We all hope for sunny days during our camping
trips, but let's face it, often we get at least one
rainy day. It doesn't have to be a gloomy experience
if you take along a Rainy Day Camping Kit.
You will need:
Plastic Tub-at least large enough to lay notebook or construction
paper, and tall enough to hold all of your items.
Crayons, colored pencils, markers and #2 pencils-place these
in a resealable bag to lay fairly flat in the tub.
An inexpensive activity/coloring book for each child or pages you have printed
out on the internet and placed in an inexpensive folder. There is a large selection at ChildFun.com and
TheFamilyCorner.com
Paper: white, colored, Sunday Comics, old magazines or any interesting paper that
can be drawn on and cut up for the pictures or designs.
Scissors,glue, tape and mini stapler
Pieces of cardboard. You can save the backs and fronts of cereal boxes or other
products that are blank on the inside. New items, such as shirts, blankets and
pillows often have a piece of cardboard with the brand name and are blank on the
other side.
A new/used book for each child: These are available at library or
church sales and thrift stores for as little as 25 cents each.
You can even toss in a paperback for Mom and Dad at those prices, and
be sure to include a book or two to read aloud plus one for each child to have
of their own.
Optional:card games, small notebooks for writing or sketching, travel bingo,
a song book or a one board game that can be adapted for
everyone with help, such as Scrabble. (If you take it out of the box and
use plastic bags for the pieces it will take up less room or buy travel versions.)
Assemble the kit when the kids aren't
around so it's a surprise-that is half the fun! There is no
need to spend a lot of money. Some items you already have
around the house. A few, like the crayons, pencils and markers,
will be new, but be sure to buy the cheapest ones available.
Once you get started with the suggestion above you will think
of other things your kids will enjoy.
The paper items should be such that each child has enough
to assemble a book or cards to send family after they return
from camping. Since space
is usually cramped, especially when tent camping, don't include
things like glitter or paint, or extra messy items. Other
If packed well your items should fit into a medium sized
plastic tub. Not only won't your Rainy Day be gloomy, but it will be a
family time to remember always!
About The Author:
Brenda Hyde is a wife, mom to three and a freelance writer living in the rural Midwest United States. She is also editor
and owner of OldFashionedLiving.
