My middle child has recently asked to go camping. His big brother says it’s because of me burning brush and the fire made him think of a campfire. I giggle every time I think of that explanation for the sudden interest in camping because he’s never been! Nonetheless as a momma I am always pushing my own limits and thinking of ways to enrich my kids’ lives.
Tent camping in the summer is not my idea of fun, and if I’m being honest it’s not really my idea of fun anytime. My anxiety takes over, and I come up with a lot of What-ifs when I think about tent camping with three littles. Here I am, though, researching how to not make it something we have to suffer through; and maybe even making it into an enjoyable experience.
- When setting up find a campsite with the most shade. The more of the day you have shade the cooler you will be!
- Failing the first one have a tarp or canopy to cover the tent with. Make sure to allow for airflow between the tarp and tent, this is just to add shade.
- Remove the rain fly if there is no chance of rain there is no need for this! Remove it to get more air.
- Try hammock camping and forego the tent altogether. The open air sleeping will help keep cooler.
- There are tents that accommodate AC units. Additionally there are freestanding AC units. Verify with the campgrounds that the hook ups can accommodate an AC unit and you are good to go.
- Take some sort of fan, battery or rechargeable fans are a great option. Grab something that will create airflow!
Pack your cooling towels, a heavy duty ice chest, and your perseverance and you might survive tent camping during the summer. Or just wait like I plan to, and do your adventuring when the temps are cooler and the mosquitos aren’t as plentiful.
Special thank you to Whitney Spears for allowing use of her camping photo.
