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How to Organize a School Camping Trip

Last Updated: June 9, 2023

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Taking your class on a camping trip is a great way to introduce students to the wonders of nature and the beauty of the outdoors. It is also one of the most cost-effective ways to provide a multi-day trip experience for your school. The tips offered in this article will help make your trip educational, memorable, and fun!

• When combined with a clear educational experience, another option is to camp as a group in a local park if granted permission by the local parks department. Just be sure to emphasize rules for low impact and low maintenance camping if exercising this option.

• Ask parents to help contribute to the cost of the trip. If their son or daughter is attending, consider requesting for a donation to the cost of supplies. Allow students to bring their own tents (if applicable) to save school finances.

• Give students a brief lesson on how to pitch a tent before the day of the camping trip. Make sure students are comfortable knowing with whom they will be sharing a tent if applicable.

• How and when food will be served.
• How to access drinking water.
• How and where to dispose of trash and recyclables. All food, garbage, bottles, and cans should be placed in appropriate receptacles and carried out if necessary.
• Location of restroom facilities and how to access them safely. Ideally, facilities should be kept as clean as possible and available for other campers when necessary.
• Discretion when peeing in the woods (if applicable for boys).
• How to give or ask for assistance.
• Boundaries of the campsite, etc.

Community Q&A

• Come prepared with all the materials necessary. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Take photos and create a photo album. Send copies to students for a great field trip memento. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Recruit parents to volunteer as chaperones. The more help and supervision, the better. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Set strict rules regarding what students can and cannot bring. While items like compasses and lanterns are acceptable, no student should be permitted to bring tools like knives, lighters, or axes for safety reasons. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Treat injuries or animal bites immediately. A fully-equipped First Aid kit should be able to handle minor cuts and scrapes, but serious injuries should not be left untreated. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Use common sense. Make sure students are supervised at all times and that campers stay in the boundaries of the campsite unless otherwise directed. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

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Camp Kulin by Lauren Williams

Lauren is a passionate camper who enjoys spending time in nature and exploring the great outdoors

Making the Most of Your School Camping Trip: A Guide to Budgeting and Planning

A budget-friendly school camping trip is an excellent way for students to learn about nature, develop outdoor skills, and bond with classmates. Planning and finding low-cost camping sites is vital to a successful and budget-friendly camping trip. Packing food and equipment that is inexpensive but still meets the group’s needs is also essential. Schools can plan an educational and enjoyable camping trip without breaking the bank with these tips.

A budget-friendly school camping trip would involve:

• Finding a low-cost camping site.
• Packing food and equipment that is inexpensive but still meets the group’s needs.

Advantages 

There are many benefits to taking a budget-friendly school camping trip, including:

• Educational opportunities : Camping trips can be an excellent way for students to learn about nature and the environment and develop outdoor skills such as camping and hiking.
• Team building : Camping trips can help students bond and build teamwork skills as they work together to set up camp, cook meals, and explore the outdoors.
• Stress relief : Being in nature can be a great way to reduce stress and improve mental health.
• Physical activity : Camping trips allow students to be active and engage in physical activities such as hiking, swimming, and fishing.
• Cost-effective : Camping trips are usually less expensive than other trips, especially when planned with a budget-friendly approach. This allows schools and families to participate, even with limited resources.
• Creates memories : Camping trips can create lasting memories for students, which can be beneficial for their personal development and social skills. 

Disadvantages 

While budget-friendly school camping trips can offer many benefits, some potential disadvantages should be considered:

• Limited amenities : Campsites at state parks or national forests may have fewer amenities than more expensive campsites, such as showers or electricity.
• Crowded campsites : State parks and national forests are often crowded, especially during peak camping season, making for a less peaceful camping experience.
• Basic facilities: Facilities, such as toilets, may be crowded and poorly maintained, especially during peak camping season.
• Limited activities : Budget-friendly camping trips may have fewer planned activities or organised programs than more expensive trips.
• Weather-dependent : Camping trips often depend on good weather, and inclement weather can make the trip less enjoyable or even put the group’s safety at risk.
• Requires more planning and organisation : Budget-friendly camping trips may require more planning and organisation to ensure that the group has all the necessary equipment and supplies and that the trip is executed safely and efficiently.

It is essential to weigh the potential disadvantages against the benefits and plan accordingly. Additionally, proper risk management and emergency preparation can help mitigate the disadvantages. Follow the tips in your next school camping so you can avoid disadvantages and enjoy a hassle-free camping experience!

Follow these 5 tips  to enjoy your next camping trip to the fullest!

• Manage your camping gear 

Listed below are several great tips for obtaining and using camping gear on a budget!

• Borrow, rent, or buy second-hand gear to save money.
• Buy camping equipment out of season to get the best deals.
• Keep your cooler in a colder shelter to extend its life.
• Only bring the necessary equipment, and make a list of what you will need before the trip.
• Invest in high-quality gear that will last rather than constantly upgrading.
• Use rechargeable devices where possible.
• Bring kitchen utensils from home to save on gear costs.

Some specific camping gear that will be necessary for a camping trip include:

Tent: A tent is essential for camping, as it provides shelter and protection from the elements.

Sleeping bag and pad: A suitable sleeping bag and pad will keep you warm and comfortable at night.

Camp stove: A camp stove or portable grill will allow you to cook meals while camping.

Cooler: A cooler is necessary for keeping food and drinks cold.

Headlamp or flashlight: A headlamp or flashlight will be necessary to navigate the dark.

First aid kit: A first aid kit is essential for any camping trip in case of emergencies.

Water bottles or hydration system: It is essential to stay hydrated while camping, so bring enough water bottles or a hydration system.

• Meals and water managing ideas

Below are some ways to plan and prepare your meals and water needs.

• Plan your meals to stick to a budget.
• Prepare meals before going camping to save time and effort.
• Keep meals simple and easy to avoid complications.
• Avoid meals with long cooking times to save on fuel.
• Share meals with other camping groups to save money and reduce waste.
• Dehydrate fruits and vegetables to save space and retain nutrients.
• Bring your water and freeze it at home to use as ice for cooling your food and drinks.
• Fill up water from natural sources to save money on buying water.

Some suitable meals to prepare for a camping trip include:

Breakfast : Oatmeal, granola, or breakfast burritos are easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time.

Lunch : Sandwiches, wraps, or salads are quick and easy to make and can be packed for a day hike or outing.

Dinner : One-pot meals such as chilli, stew, or pasta dishes are easy to make and can be cooked over a camp stove or portable grill.

Snacks : Trail mix, fruit, or energy bars are easy to pack and provide a quick energy source.

Desserts: S’mores, fruit skewers, or baked goods can be made over a campfire or stove.

Remember, it is essential to keep in mind that you should also take into consideration any dietary restrictions or allergies of the people who will be going on the trip.

• Bring your bedding

Bringing your bedding with you on a camping trip can help make the trip more budget-friendly in a few ways:

• Saves money on rentals: If you plan to rent camping gear, such as sleeping bags or air mattresses, bringing your bedding will save you on rental fees.
• Provides comfort and familiarity: Having your bedding can make you feel more comfortable and at home while camping, which can help you enjoy the trip more.
• Can be used for multiple trips: If you invest in good quality bedding, it can be used for multiple camping trips, saving you money in the long run.
• Saves space: When you bring your bedding, you can save space in your car and pack more efficiently.
• Can be customised: When you bring your bedding, you can customise it to your needs. For example, you can get extra blankets, pillows, or a special mattress topper.
• Reduces the risk of bed bugs: By bringing your bedding, you reduce the risk of bed bugs, which is a common concern in camping sites.
• When bringing your bedding, ensure a comfortable and warm sleeping bag or quilt and a good quality air mattress or pad to ensure a good night’s sleep. Consider bringing a compact pillow to save space and a camping hammock if you prefer that type of sleeping.
• Travelling hacks

Hiring a car or using a smaller car than you need can save money on transportation costs while travelling. Additionally, securing camping gear to the roof racks of your car is a popular and cost-effective way to transport gear, but there are a few things to keep in mind for safe and budget-friendly transportation:

• Use appropriate straps and tie-downs to secure gear to the roof racks.
• Avoid overloading the car, which can be dangerous and negatively impact fuel efficiency.
• Consider using a roof box or cargo bag instead of strapping gear directly to the roof racks, as these can provide additional protection and storage space while still being cost-effective.
• Research the best options for roof racks, roof boxes, trays, baskets, and cargo bags, and compare prices and features.
• Consider the size of the gear you need to transport and plan accordingly so you don’t buy something oversized.

