Camping With Kids

Young babies easily assimilate into camp life. They like to do what they do at home: sleep or watch the rest of the family. Make them part of the action by giving them a spot in the midst of things.

Never leave a child in a child carrier unless it's on your back. You may be tempted to plop your child there momentarily, but child carriers are not freestanding and overturn easily. If you have some energy left after the day's activities, you can get a lot accomplished with a child in a carrier on your back. Your baby will be pleased with the ringside view.

Mobile babies and toddlers present the roughest challenge. If not confined, they need constant attention, taking one adult off the job. Some families surmount this problem by bringing a playpen or port-a-crib. We did this once, but Will stayed in it for such a short time that the next time we left it home.

On one car camping trip last summer, I was the designated Will-watcher, but there were several instances when Jim needed a hand. During these times we let Will play in the car. We left the windows part-way down (so he had plenty of air; could call for us, but nor fall out), the keys in our pockets, and the emergency break on. Will was always in our sight, and found the new playspace thrilling.

Here are some ways you can put young helpers to work:

Toddlers

Carry light loads to and from car; gather small sticks: hand Mom or Dad items such as tent stakes, utensils, buckets; remove rocks and other debris from the spot where the tent will be pitched.

Preschoolers

Can do all the chores toddlers can do, plus spread sleeping bags, pads, and ground covers; simple cooking tasks, such as pouring water that isn't hot; building real or pretend fire rings with stones.

6-To 8-Year-Olds

Attention spans can sometimes be short when it comes to chores, but kids this age can really start to help, not hinder. Many are excellent assistant chefs and tent pitchers; they make eager trash patrollers and water haulers. A good challenge is getting a sleeping bag into a stuff stack.

8 And Up

Some of the very best campers, good at almost all chores. Some can pitch tents on their own, prepare simple meals and desserts. They still need supervision with stoves and fires.