Taking your kids camping the first time can be a daunting task, if you’re not well prepared. But a well prepared camping trip with your kids can be a great joy for everyone involved. Here are a few considerations and preparations you should make before leaving home.

First of all, choose an easily accessible location. You may want to choose a camping spot that is accessible by vehicle if your kids are relatively young. If you want to hike in to the camping spot, keep the distance pretty short. Also, remember that younger kids may not be able to carry all of their gear and food in, so you’ll end up with one very heavy pack if you’re not careful.

Here are a few tips for minimizing the amount of stuff you have to take in, if you’re hiking to your camping spot.

First, choose a spot with easy access to water. That way you can take in dehydrated foods, and use the water at the camping spot to cook your food with. That will save you a lot of weight.

Also, try taking one or two larger tents to hold everyone, rather than several smaller tents.

A camp fire is another consideration. Campfires and s’mores are a must when you take your kids camping. Be sure you choose a location that allows campfires, and that has a readily available water supply to put the fire out.

When you take your kids camping, be sure that they have the same essentials that you take camping: extra clothing, a coat or rain jacket, food, water, a tent, a sleeping bag, a sleeping pad, etc.

One last thing: before you go camping be sure you give your kids a few basic safety instructions, such as safety with fire, snakes, bears (if applicable), etc. Safety first!