It is also essential to check the regulations and laws in the area you will be traveling to, as some places may restrict how gear can be transported in a car.

• Choosing a location
• Camp in uncrowded areas during the off-season to avoid peak prices and crowds.
• Choose an affordable location, such as a state or national park, which often has low-cost or free entry and camping.
• Look for free campsites, which can be found in national and state parks or on public land.
• Consider wild camping, if it is allowed, as a low-cost vacation option.
• Following these tips can save money on camping fees and have a more peaceful and enjoyable camping experience. It’s also important to check the regulations, permits, and reservation requirements for the area you will be camping in to ensure you follow the rules and avoid any fines.
• It is also essential to consider the weather and the season. You should avoid camping in severe weather conditions and during the monsoon season, as it can be dangerous and uncomfortable.
• Search for free or budget-friendly activities to do while camping. Finding cheap or free activities to do while camping can be a great way to save money and make the most of your trip. Some budget-friendly activity options include:

Star gazing : This is an accessible and enjoyable activity that can be done at night. You can bring a telescope or binoculars to better view the stars, or simply lay on a blanket and enjoy the view.

Hiking : Many camping locations have hiking trails that are free to use, and hiking is a great way to get exercise and enjoy the outdoors.

Fishing: If you are near a body of water, fishing can be a fun and budget-friendly activity. You can bring your gear or rent equipment at a low cost.

Campfire: Building a campfire and roasting marshmallows or hot dogs can be a fun and free activity for the whole family.

Photography : If you’re into photography, bring your camera and explore the area, taking pictures of nature and landscapes.

Geocaching : This is a fun and budget-friendly activity that can be done with a smartphone or GPS device. It involves searching for hidden caches in the area.

Yoga and Meditation :Camping can be a great place to practise yoga and meditation.

You can do it in the morning or at sunset.

It is a free and relaxing activity.

Reading and games : Bring a book, a deck of cards or a board game, it can be a fun and budget-friendly way to spend your time in the camp.

You can also check the local chamber of commerce or visitor centre for additional activity options, such as festivals or community events, that may be happening during your trip.

Last surprise tip

Being prepared is vital to a successful and budget-friendly camping trip. Here are some tips to help you prepare:

• Pack everything you need for the trip, including camping gear, clothing, food, and personal items. A camping checklist can help ensure you don’t forget anything important.
• Research camping hacks, such as saving money or making camping more comfortable, so you can make the most of your trip.
• Develop a camping spending plan to budget for the trip and avoid spending recklessly.
• Make sure to have a first aid kit and a plan for emergencies.
• Research the area you will be camping in, including the weather forecast, local regulations and restrictions, and potential hazards.
• Make sure you know how to set up your tent and other camping gear before you leave home to save time trying to figure it out at the campsite.
• Pack essentials such as a map and compass, and ensure you know how to use them.
• Make sure to have a way to start a fire, whether it’s matches, a fire starter, or a fire starter.
• Pack extra batteries or solar chargers for your electronic devices.
• Being well-prepared can ensure a safe and enjoyable camping trip that stays within your budget.

Budget-friendly school camping trip is a great way to provide students with educational opportunities, team building, stress relief, physical activity, and memorable experiences while staying within budget. By following the tips provided, such as planning, finding low-cost camping sites, packing inexpensive food and equipment, managing your camping gear, and being prepared for potential disadvantages, you can ensure a successful and budget-friendly camping trip. Remember that camping is not just about being in the wilderness but also about enjoying the company of others, making memories, and learning new things. Therefore, a budget-friendly school camping trip can be a fun and educational experience for everyone.

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How Much Does It Cost to Go Camping? Complete Breakdown

One of the reasons camping is popular is because it’s looked at as a cheap form of leisure or vacation. But, depending on your style of camping and when and where you go, the cost of camping can actually be quite high.

Here is how the cost of camping breaks down based on latest statistics and a full breakdown of camping costs.

How Much Does It Cost to Go Camping?

On average, campers spend $50 per person, per day. Campers staying at private campgrounds with lots of amenities spend an average of $332 per day on their trip with $155 of this going towards accommodation and food/drink on site.  Most camping trips cost under $500 1 , 2 .  A trip where you camp public land is free except for transportation and food costs. A 7-day family trip further from home at a campground with amenities and some restaurant meals will likely cost $1400 total. 

You’ll also need to pay for camping gear. This can vary from $170 for the bare essentials bought secondhand to several thousand for new gear and comfort items like camp furniture.  Glamping setups can easily cost over $4,000.  Gear costs are an investment in camping though; you don’t need to buy it for the next trip.

Camping Costs Breakdown

• Campground costs: $0 to $50+ (per day, per group)
• Transportation: $52 to $348 (per trip)
• Entrance fees, parking, permits: $0 to $35+ (per trip)

Food: $11 to $60+ (per day, per person)

• Activities: $0 to $100 (per day, per person)
• Firewood: $0 to $15 (per day, per group)
• Gear: $170 to $4,006 (per person; add $55 to $866 for each additional person)

Keep reading for a full breakdown of these costs.

Campground Costs: $0 to $50+ (Per Day, Per Group)

The cost of campgrounds varies drastically depending on the amenities offered.  Barebone campgrounds with few amenities are cheaper whereas glamping campgrounds often cost more than resorts.

Campgrounds near popular scenic destinations like the Grand Canyon can be very expensive. Rates are usually cheaper in the low season.  In the peak season, cheaper campgrounds get booked quickly leaving you with fewer budget options.

If you are an experienced camper, you can skip the campground costs completely.  There are plenty of places to go free camping.  Or, you might try backpacking instead.  In many National Parks, backpacking is free or only requires a small permit fee. 3 , 4 , 5

Campground Costs (Per Night, Per Person)

• Basic Campsite: Barebone campsites with few amenities cost around $15 to $25 per night.
• Campsite with Amenities: Expect to pay $20 to $40 per night for amenities like electrical hookups, WiFi signal and dishwashing stations.
• RV Camp: $25 to $60 per night
• Glamping: $50+ per night. Cost may be per person.

*Note that some campgrounds charge per tent whereas others charge per person.  Some campgrounds even charge per person and have a separate tent fee.

Read Next: How to Choose a Campground

Entrance Fees, Parking and Permits: $0 to $35+

If you want to go camping in a National or State Park, you will likely need to pay entrance fee.  The fee can be as low as $3 per person in less-popular parks, though you will likely also need to pay for parking as well.

In popular destinations like Yellowstone, Grand Teton and Zion, the entrance fee is $35. However, this fee is per vehicle and not per person.  The more people there are in your group, the more affordable it becomes.

Some activities may require you to get a permit. For example, bear viewing in Alaska’s Tongass National Forest will cost you $50 in peak season. A Grand Canyon Backcountry permit will cost $15 per night plus a $10 charge. A climbing permit is just $6 for the entire group in Acadia Otter Cliffs.

The good news? A lot of camping spots don’t require any entrance fees – especially if you are wild camping on public land. 6 , 7 , 8

Transportation Costs: $52 to $348

In 2023, nearly 1/3 of campers saved money on their trip by camping close to home. On average, campers only traveled 179 miles from home to their campsite.  It’s rare for campers to buy airline tickets with only 7% of campers flying for a camping trip in the previous 3 years.

However, road trips are popular with campers.  An average camping road trip covers approximately 1,200 miles.

According to CNET , when you factor in gas and maintenance, it costs 29 cents per gallon to travel by automobile.  This comes out to approximately $52 to $348 in transportation costs for a typical camping trip.

If you bring all of your own food camping, the costs can be as little as $11 per person, per day –the same cost as eating at home. 9 , 10

*Not sure what to eat while outdoors? I’ve written an eBook with over 50 dehydrator recipes for camping, plus tons of advice on meal planning.

Learn more here .  Or buy it now .

