Preparing the Adventure

• 1). Research the destination and familiarize yourself with the available facilities, organized activities and places to see. Study available information to understand limitations and dangers to children. Check the weather and understand the differences in climate throughout the state, especially if the camping trip will visit several different locations, such as the Sierra Nevada mountains or the Central Coast. Be sure clothing, gear and equipment can handle the versatile climate differences in California.
  
  
• 2). Plan activities the kids enjoy, such as biking, wading in water, playing games and scavenger hunts.
  
  
• 3). Pack camping gear in layers with clothing on the top serving as the "emergency" replacements for a shirt on which ice cream melted or a drink spilled. The second layer is the night's clothing and gear. Temperatures can vary 30 to 40 degrees in the desert and higher mountain elevations and can drop dramatically between the afternoon and nightfall. Temperature extremes are less noticeable on the coast, valleys, or foothill areas. Under the evening clothes, pack tomorrow's garb. This system makes it easy to dress the kids.
  
  
• 4). Assign each child general responsibility for their own possessions, toys and games. Even though adult supervision and oversight is necessary ensuring everything needed is packed, assigning responsibility within the kid's capability increases appreciation for the total camping experience. Use separate packs or storage tubs for each child to assign a sense of ownership.
  
  
• 5). Pack a box with tablets, pencils, crayons, and other drawing materials and encourage children to draw what they see. For older children, encouraging a daily journal is an exceptional activity.
  
  

Making Memories, Avoiding Crisis

• 1). Pack "things to do," tissue, first aid kit and cleaning paraphernalia for on-the-road accessibility. Keep snacks, drinks and napkins in easy reach. Estimate driving time and select interesting places to stop with California designated historic sites or scenic views for the kids to visually acclimate and anticipate the campsite.
  
  
• 2). Establish campsite ground rules immediately upon arrival. Walk with kids establishing the "you can wander within this area" zone. Show children the location of the First Aid kit, drinks and set the rules for snacks or other food. California mountain-situated state and national parks and national forests require foods to be stored in bear-proof lockers usually located near developed campsites. Make sure kids know, and be sure to verify, that nothing edible or fragrant is taken into the tent. Avoid frightening children about wildlife while teaching appropriate caution and respect for creatures like bears.
  
  
• 3). Assign parental or older child responsibilities for watching younger children. California's forest areas are lush, thick, and children become easily lost and disoriented. The rugged terrain in the Sierra Nevada, Cascades and Coastal mountains is fraught with sharp drop-offs creating dangerous situations for a wandering child. Make sure that someone is always watching younger children - it reduces the chance of a little one getting lost or injured.
  
  
• 4). Teach children how to appreciate plants and wildlife. Using the Audubon or similar guide for California's regions, help kids identify plants and watch the movements of wildlife. Squirrels and chipmunks are common around most California campsites. Using binoculars, teach kids to watch and not to approach, touch, or feed wildlife.