As you read in my last blog, Stress Free Camping with Kids, I promised tips on how to have a stress-free camping trip with your family that you can actually enjoy! Another top “stressor” I often hear about is the time it takes to make a menu, do the shopping, have enough coolers and ice so things don’t spoil, cook, do dishes – EXHAUSTING! The single biggest “guilty pleasure” I take with me camping is a mini microwave. That’s right, I said it a MICROWAVE – it’s as important for a stress-free camping trip as bug spray or your sleeping bag. Let me explain.
I won’t lie or tell you there is no planning that goes into meals when going camping for the weekend, but maybe some of my tips will help make it less stressful. I do plan a menu, every day for every meal plus snacks and drinks. However, it really doesn’t vary that much from our weekly meal planning at home. For instance, my kids eat instant oatmeal for breakfast, so I just take that when we go along with some Danish or donuts. The donuts are a treat they don’t get regularly, and all I have to do is open a bag and heat up some water for the oatmeal. We do this every day and there is no option so the kids know what to expect when they get up. Limiting choices = Limiting stress.
Then on to lunch – We usually eat lunchmeat for sandwiches and always have vegetables, ranch dip and whole fruit for a snack. Again, no fire needed and it’s fast and easy. Sometimes I will also bring whatever is left over in the fridge from the week before, and that becomes a dinner or a lunch that I can quickly heat up and serve. Then it’s on to dinner – Sometimes I might get a bucket of chicken and heat that up with sides, or I take a few cans of canned meat – NO, NOT SPAM – delicious roast beef that has been canned. I love it, and it’s guaranteed to fill everyone up! You can put gravy on it and have it with potatoes (cooked on a fire wrapped in foil or in the microwave) or you can shred it and put barbeque sauce on it for sandwiches. Either way, one can of the beef makes dinner and lunch for the next day. For snacks, I pack popcorn, peanuts, whole fruit, granola bars – or MARSHMALLOWs, one of the only things that gets “cooked” or toasted on our camp fire. There will also be the occasional pack of hot dogs or brats cooked over the fire, but again, if you need something quickly, you can microwave the hot dogs too.
It is VERY important to stay hydrated while camping, so always bring along your refillable water bottles. My kids don’t drink a lot of juice or soda through the week so again – we take a gallon of milk, our refillable water bottles and a box or two of juice boxes. Keep it simple. Make sure you know your camp grounds rules when it comes to adult beverages. 
There is a dish I make that is fast, easy, doesn’t need the fire or the microwave, and is delicious while camping. However, this recipe does take a little work prior to leaving home.
All you need can be found in your cupboard:
Pasta noodles (any kind in your cupboard, bow-tie, penne, etc.)
Tomatoes (8 or 9 count)
5 garlic cloves (or two tablespoons of minced)
One bag of shredded Mozzarella cheese
Basil
Salt & pepper
Prior to leaving for camping, boil your noodles, toss with a teaspoon of olive oil to avoid sticking and store in Tupperware or a zip lock.
When you are ready to prepare at the campsite, dice your tomatoes, mix your minced garlic and let stand for 5 or 10 minutes for the garlic to infuse the tomatoes. Once infused, add your precooked and cold noodles, thinly slice your basil, mix in with your shredded Mozzarella cheese – salt and pepper to taste and you’re set for a refreshing, healthy dish that didn’t require a fire.
Remember, the key to camping is to reconnect with your family after a fast-paced week. You don’t want to look forward to a weekend away and then be the person who is stressed out! Leave the laptops and cell phones behind and spend time talking, biking, hiking and exploring together. Keep your camping experience Easy – Simple – Fun!
Next blog will be “WHAT TO WEAR” when camping!