Activities: $0 to $100 per day

On any vacation, activity costs can add up quickly.  For example, horseback riding typically costs $75 to $100 per person.  Doing one of these activities per day will increase your budget greatly! Renting boats, bikes or quad bikes also tends to be pricy.  However, there are also lots of free camping activities like stargazing, hiking and campfire cooking.

Firewood: $0 to $15 per day

A lot of campgrounds and parks forbid you from gathering your own firewood.  You shouldn’t bring firewood from home either because it could cause non-native species of insects, fungi or bacteria to enter the ecosystem.

That leaves you with paying for firewood.  It typically costs $5 for a bundle of firewood and a large, social campfire will require three bundles.

Camping Gear Cost: $170 to $4,006 (add $55 to $866 for each extra person)

Camping gear can be notoriously expensive.  For example, a rooftop tent can easily cost over $2,000. However, most cheap gear is fine for camping in good weather conditions.  My old $50 tent even survived a hail storm on at 6,000 feet!

If you stick to just the essentials and buy gear in secondhand stores or outlets, you’ll find that camping gear can be very affordable. It’s hard to find everything you need secondhand though, so budget for some full-priced items.   If you want high-tech or luxury gear, the costs can quickly spiral out of control.

Gear Costs:

• Just the essentials: $170 for cheap secondhand gear. Up to $1,540 for higher-end new gear.
• Essentials plus some comfort items: $260 to $2,910
• Glamping setup: $455 to $4,006

A lot of camping gear can be shared between members (such as the tent or the stove), so you only need to buy one of these items.  There is some gear that each person on the trip will need to have their own of (such as headlamps or backpacks).  For this, add $55 (low end) to $866 (high end) per each additional person.

Even if you do buy opt for expensive gear or “luxury” items, remember this:

Camping gear is a ONE-TIME INVESTMENT.

Once you’ve bought the gear, you won’t have this cost for your second camping trip. The more you go camping, the better your investment pays off.

Tip: Check out REI’s “Garage” for massive discounts on last season’s camping gear.

Tent: $50 to $600

It’s fairly easy to find cheap camping tents.  You can often even find them at garage sales or flea markets.  Just be careful about buying a very cheap tent or a used one that has undergone a lot of abuse. The weather can change quickly when camping and you don’t want to end up suffering in a tent that doesn’t handle rain or wind well!

If you want a larger tent with lots of headroom and a screened area for hanging out, expect to pay a lot more.  Budget options are available but they usually don’t handle the elements well.

This 4-person Coleman tent is great if you want quality on a budget.  Check out tents on REI here .

Sleeping Bag: $20 to $100

This is another item which is easy to find for very cheap.  Just pay attention to the “comfort rating” on the sleeping bag.  It can get cold at night when camping (even in summer!) so you need a sleeping bag suited for the climate.

This sleeping bag by Teton weighs in at under 3lbs, is rated to 20F, and is affordable. Get it here .

Sleeping Pad, Mattress or Cot: $10 to $150

If you use a cheap foam sleeping bag, you probably won’t spend more than $10.  Air mattresses are more expensive and prone to popping, so you’ll need to invest in some repair tape too.  Cots also tend to be pricier and it’s tricky to find them on secondhand sites.

Kitchen: $30 to $200

At the bare minimum, your camp kitchen will consist of a stove, fuel and cook set.  Camp stoves range from ultra-cheap canister stoves to more advanced propane stoves with multiple burners.  Expect to pay $30 to $150.

The cook set doesn’t have to cost anything if you just bring your normal cookware from home.  Even if you choose to buy a set, it probably won’t cost more than $50.

This Coleman stove runs on propane. It is an affordable option and you can buy it here.

Backpack with Rain Cover: $10 to $200

You’ll need a backpack for carrying things around camp or for going on day trips.  Ideally, it needs to have a rain cover so you can keep items inside dry. A cheap backpack with a trash bag liner will work and cost almost nothing.  On the high-end, you can buy hiking daypacks with lots of features like attachment hooks, water bladders and lots of pockets.

First Aid Kit: $20 to $75

Building your own first aid kit can be as cheap as $20.  To buy a pre-made camping first aid kit, you’ll spend around $75. Here’s a complete camping first aid checklist .

Light and Power: $25 to $200

At a minimum, each person in your group will need a flashlight or headlamp when camping.  A lot of people also bring lanterns or other camp lights. They are useful if camping in a group so you can illuminate a larger area.  The good news is that you only need one lantern per group, not per person.

If the campground doesn’t have an electric hookup, you will need lots of extra batteries and/or a power bank.  Solar power stations are popular for long-term camping, but these are very pricy and probably not necessary for beginner campers.

Rope: $5 to $15

You need this for a laundry line, fixing broken shoelaces, hanging a bear bag, and a zillion other things. Paracord is a good, all-purpose rope to buy.

Probably Essential Gear

Water containers: $0 to $70.

Unless you want to haul water back and forth from the campground spigot all day long, you’ll need some larger jugs for holding water.  This can cost absolutely nothing if you bring recycled bottles from home.  You’ll have a better camping experience if you get a water container with a spigot though.  These cost around $25 to $35 each and you may need two (or more) of them for your group.

Dishwashing Basins: $0 to $60

For washing dishes, you’ll need three basins. You can use whatever you have at home.  Or, to make camping life easier, buy some collapsible portable sinks with drains.  These range from $10 to $20 each.

Table and Chair: $30 to $290

If you don’t want to sit on the ground and would like a dedicated area for cooking and eating, you’ll at least want to bring chairs and a table or two.  These items will only add about $30 to your budget if you choose basic items.

As you start getting into more luxury camping furniture, the costs can skyrocket.  For example, there are camp rocking chairs which cost $140+.  Some folding tables even cost $150+.

Shelter: $15 to $300 per group

In addition to your sleeping tent, you may want another shelter.  For example, you can set up a cheap $15 tarp to make a shady area or protect against the rain.  Some people like to buy mesh tents – aka screen houses — so they have a place to hang out away from mosquitoes.  These can be found for $50 to $100 but some cost upwards of $300.

Cooler: $20 to $500

If you want to bring any perishable foods or have cold drinks, then you will need a cooler as well.  These range from ultra-cheap soft-side coolers that cost as little as $20 to hard-side coolers with advanced insulation that can easily set you back $300.  If you opt for a 12v camp refrigerator, expect to pay at least $500.

Water Treatment System: $25 to $150 per group

You might not need this if your campground has safe drinking water, but a water treatment system is great to have if you go on hikes or are wild camping.  I use the Sawyer Mini and it is one of the cheapest filters of its kind.  There are other options too, like UV filters, water purification tablets, and larger filters.   Read this guide to choosing a camping water filter .

Optional Gear

Shower setup: $30 to $270.

If you want to avoid the campground bathroom, you can set up a shower station.  A pop-up privacy station will cost anywhere from $20 to $140.  You can find cheap solar showers for as little as $10 and more advanced ones with pumps cost upwards of $140.

Bear Canister: $40 to $76 per group

A lot of campgrounds in bear territory require you to keep food in a bear canister or use their food lockers. These canisters will likely cost you at least $76. If you get lucky, you can find a used one for sale for around $40.

Portable Cook Station: $70 to $250

For long-term camping or when camping in a large group, it’s really useful to have a dedicated cooking station.  The cheapest ones are around $70 and more advanced ones with cabinets and hooks can cost $250.

Hammock: $20 to $300

A basic hammock doesn’t have to be expensive and they are fairly easy to find on secondhand stores. If you want a hammock with a stand so it doesn’t have to be strapped to trees, expect to pay upwards of $300.

Fire pits: $35 to $200

A lot of campgrounds require you to use a fire pit for campfires.  If you only need a small campfire, then a cheap fire pit costing around $35 will suffice. Deluxe fire pits that can also be used as grills will cost $200+.

How much do you spend on camping? Let us know in the comments section below!

About the author /

Diane Vukovic grew up camping and backpacking in upstate New York. Now, she takes her own daughters on wilderness adventures so they can connect with nature and learn resiliency. With dozens of trips under her belt, Diane is an expert in minimalist camping, going lightweight, planning, and keeping her kids entertained without screens.

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Planning a Camping Trip: The Complete Guide

Planning a camping trip begins with the desire to get outdoors. Once you have the itch, you'll only need to pick a date, find a campground, choose a route, prepare your gear, go grocery shopping, and head out.

