camping with the family - what to do ?

If this is there first time going I would not do anything to crazy. You want them to WANT to come back camping. If you turn it into school the girl might not want to go again. If she is way into it then let her watch and try if she wants some basics fire starting, water purification and navigation. Do teach them the basics of survival such as do not panic and what to do in various situations. Make sure you make killer food, thats the best part about camping.
 
I also echo the sentiments, make it fun for her, bring games to play and good food meantime if you choose to make fire or other things she will watch and probably be intrigued but don't push it. If she has fun she will be asking you to come back and go again and that my friend is the most important part. ;)
 
Play games with the trails. If there are a few hundred yards of well established trails, show them how to leave signs on the trails, an arrow scratched in the clay, broken sticks making an arrow indicating direction, etc. Make it a game of leaving "sign". With rules keeping it safe, you can play hide and seek. Walk out with the little ones a few hunded yards and then leave them and walk back leaving obvious markers and signs so they can follow you. Of course make sure they have a good "granola" bar, not from Krogers, but the health food store and a space blanket at all times.
 
Bigdumplings said:
Depends on how durable your companions are.... If its their first time camping id just make sure they are the right temperature (not too cold or to hot) stay fed (keep them happy) and have a really fun time (even if it involves less bushcrafty tasks)

The more fun they have out there, the better chance they will go with you again and again... then you can slowly bring them into the skillset. One fun one could invole relaxing in a hammock... those are the kind of things that keep first timers coming back for more.
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Well put. I agree with Bigdumplings..bring them in slow. Don't over whelm them, a little of this, a little of that. Have fun.
 
Do not know how you are on knots,but much can be done sitting at a picnic table or around a fire with a few short lengths of rope and learning knot tying.
Rock identification is always a hit,usually doesnt involve a whole lot of effort and there are some pretty decent guidebooks to be had for not much
Another hit is foil meals all everything cooked in one packet,google a few recipes afore venturing out.
Dan'l
 
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