when they're sleeping and still give you room to get out to the toilet if needed. You also need a bit of space to store clothing and belongings.
2. A large tarpaulin - this goes over the tent, which is essential when camping in Queensland because the weather can change so quickly, the storms can be pretty fierce and the sun is pretty punishing too. A tarp gives your family a living room space outside of the tent, which is a must in our blistering summers. Just make sure you buy enough poles, ropes and pegs to put it up.
3. A decent esky - you don't need an icebox or fridge unless you're planning to camp in really isolated places or lug a generator, but a decent esky will keep your food and drinks cold with the odd bag of ice thrown in.
4. A butane stove - these little cartridge stoves are so portable and you can buy the fuel at K-mart or Big W, as well as camping stores. They're great with kids because they produce just enough heat to boil water, but they're pretty safe around kids.
5. Bedding - We've discovered 4WD mats, which just roll out and self-inflate. They also stack on top of each other during the day when you need more space in the tent. If you've got some old air mattresses, then make sure you replace them with these when the time comes. Your camping experience will never be the same again.
6. Crates - We now use crates for everything. Food, cooking utensils, clothing, games... If you buy lots of crates at the same time, you'll find they stack nicely on top of each other, which makes packing a breeze and helps you keep the tent tidy when moving from day to night and back again.
7. A camping table and chairs - These are a must. The table gives you somewhere to cook and eat, somewhere to play games and somewhere to put things off the ground if you find yourself in a torrential downpour.
8. Light - If you haven't got a dolphin torch or a battery operated lantern, then these can both be handy, but our family have really taken to using headlamps. You can pick them up for around $40 at Anaconda, and it means everyone has enough light to see what they're doing and still has both hands free. They are also much kinder on batteries.
9. Uno, Skipbo, Scrabble or any other games - Games are a must on any family holiday but especially when camping. There are plenty of times when you have to wait and grabbing a pack of cards or game can really add to the camping experience.
10. A packet of marshmallows, chocolate and wine - no camping holiday is complete without roasting marshmallows, even if it is on the butane stove, and I can't recommend highly enough the restorative effects of a block of chocolate and a glass of wine after a long day of camping with the kids.

The only other thing you'll need then is a trailer to fit it all in and your togs!

Crab Capers

We've just got back from our annual January camping trip. This trip has been one of the things that helps us press the reset button at the beginning of each year, and the highlight of the week is the nightly crabbing excursion. If you've never been crabbing, then allow me to explain.

You take a bucket or two, a few children and some torches and head to the beach in search of crabs. Upon locating a crab the entire group must yell "Crab, Crab!" and one child is chosen to catch the crab. While the catching is taking place, all the other children must scream and squeal at the top of their voices ad an adult must hover with a bucket nearby to receive the crab.

After collecting plenty of crabs, a large circle is drawn in the sand and the bucket is upturned. The crab who crosses the line first is named champion and then all the children and adults trudge home, ensuring that the maximum amount of sand returns to be deposited in the tent.

Each night of this routing brings much joy to our family and reminds me what life is all about. Things like school and work aren't the main event, just the supporting act. Joyfully relating to those closest to you is what makes most of us tick.