Sounds simple, doesn't it? It actually is and it gets easier with each trip to the campground. Whether you're a new camper or a veteran, let's review some tips for planning your next outdoor adventure.

Where to Go

There are two types of campgrounds: Private and public. Both have their advantages but finding a good one can be hard. That is why it's a good idea to use campground reviews and ratings to guide you. Resources like AAA and Trailer Life compile all the information you need to see if a campground is right for you.

Take into consideration if you're staying in a tent or a camper or RV. Some campgrounds are more tent-friendly than others. Likewise, some have all the amenities and hookups necessary for campers.

Do you care if there's a shower and flush toilets or are you okay with roughing it for the weekend? This is a big factor for many campers and a campground guide includes this type of information. You can also choose public parks which tend to be rustic and offer a variety of outdoor recreation options or opt for modern campgrounds that may have a game room, store, or pool.

Be aware that some campgrounds require reservations, others offer it as an option or are first-come-first-serve. If you know it's going to be a busy weekend—Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day, in particular—be sure to get a reservation or show up early.

Another option is to head out to a festival that's centered around camping . They're great fun and offer music and other activities just outside your tent.

TripSavvy / Lauren Breedlove

Top Destinations

Campers love the great outdoors, pristine natural environments, and the adventures that inspire in the wild. While it's likely that there's a great campsite nearby no matter where you live, if you're looking for a destination to travel to, we have some ideas.

Every state has its fair share of national and state parks and these really do offer some of the best camping opportunities. Yet, some states are better known for having really great campgrounds to choose from . Also, if you have not camped at any of the  top national parks , add them to your bucket list. You won't regret it.

Glacier National Park in Montana is a favorite for many campers. Lake Tahoe is another camping destination to consider, and you can find some ​ nice spots along California's coastline .

Gather Your Gear

Do you need a checklist to make sure you've packed all your gear? While you might decide to bring along a few extra things, there are some items that are absolutely essential.

As far as camping gear goes, you will need three basic things . A place to sleep is most important, so grab a tent. Something to sleep on and keep you warm is good as well, which is why sleeping bags are necessary. Also, a few things to cook your meals will help out tremendously. 

Gear in hand, now you need the supplies . Food and water are essentials for obvious reasons. You might also want a backpack cooler , camp stove, some rain gear for everyone, a knife, and a lantern or flashlight (or both).

Don't forget the first aid kit , either. You'll be miles away from town and you never know when someone will get a cut, bee sting, or some other injury that needs a quick fix.

No shower house at your campground? There's no need to go without bathing, all you need is a camp shower that's allowed to warm in the sun while you're busy with the day's activities.

When you get to the campground, you'll need to check in at the office or camp host. Find a good site that looks like a place you could hang for the weekend. The campsites with the most shade are prime real estate, so try to get there early.

From there, you'll set up your camp . Select the site for your tent, set out your cooking supplies, and settle in.

One thing you'll quickly learn is that there are annoying campers. Don't be one of them and learn what not  to do on a camping trip . This includes many common sense things like respect your neighbors, keep the camp clean​ and understand that wildlife will be around.

When you're ready to leave and head home, be sure that your site looks how it did (or better than) when you arrived. The common phrase is "leave no trace" and that means you should take your trash with you, dowse your fire properly, and pack up all your gear. When you get home, unpack everything and let it dry and air out before storing it permanently.

Plan a Backcountry Trip

​Backcountry camping, or backpacking, is essentially the combination of hiking and camping in the wilderness. Don't let the unfamiliar landscape or worries of being in the wild keep you from going backpacking. It's a lot of fun and a real outdoor adventure.

If you've not backpacked before , it's a little different than grabbing a campsite at the state park. You'll be in a remote area without your car to rely on, so it's important to take only the essential gear you'll need. It's also important to choose the right campsite, though some popular backcountry destinations offer designated sites along the way.

Also, you should be fit enough to handle the hike and understand who to call or how to get to help in case there's an emergency. Check with the park ranger in the area about any important details like that and other tips they can give you.

Tips for RV Camping

Your RV is your home away from home. It is also the most convenient way to go camping because your RV has everything you need. Just hook it up to the truck or hop in the cab and you're off to a new adventure .

While RVing is a more luxurious way to camp, it does have its own concerns. First of all, you most likely need to reserve campsites to ensure you get the electrical hookups you need. You'll also want a dump station nearby.

Along the way (and before you go) you'll want to keep up on maintenance and do some routine safety checks . RVs are great, but they are one giant vehicle with a hundred things that can go wrong. Yet, if you know what to look for and how to maintain it, it can offer years of great fun.

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20 Best School Trip Ideas for Transformative Learning Experiences

Embarking on a school trip is a pivotal aspect of the school experience, providing a distinctive chance to liberate students from the confines of the classroom. As these excursions are limited to only a few each year, their significance becomes even more pronounced. Recognizing the importance of making each trip impactful, we present a comprehensive guide to the best school trip ideas. Tailored for every age group, subject, and interest, our curated selection goes beyond conventional learning environments. Join us as we usher in a journey beyond textbooks, where learning truly hits the road! In this comprehensive guide, we will unveil captivating and educational destinations, guaranteeing that every school trip evolves into a memorable and enriching experience for both educators and students alike.

Best Science and Technology (STEM) School Trips

Best culture and history school trips, best nature and ecology school trips, best industry and career exploration trips.

• Science Museums

Taking a trip to a science museum ranks among the most exceptional school trip ideas, for students of any age. These museums provide an immersive environment where students not only encounter captivating scientific phenomena but also develop a heightened curiosity and appetite for scientific knowledge. Regardless of their educational abilities, all students benefit from specialized activities that plunge them into the world of science, fostering an engaging and enriching experience. Science museums are meticulously designed to enhance scientific learning, ensuring that students return to the classroom with a renewed fascination for scientific processes, creating an immersive and dynamic atmosphere for effective learning.

Beyond knowledge acquisition, the significance of these museum trips lies in unlocking students’ creative potential. The experience encourages them to invent new products and employ imaginative solutions to overcome various scientific challenges. What makes visiting a science museum stand out as one of the best school trip ideas is its unique ability to seamlessly blend education with enjoyment. Students gain a fresh perspective on science in a different setting, surrounded by specialists with unparalleled scientific knowledge, resulting in an entertaining and enlightening experience that contributes significantly to their educational journey.

• Planetariums

Visiting a planetarium is a unique and unforgettable experience. While daily media reports highlight human achievements in space exploration, our knowledge about celestial bodies like the sun, moon, and Earth remains limited. The planetarium serves not only as an educational tool for acquiring astronomical knowledge but also as a powerful medium for cultivating awareness and love for our planet. By showcasing the infinite wonders of the cosmos, the planetarium sparks curiosity and inspires exploration in various fields of study.

Additionally, it provides a serene escape from daily stress, offering a tranquil space under the starry sky that promotes relaxation and restores creativity. As a regional information center, the planetarium also connects communities with the latest developments in scientific happenings, making it a valuable resource. Above all, the planetarium plays a crucial role in nurturing the imagination and creativity of children, making it a rewarding experience for both education and personal development.

• Physics Day at Amusement Parks

Physics Day is a day to celebrate physics and bring more attention to how important it is to our lives, and what better way to experience it than at an amusement park. This innovative approach uses amusement parks as laboratories to teach fundamental physics concepts, offering students an engaging experience that sparks interest in science. Amusement parks serve as rich environments, providing countless practical examples for experiments and measurements related to key physics principles, such as rotational mechanics, centrifugal force, and conservation of energy.

The activities during Physics Day not only offer an exciting incentive for students to explore science but also serve as excellent motivators for classroom discussions and lessons. By applying physics concepts to real-world situations like roller coasters, the trip enhances understanding and retention of theoretical knowledge. This hands-on learning experience goes beyond traditional lessons, providing a memorable and impactful way for students to grasp complex physics principles, making Physics Day at an amusement park an ideal and effective school trip.

Makerspaces are collaborative workspaces equipped with a range of tools, from high-tech to no-tech, fostering an environment for making, learning, exploring, and sharing. Whether stocked with 3D printers, laser cutters, or simple supplies like cardboard and Legos, these spaces instill a maker mindset, encouraging the creation of something out of nothing and exploration of individual interests. Makerspaces play a crucial role in preparing students with 21st-century skills in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), providing hands-on learning experiences that enhance critical thinking skills and boost self-confidence.

