Director Jud's Blog

Camping is becoming increasingly popular in the United States, especially among millennials, with 77 million households having at least one person who camps occasionally. And what’s not to love? Being surrounded by nature, enjoying fresh air, and creating memorable experiences is all a part of the journey. Plus, being around nature has a very positive impact on kids and teens, and with organized trips such as Stone Mountain Adventures, you can rest assured that safety is guaranteed.

You can help ensure that your or your children’s camping trip is a positive one by making sure to have all of the essential equipment needed before beginning the adventure.

Durable high-quality tents are a must

While having a tent for camping is of course a must, there is a world of difference between a low quality option and a high quality one. You want to make sure that the tent you choose for you or your kids can withstand expected or unexpected weather changes, such as heavy rain, snow and even hail. You can go to a local sporting and outdoors shop or compare a few different options online. You may not need a bunch of fancy add-ons, but investing in a good quality tent from now means you won’t have to replace it later. You also want to keep in mind that it should be relatively easy to set up, as not only will your kids be exhausted from a full day of adventure, but also from a jam-packed evening of activities like karaoke, campfires and team-building exercises.

Weather-proof sleeping bag for enjoyable nights

Many seasoned campers know first-hand that weather can change overnight—or even at the drop of a hat. A good tent is crucial to keep you and your family protected from the outside elements, and a good quality sleeping bag will help you stay warm in order to continue your adventure. Sleeping bags can go as low as -40F so even when you are shocked at how a sunny day turned into a freezing night, you can rest assured knowing you will remain warm and snug in your sleeping bag. You can look for ones with features such as an attached hood to keep your ears warm, or sign up for a camping subscription box to stay updated on all the camping accessories that can take your trip to the next level. After a day full of hiking, mountain biking and sports, you want to make sure you get the rest you deserve.

Kitchen equipment to stay satisfied

While you can get away with packing homemade food and packaged snacks for overnight camping trips, it is a good idea to invest in some cooking gear for longer trips. This way, fresh, filling and nutritious meals can be at your fingertips after a day of hiking and activity. If there is a camping ground, you can make sure to have lightweight pots and pans and easy-to-cook options like rice and lentils to make warm and satiating meals that will keep you fueled. If there will be adult supervision, you can also opt to pack small gas stoves for your kids to use on their camping trip.

Camping is becoming increasingly popular for good reason. Whether you or your children opt for short trips or week-long adventures, having the basics will ensure that your trip is not only fun, but also safe. By choosing a good quality tent, investing in a good sleeping bag and packing some kitchen essentials, you are set to begin some incredible adventures and make some lasting memories.