Book review of Camping with Kids: How to Plan, Prepare, and Keep Your Sanity

by London Webb (Author)

Updated at: 21/01/2025

"Camping with Kids: How to Plan, Prepare, and Keep Your Sanity" by London Webb is the ultimate guide for parents looking to introduce their children to the joys of camping, regardless of experience level. This comprehensive handbook provides everything from essential beginner skills and safety tips to creative activities and engaging nature lessons. Learn how to build safe campfires, identify plants, navigate trails, and teach valuable survival skills in a fun, age-appropriate way. With practical checklists, engaging storytelling, and techniques to ease anxieties, Webb ensures a memorable and safe adventure for the whole family. Create lasting memories under the stars while fostering a love for the outdoors – this book makes it possible.

5 / 4 ratings

Review Camping with Kids

"Camping with Kids: How to Plan, Prepare, and Keep Your Sanity" by London Webb isn't just another camping guide; it's a lifeline for parents like me who dream of creating lasting outdoor memories with their children, but are often overwhelmed by the logistics and potential pitfalls. This book beautifully bridges the gap between aspiration and reality, providing a practical and reassuring roadmap for families of all experience levels.

What I loved most is the book's comprehensive approach. It doesn't just throw you into the deep end with complex survival techniques. Instead, Webb gently guides you through the process, starting with the fundamentals of planning your first trip. She emphasizes building a strong foundation of safety, starting with essential skills for both parents and children. The step-by-step instructions for setting up camp, building a safe campfire, and teaching kids basic wilderness etiquette are incredibly clear and easy to follow, even for complete novices like I once was. I particularly appreciated the detailed safety section; it addressed common anxieties head-on, offering practical solutions for everything from dealing with wildlife encounters to handling minor injuries. This level of detail instilled confidence, transforming what could have been a source of stress into a manageable challenge.

Beyond the practical aspects, Webb infuses the book with a contagious enthusiasm for outdoor adventure. She makes learning fun, incorporating creative activities and interactive games to engage children of all ages. The suggestions for nature walks, campfire stories, and even DIY projects are wonderfully imaginative, turning each camping trip into a unique and memorable experience. I especially loved the focus on fostering a love for nature and instilling the importance of responsible stewardship through the "Leave No Trace" principles. This isn't just about having fun; it's about teaching valuable life lessons and creating a deeper appreciation for the environment.

The book doesn't shy away from the challenges of camping with kids. It acknowledges the potential for meltdowns, tantrums, and unexpected events. However, instead of dismissing these as inevitable, Webb offers practical strategies for navigating them, emphasizing communication, problem-solving, and creating a sense of shared responsibility within the family. This approach isn't just about surviving a camping trip; it's about building stronger family bonds through shared experiences and overcoming challenges together.

One of the most valuable aspects of the book is its adaptability. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway with toddlers or a longer expedition with teenagers, the advice provided remains relevant and insightful. The comprehensive packing list alone is worth the price of the book; it’s incredibly detailed and ensures you won't forget anything essential, especially those little things specific to children’s needs.

In short, "Camping with Kids" is a game-changer. It’s a practical guide, a source of inspiration, and a reassuring companion for parents ready to embark on outdoor adventures with their children. It's a book I'll keep referring to long after our first camping trip, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to any family dreaming of creating unforgettable memories under the stars. It's not just about camping; it's about fostering a lifelong love for nature and building stronger family bonds.