These spaces cover a spectrum of skills, including electronics, 3D printing, coding, robotics, and woodworking, contributing to a holistic educational experience. Moreover, makerspaces serve as incubators and accelerators for business startups, fostering entrepreneurship and inspiring success stories. Visiting a makerspace provides students with a dynamic and immersive experience that goes beyond traditional lessons, making it an ideal and enriching school trip.

• Hydroponic and Aquaponic Farms

As traditional agriculture faces environmental challenges, hydroponics and aquaponics offer alternative methods that utilize less space and minimize adverse effects. Hydroponics, a soilless system using nutrient-charged water to feed plants, proves beneficial with advantages such as resource efficiency, high-quality harvests, and suitability for indoor and urban gardening. Aquaponics, a combination of hydroponics and aquaculture, introduces a symbiotic relationship between fish and plants, creating a self-sustaining ecosystem that efficiently utilizes fish waste as a natural nutrient source.

Both systems present a unique opportunity for students to explore STEM concepts, including biology, chemistry, and environmental science, while showcasing the advancements and sustainability of modern agricultural practices. The visit allows students to witness first-hand the differences between hydroponics and aquaponics, promoting critical thinking about ecosystem dynamics, sustainability, and the application of technology in agriculture.

• The Theater

Whether it is to a children’s theater or to see Mary Poppins on Broadway, a visit to the theater will be impactful to students of any age. Beyond enhancing literary knowledge, attending live plays contributes to increased tolerance and empathy, fostering emotional intelligence crucial for understanding diverse perspectives. While the accessibility of movie versions may seem cost-effective, research indicates that live performances have unique educational advantages, creating more profound emotional connections. In today’s world, where creative thinking skills are essential, arts education, including theater visits, plays a vital role in developing independent and resourceful learners, influencing academic improvements across subjects. Despite the decline in demand for arts education, the majority of research advocates for its integration, emphasizing that theater trips provide students with opportunities to broaden their horizons and evolve both as individuals and learners.

• The Library 

Libraries hold a very important role in our civil society. These excursions introduce students to the valuable services libraries provide, such as lending materials, supporting research, and disseminating information. While trips should complement well-supported school library programs, research indicates that a library staffed by a certified librarian enhances students’ test scores, reading ability, and information literacy. Visits to public libraries provide insights into catalog searches, borrowing processes, and the role of libraries in civic engagement. Academic library trips benefit students, emphasizing the importance of libraries in research and postsecondary learning. Digital libraries and online resources expand access to library services, while engaging with visiting librarians enhances students’ understanding of electronic databases and available resources. Advocacy for robust school library programs remains crucial, with trips serving as valuable supplements to in-school learning.

• Historical sites

Understanding the people, places, ideas, and events that shaped society into what it is today is tremendously important to our sense of identity and community. What better way to transport oneself to a different time than by physically being where such events took place. Landmarks such as castles, palaces, and abbeys increasingly accommodate school visits, offering diverse experiences suitable for students at all education levels. These excursions serve as catalysts for sparking children’s imaginations, placing historical teachings into a vivid context, and providing interactive, hands-on experiences tailored to different key stages. Historical site visits prove to be cost-effective and relevant to the curriculum, engaging students in tasks and captivating their interest. Teachers find these experiences transformative, enhancing both enjoyment and comprehension of the subject, and inspiring students to explore other educational historical sites, galleries, and museums.

• Art Museums

Did you know that consuming art in a museum can combat loneliness, reduce stress, and make life feel more meaningful? That’s what’s behind this study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology. There is much more to it than just psychological benefits, teaching children how to appreciate art and feel comfortable in an artistic setting can have profound impacts on their critical thinking skills, tolerance, and cultural engagement. 

Artworks in museums serve as tangible links to history, unfolding stories and perspectives from various eras. This immersive encounter with the past not only deepens historical understanding but also cultivates an appreciation for diverse artistic expressions. Beyond history, the visit fosters the growth of budding artists, potentially sparking passions that students may not have discovered otherwise. The cognitive benefits are extensive, with studies indicating that engagement with the arts enhances performance across various academic disciplines, offering students a holistic and enriching experience.

The affordability of many art galleries ensures inclusivity, allowing students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds to partake in this cultural exploration without financial constraints. Additionally, a school trip to an art museum imparts essential values such as respect and contemplation. Students learn to navigate the gallery environment with decorum, developing an understanding of the importance of thoughtful observation and inquiry. In essence, the combination of historical enrichment, artistic inspiration, cognitive development, affordability, and character-building makes an art museum visit a uniquely comprehensive and impactful school trip choice.

• National Park

The power of wilderness and the beauty of nature are some of the most awe-inspiring forces that remind us of the profound and intricate wonders woven into the fabric of our existence. National parks serve as living classrooms, offering ranger-led programs, interactive exhibits, and hands-on activities that immerse children in subjects like science, history, and conservation. The physical activities available, such as hiking trails and bike paths, contribute to promoting overall well-being, instilling a sense of environmental consciousness, and creating enduring bonds through shared adventures in the great outdoors. A school trip to a national park with proper guidance on how to appreciate the surroundings can become an unforgettable experience.

• Zoo and Aquarium

Zoos and aquariums are noteworthy selections for school outings, driven by a host of compelling factors. These trips encourage hands-on learning as children witness and interact with animals in their natural habitats, fostering a deeper understanding of the natural world. These experiences instill environmental awareness by showcasing conservation efforts and educating children on the importance of protecting diverse ecosystems.

The trips also play a pivotal role in developing empathy and compassion, as kids get up close to animals, learn about their behaviors, and gain insight into their needs. These excursions stimulate critical thinking skills as children ask questions and seek answers about the animals they encounter, promoting an inquiry-based approach to learning.

A visit to an aquarium complements these benefits by offering an educational experience about marine life, ecosystems, and the interconnectedness of the underwater world. Aquariums further contribute to environmental awareness by highlighting the impact of pollution and climate change on the ocean’s delicate balance. They inspire creativity through the vibrant colors and patterns of aquatic life, encouraging children to express their imagination through artwork or writing. Aquarium field trips also foster curiosity, prompting children to inquire about the fascinating aspects of underwater life and inspiring a thirst for knowledge. 

• Camping Trip

Organizing school camping trips stands out as one of the most effective educational strategies, offering students a dynamic environment to collaborate with adults, cultivate meaningful relationships, and appreciate experiential learning. The active involvement of teachers in this informal setting, detached from the routine curriculum, is instrumental in fostering camaraderie among students and educators alike. These camping excursions provide a platform for students to hone various social skills, including relationship-building, teamwork, and tackling personal challenges. Beyond social development, such trips contribute to the cultivation of independence and confidence, instilling a sense of responsibility through activities such as cabin maintenance and meal preparation. The exposure to novel experiences during camping fosters decision-making and leadership skills, empowering students to take on roles of guidance and support for their peers, thereby lessening the academic burden on teachers. 

• Recycling facility

We’re often taught that we must recycle, and depending on where you are, how to do it properly. But judging by the sheer amount of misplaced trash , we are still a long way from understanding the intricacies of recycling and the real impact that our daily consumption has on our environment. 

Visiting a recycling facility proves to be an enlightening and impactful school trip, offering students valuable insights into the complexities of recycling processes and environmental sustainability. The firsthand experience students obtain at a recycling facility unravel the intricate operations involved in sorting and processing recyclables, shedding light on the challenges faced by recycling centers, such as market limitations and financial constraints. Students learn about the significant role they play as consumers, understanding the repercussions of their choices on recycling viability. It emphasizes the importance of responsible consumption, advocating for sustainable practices, and encourages students to prioritize reducing, reusing, and making informed decisions to support effective recycling initiatives in their communities.

• Botanical Garden

Botanical gardens are peaceful havens frequently found in the midst of vibrant urban areas or spanning peaceful natural settings. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, botanical gardens serve as living museums, curated collections with scientific, educational, and cultural significance. These gardens provide an immersive experience that transcends the visual, allowing students to connect with nature, destress, and recharge. Botanical gardens also offer insights into local history, environments, and cultures, making them valuable educational resources. Exploring these meticulously designed landscapes becomes a journey into the intricate relationships between native plants and the cultural diversity of the region, fostering a holistic understanding of the natural world.

• Government Building

It has taken centuries to shape our modern society into the organized civilization that it is today. We have created numerous branches of governments and systems of checks and balances in order to ensure the equitable distribution of power, safeguard individual rights, and establish a stable framework for the functioning of our intricate societal structure. This is, understandably, very confusing to a lot of people but particularly to a child just entering civil society. 

A school trip to a government building provides first-hand experience into the democratic process and the civic institutions that make up our society. It helps demystify the political system, making it more accessible and relatable. Here, students can observe how laws are debated, policies are formulated, and public issues are addressed. 

Farm visits are an exciting opportunity to immerse oneself and have a firsthand encounter with the agricultural process, allowing students to witness the intricate journey of how food is grown and animals are reared. Beyond the basics of farming, these visits also shed light on sustainable land management practices employed by farmers, emphasizing the crucial role agriculture plays in fostering biodiversity and environmental conservation.

The experience goes beyond the cultivation aspect, offering a valuable educational opportunity for children to establish a direct connection between the origins of their food and the farming process. By engaging with the agricultural landscape, students gain a holistic understanding of the significance of farming in our daily lives, fostering appreciation for the hard work of farmers and the importance of sustainable practices for a healthier planet.

• Healthcare Facilities

Students, especially younger ones, commonly experience heightened anxiety when it comes to hospitals and healthcare facilities. But a hospital should be perceived as a haven of healing and care, where compassionate professionals work tirelessly to alleviate concerns, prioritize well-being, and create a comforting environment conducive to recovery. A hospital visit makes a great school trip because it provides students with a unique opportunity to demystify the healthcare environment, fostering a deeper understanding of medical practices and nurturing empathy.

The  visit also contributes to career awareness, allowing students to explore diverse jobs within the healthcare sector and emphasizing the significance of teamwork and cooperation in providing societal benefits. By experiencing the various roles within a hospital, students gain firsthand insight into the diverse array of professions involved in healthcare. 

• Media and Broadcasting Studios

The media has had a lasting impact on our lives, and a visit to their studios provides a unique opportunity to witness firsthand the operations of vital communication hubs that keep communities connected and informed. Exploring the inner workings of media studios allows students to grasp the economic impact these entities have on local communities and understand the significance of their public service role, which extends to providing crucial information during emergencies.

A visit to TV, radio, or newspaper stations serves as an immersive educational experience, offering insights into the dynamic world of communication. Students can learn about the diverse careers within the industry, from journalism and production to technical roles, fostering an appreciation for the collaborative efforts that go into creating content across different media platforms. This hands-on encounter not only sparks interest in potential career paths within media but also aligns with educational initiatives that aim to provide students with a broader understanding of the professional landscape.

• Startup Incubators

Our world is changing at an accelerated pace and those that innovate will navigate and thrive in the dynamic landscape, shaping the future and staying resilient amidst the evolving challenges and opportunities. Startup incubators serve as dynamic hubs for early-stage businesses, fostering innovation at its core. Students gain firsthand insights into the intricate workings of these incubators, witnessing how they act as catalysts for startup growth by providing essential resources such as office spaces, mentorship opportunities, business education classes, and vibrant networking events.

One remarkable aspect of the incubator experience lies in its emphasis on innovation. The incubators showcase how they cultivate groundbreaking ideas. By immersing students in this environment, the trip facilitates an understanding of how innovation is nurtured, encouraging creative thinking and problem-solving skills. A school trip to a startup incubator becomes a transformative educational experience, instilling an appreciation for the collaborative spirit, innovative thinking, and diverse skills required to thrive in the ever-evolving landscape of business and startups.

As we conclude this exploration into the 20 best school trips, it’s evident that the potential for transformative learning experiences lies beyond the walls of the classroom. Each destination, meticulously selected for its educational value and impact, offers students a journey into realms that extend far beyond textbooks, fostering curiosity, creativity, and personal growth.

Whether delving into the wonders of science, immersing oneself in the rich tapestry of culture and history, connecting with nature and ecology, or exploring potential future careers, these school trips serve as catalysts for a holistic education.

In the spirit of expanding educational horizons, we invite you to explore World Camps, where our dedication is unwavering in providing you with the information needed to make the best educational choices for your child. Regardless of your location or where your travels may take you next, World Camps stands as a global resource, committed to enhancing your child’s educational journey. Let the adventure continue beyond the classroom, and may each school trip be a stepping stone towards a brighter and more enriching future.

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The Wanderlust Roamers

Packing the Essentials for your School Camping trip

School camping.

Camping is really a fun and when it goes with friends it seems a bonanza for kids. But, as parents, we need to be aware of what all essentials are must for camping, and whether school has arranged them efficiently.

The school should provide you with a list of what is actually being provided at the camp site, and it is good to go through it thoroughly to make sure you understand everything that is not going to be included, as well as what is. Then, it is time to create a packing checklist of your own, to ensure that nothing is forgotten.

Ensure you take a good look at the activities that are planned for the time away, so you can choose appropriate clothing. Kids at a camp are quite likely to get themselves pretty dirty fairly quickly, so a good ratio of clothes to time is one a half sets of clothes per day away, and extra if you see an activity that is likely to end up with your little one covered in mud. Remember though, that your youngster is probably going to have to carry the bag that you have packed, quite possibly a fair distance, so try not to over pack.

What Every Kid Needs For Camping?

Hygiene is important all of the time, but even more so when you are away from your normal clean house and camping in a field. Every item you add is going to take up space and add weight, so try to keep it lightweight and simple. You should not forget toothbrush and paste, of course, and look for shampoo in small sachets and maybe a small bar of soap.

While the school will undoubtedly have a good first aid kit, a mini one containing some plasters, antiseptic lotion, anti-itch gel and a few headache or diarrhoea tablets will generally work fairly well, to deal with mini emergencies. Adequate and correct amount of clothing and footwear is vital, as is something comfortable to sleep in, along with the sleeping bag and tent, if required. You will get a good thumbs up from your child if you also pack bug repellent, sunscreen and a flashlight, along with a few snacks.

What Every School Needs For Camping?

Taking kids camping can be fun for all concerned, but safety has to be the number one priority. A major priority is to provide some lighting at the campsite, so that people do not have accidents in the dark. In case you would need a source of electricity, solar can be a very good option. If you don’t know where to find one that will last long, you can see the toughest ever camping solar panels for sale in trusted camping stores.

At least one member of accompanying staff should be fully trained in medical care and have an understanding of treatments to various medical emergencies. A regularly checked, fully stocked first aid kit is essential.

Above all, the school should have a plan for the trip, with goals and objectives, because while the trip is about having fun, it should be about learning also. The options are limitless, though lighting a campfire, learning how to cook food on a barbecue and pitching a tent comes swiftly to mind, once outdoors, there are many other practical learning options available. If the school prepares for the trip properly, is adequately provisioned, communicates its planned activities well in advance and the children’s parents also prepare well, the school camping trip should provide your child with wonderful memories for years to come.

Happy Camping and Exploring!

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School camping trips: getting there is the lesson

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It may not sound like a classroom assignment —  4th, 5th, and 6th graders planning and running a camping trip from start to finish.  But at Montessori Family School , an independent school, the field trips are a serious educational experience.  Montessori schools focus on hands-on learning and real-life skills, and planning a camping trip offers just that. 

RSVP today for Open Houses : 

El Cerrito KB-8th: Jan. 21 and March 11, 10-11:30 a.m.

This emphasis starts at the preschool, located in Berkeley, where the youngest students take field trips. In the early grade-school years, at the El Cerrito campus, they build up greater ownership and responsibility by practicing planning and jobs in the classroom, and occasionally suggesting themes for class trips.

By the time students reach the upper elementary grades (4-6), they hold the reins. For a two-night camping trip in the spring, students plan every meal and activity, and organize supply and gear transportation. Teams of students lead every task of the trip. This past June, a committee of students researched, created a Google slideshow, and gave a presentation to the class about potential wildlife dangers, from poison oak, to ticks, to persistent raccoons. During the trip one student, stationed at a picnic table, supervised an adult and two other students as they boiled water, labeled cups, and gave out hot cocoa and hot apple cider.

The 6th graders gain yet more independence for their year-end trip, a daylong adventure in San Francisco.  They plan all activities and locations, plus transportation and routes, fares and fees, and they time their return to campus for the end of the day. One year, students planned a ride on the Richmond ferry to the city, navigated their way up to Coit Tower, and practiced reading maps to get themselves back down the hill to the historic vessels at Fisherman’s Wharf.

In 7th and 8th grade, the school elders take these skills, freedoms and responsibilities and apply them to trips across the country, building self-awareness and tenacity as they go.

Building executive function

Concepts like executive function are receiving a lot of attention in the educational sphere right now. The educators at Montessori Family School feel that these trips are perfect opportunities to hone executive function skills in the real world and give children the joy of experiencing accomplishment and adventure simultaneously. 

It’s not just the trips that foster independence and self-direction in students.  Every day, from preschool through 8th grade, brings opportunities. A menu of hot dogs with an array of toppings, along with hot chocolate, and s’mores suddenly takes on new meaning when students know how meticulously their classmates worked to plan it. Field games organized by peers get the most joyful student buy-in. 

Montessori education was designed with the goal of world peace in mind, and this is a tenet the school holds dear as they help to raise incredible humans. In organizing school trips, and the work of brainstorming, coming to a consensus, and planning, students are able to consider their interests, advocate for themselves, compromise with others, and bring their ideas to fruition. In a world with a glut of choices, this process can help students identify both their passions and their gifts. Classroom teachers offer support and guidance to the process, but stand aside to let the children’s ideas and efforts shine.

Model U.N. program

A culminating example of this work is demonstrated in the Montessori Model United Nations (MMUN) program. While this is one of many model United Nations simulation programs, what sets this one apart is its Montessori roots. Begun in 2006 by a Montessori teacher in partnership with a U.N. ambassador, the Montessori program seeks not only to simulate the workings of the U.N. as closely as possible but also to emphasize the power and agency of its young participants as changemakers and future caretakers of the world. 

After several months of research, writing, and practicing public speaking, the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students, accompanied by three MFS staff members, travel to New York City to join several hundred other Montessori students from around the world for four days, and act as delegates to a Model United Nations. At the conference, students present carefully researched position papers to their peers, suggest solutions to pressing global issues that are actually discussed in the U.N., and participate in consensus-building to craft resolutions that address those issues. 

They also make new friends from other states and countries, gain confidence in public speaking and advocacy, and return transformed by this experience. They brave the freezing temperatures of the New York winter to explore the Times Square area and walk across town to look out over the night sky from the top of 30 Rockefeller Center.

In their reflections afterward, several students called the Model U.N. trip  “life-changing” and every student who attended this past year has expressed a desire to return next year. The experience was so positive that three alumni 9th graders will rejoin the school this year for the trip.

Curious to know how a Montessori education can transform your child’s life? Find out more at montessorifamily.com , and schedule a tour or RSVP for an Open House today!

Sponsored by Montessori Family School

This story was written and paid for by the Montessori Family School. The private school, with its preschool in Berkeley and K-8 in El Cerrito, celebrates 40 years of learning-by-doing and focusing on kindness and empathy.

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Part 2 For each question, write the correct answer in the gap. Write one word or a number or a date or a time . You will hear a teacher telling students about a school camping trip.

School Camping Trip

Cost of trip: £39.00

Give money to: Mrs 6

Day of return: 7

Time to arrive at school: 8 a.m.

Travel by: 9

• +91 9810801800

School Camping & Educational Trips

Inspiring Young Minds Through Travel

At Triponary we follow simple educational philosophy of activating quicker learning with visual and sensory experiences. The trips ensure free flow of thoughts and ideas to enhance creative abilities. Learning by doing allows practical learning through new experience helping student to retain knowledge for longer time.

We follow IES, an interactive, expert guided and safe method to impart life- changing skills. Project reports, group presentations, healthy discussions and a certificate that looks good on college applications adding value to your candidature.

     I             E           S

           interactive                     expert guided                           safe.

Hands-on experience, opportunity to acquire skills like leadership, independence, decision making, team work and much more rolled with a great out of classroom experience with a team of experts. An immense learning opportunity in a safe, secure environment awaits you at Triponary with our smart and future ready programs

The unique out of classroom learning program introduces students to meaningful expeditions, cultural deep dive, traversing historical routes, understanding ecological ecosystems, internships with live NGO Project and much more.

We encourage students to acquire life skills apart from earning a degree from structured education system. Experience wealth of education while traveling, Travel is the great teacher.

The specially curated Out of classroom educational trips give immense understanding of the chosen subject, a path to self-discovery, awareness and realization of potential and much more.

Come with us to explore learning beyond Google and get real taste of life on each journey with us.

If you are teacher planning an educational trip or a school camp, you’ve come to the right place. We have organized out of classroom educational programs for hundreds of students, and it would be our privilege to discuss with you your academic goals and purpose of trip.

Call us at –       +91 11 45084656

Whtsapp. at – +91 981 080 1800

Email at – [email protected]

We would love to discuss your requirements and what we can offer to your student group!

Why Triponary Educational Trips

Our specialized programs prepare students for the challenges of life, arming them with an in-depth exploration and hands on experience. We believe each student deserves an experience of educational travel, which is why we always offer best pricing and more value adds.

Student Development

Triponary researched and carried varied discussions with key stakeholders for devising the structure on 4 pillars to give meaningful experience and education in the Out of classroom learning process.

  We consult with Academicians, professionals, Students and Educational consultants to create these four pillars for students to inculcate in their education.

Student Development Progra

Apart from the tailor-made programs we will offer unique programs to students, preparing them for challenges of life, future professions and recognizing their calling and potential.

Hundreds of destinations, endless possibilities have been studied and explored to show students the world differently. Our program specialist will work with School faculties to align curriculum with educational tours & activities delivering the right program.

Triponary offers unique programs for students as we believe that each child in nascent stage of learning deserves an Out of Classroom learning experience.

Educational Programs

Our Specialized Experiences

Leadership & Personality Development Camps

Leadership Building Programs for budding future Leaders and team players. These leadership program provides the environment and training to help students realize their full potential.

It is done at outdoor classrooms in remote wilderness areas with powerful authentic experiences. We are committed to wilderness, education, leadership development, safety, community service and excellence.

These camps focus on physical and mental abilities and are a fantastic experience for students to get to know their strengths as well as of those on their team.

Project based learning Trips

We help students to explore beyond books and syllabus. These trips are designed to enhance the observation, attention, exploratory and analytical skills. The trips help students to develop passion for research and in-depth understanding of their favourite subject. The most popular trips are Cultural heritage, Natural Heritage, History , Biodiversity trips, Geography trips, Oceanography & Marine conservation trips, Wildlife and off course Adventure Camps.

Hobby to Passion Retreats

Triponary helps the young minds to explore their minds for creative pursuit. This is an endeavour to promote skill full Hobbies and creative development of Students. The camps are meticulously planned with experts to ensure learning step by step with subject matter experts. The most popular camps are Birding camps, Camp Kidfest,  Photography Camps, Wildlife Camps, Creative writing Retreat, Art & craft Retreat and Performing Arts Retreat.

Career Orientation Trips

Career orientation and exposure trips are experiences that helps the student to take an informed decision about future. Travel with purpose helps students to ignite their ambition and inspires them to make dreams a reality. Students gain first hand experience of usual and unusual career streams they can choose to pursue in life.  Explore the Institutes, Academic courses, Industries and much more on these trips. These trips will help students to understand their passion, defining career goals and carve future path. Ignite your ambition and fire you aspirations by visiting top Educational Institutions, celebrated Industries, Career workshops and much more with our Career Orientation Trips.

Triponary Community Service Camp

Gain insights into the challenges of the community, life and culture of locals and understand issues faced by communities on day to day basis. Under expert field directors gain the necessary experience and credit points to help your career goals. Our partner NGO’s make sure that the contribution and associations of students with their live projects are meaningful and motivates them to bring about change.

Why choose Triponary Educational Trips

Advantages offered by Triponary

We make your safety our priority by giving utmost priority on our trips and we take pride in our safety standards. Our strict safety code of conduct, state-of-the-art equipment along with dedicated team of pilots, instructors and ground crew. The qualified team ensure and maintains our safety record. The man holding the helm of operations and activity has served in Armed Forces Adventure wing as Chief Instructor. The team under him is certified with advance MIO certificates and reputed Government of India training Institutes.

Instructors

Our outdoor team is trained and certified in First Aid and we have overseas instructors visiting us every year, giving our team exposure to best practices from the adventure fraternity abroad. Each group is escorted by one of our team members. To make the experience secure and enjoyable we maintain a high outdoor specialist v/s student ratio.

We have state-of-the-art equipment procured from the most renowned manufacturing companies around the globe.

Sustainability

Our school trips lay tremendous emphasis on sustainability and encourage students to be alive and sensitive towards environment, people as well as places they visit.

Medical aid

Our outdoor team is certified and trained in First Aid/ CPR courses. Every year we have overseas instructors conducting refresher course. There are good hospitals and qualified doctors at close quarters to our camp sites, they can be referred to in case of an emergency.

In spite of the operations in remote locations, we are proud of our menu and the various fresh items it offers. We give top priority to hygiene while preparing the delicious food served during camping activities. It is generally a combination of Indian, Continental and Chinese food. Fruit and vegetables are obtained locally. We provide mineral water in the tents.

Triponary is setting the culture of Boot camps in India.

The Boot camps are not just fun but an arena to skill the students, enabling them to master the skill set they choose to Boot Camp.

Active Boot Camps

Transform yourself Boot Camp

A specialised program for school going young generation, this ten day active camping is scientifically designed program by experts aimed at physical and mental discipline, self management, life saving & survival skills. The participant leaves with a positive mindset, armed to handle and deal with life at different level. The element of fun infuses enthusiasm and makes this learning process enjoyable

Adventure Camping Boot Camp

A specialised seven days program designed by experts and conducted by professionals. This unique program is aimed at nurturing the skills of survival up and personal with nature. It hones the exploring as well as survival skillset.  Become an expert at mobile and stationary camping. Each batch gets special interactive session from Ace Camping specialist.

Mountaineering Boot Camp

A specialised 15 day course designed by experts to skill you in Mountaineering. Learn the art of exploring mountains from the most skilled Mountaineers. Each batch gets interaction and a session with an Everester.

Sailing Boot Camp

A specialised program conducted by the experts with certification. An innate program aimed at developing a skill that can transform your life. Learn the art and science of sailing and interact with top class Naval officers get a taste of life. This 12 day basic training gives you sailing skills at bay waters.

Kayaking Boot Camp

A specialised seven days amateur program aimed at skilling and enhancing the endurance and strength. It gives an innate energy to deal with life with more confidence and endeavour. Skimming the surface of water gives an energy that transforms physical and mental outlook.

Swimming Boot Camp

A specialised 10 days program aimed at not only learning the most pleasurable sport but also arms the individual with life saving skills in water. Learn to swim and also save lives in crisis conditions. This sport aligns mind and body like non other sport.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How safe is your camp for my children?

A.The campsite is perfectly safe for your children. The staff and management is agile and competent to handle any man made issue. The instructors dedicated to the group looks after all the issues related to the safety of children.

Q. What about girl students, how safe is the camp for them?

A. We take extra precautions for the girl students and earmark separate areas for male and female student areas. The female instructors dedicated to the group looks after welfare of the girl students.

Q.What about the Toilet facilities at the camp sites for the students?

A. We take special attention to the hygiene and number of students per lavatory. A ration of 1:6 is maintained to provide better facility with western seat. The girls area is provided with covered dustbins as well. All our campsites are near running water facility.

Q.What kind of food is provided to the children at camp sites?

A healthy balance of nutrition and taste is maintained during all meals. All our camps have fully operational kitchens. The cooks and chef are trained to provide excellent meals suitable for children. Our catering team takes extra care, hygienically prepares nutritious vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals. RO water is used for cooking and mineral water is provided for drinking.

Q.What kind of activities are undertaken for children at camp sites?

A.There are various activities to indulge at the campsite expertly guided by our professional staff. The prominent ones are enlisted below.

Para Gliding; Hot Air ballooning; White water Rafting; Boating; Obstacle course; Horse Riding; Camel Ridding; Rock climbing; Rappelling; River crossing; Zorbing ball; ATV Ride; Snow Scooter; Snow Skiing; Trekking; Nature trails; Birding trails; Zip Line; Night Safari; Swimming pool games & Activities; Treasure hunt; Tug of war; Trampoline; Archery; Air riffle shooting; Bush craft; Star gazing; Peak summit; Community Service; Out door games; Traditional games

TEAM BEHIND THE TRIPS

K.S.Bashera

Mountaineering expeditions and leadership. A decorated officer and a man with grit and valour, served Special force and earned his laurels. Lovingly addressed as Captain, K.S. Bashera is driven by a mission of inculcating life saving skills, leadership and all round development in students through adventure, outdoor and camping programs. He has lead more than 100000 students through life changing experience.

An avid biker, environmentalist and photography enthusiast gets along well with the new generation and forms a bond of trust and friendship, leading them to achieve new skills.

Nupur Singh

A free spirited, fearless adventure loving traveler. Growing up with Himalayas as her backyard, she learned to appreciate nature and outdoors at an early age. Nupur got her travel gene from her outstanding sportsman father and avid nature enthusiast mother. A management graduate with specialization in brand management, she is a strategic level professional with 20 years experience in corporate world.

Life is in full acceleration for Nupur behind the wheel, she has clocked in 200000 kms. of solo road trips across India. Instrumental in leading and nurturing large teams at corporate she developed passion for engaging young minds.

Mentor & Advisor Panel

Sumesh Mangalsary

He started his career as software professional. An art and literature enthusiast. His experience in community development, action research, policy level interventions and national and international NGOs particularly in the context of tourism helped him to envision the voluntary organisation “KABANI – the other direction“.

Sumesh is an active partner of a larger international network working on sustainable tourism and related issues, contributing to various international discourses and negotiations such as climate change, sustainable development and international trade. He has contributed his vision and views to many publications and journals and has led numerous projects in various international and national organizations critically intervening in tourism and development.

Puneetinder Kaur Sidhu

Writer, content developer, foodie, but mostly a wanderer, Puneetinder Kaur Sidhu has penned over a dozen guides for Lonely Planet India, a couple for Times Group Books, and authored a fun read Adrift: A Junket Junkie in Europe about her travels around the continent.  She has been a travel and food columnist with Hindustan Times, is a literary critic for The Tribune, writes for Hindu Businessline, Huffington Post, authors the Times Food Guide for Chandigarh, and blogs at Cutting Loose. She also helms a young non-profit called Society for Arts & Literature (SALT) which aims to uphold and preserve vulnerable heritage and artistic & literary traditions.

Puneeta Singh

Associated with institutes and schools of repute, counseling students for life skills related issues, overseas admission counseling, career counseling and adolescent issues. She has spent years as head of counseling overlooking life skills counseling, adolescent counseling, a-z of overseas education, organizing various fairs for university selection, aptitude testing, MUN coordinator, founder and mentor of reporters club and photography club. Handled Media desk of reputed schools. As director of Eduvelocity she has helped students make the best education and career choices, connecting them successfully to their “best fit” overseas universities, especially in United States and Canada. She has been been running an NGO – SAATHI, supporting education and well being of students from Slum areas.

Partner NGO’s

Prime objectives are sustainable socio–economic development of local communities and conservation of natural resources that provide the basis of community livelihood.In order to achieve these objectives, we are carrying out research about the side-effects of mass tourism and the ways to change it, advocacy and campaigns about these issues and both international and local networking to increase our audience and impact. “KABANI – the other direction” also provides education activities to promote sustainability in the context of tourism and development. It foster community tourism initiatives finding their roots in local populations, and focusing on socio-economic security and sustainability.

The Society was established in 2011 and its core team consists of a dynamic, motley group of creative women – writers, academicians, finance, marketing & service industry professionals, culinary experts as well as art, theatre and culture enthusiasts. SALT wishes to endorse edification, comparative study and exploration of unrecorded traditions, art, music, craft, painting, literature, and the performing arts such as theatre, environmental issues, tangible heritage, architecture and archaeology.

A non-profit organization committed to the betterment of slum children. In association with Chandigarh Administration it initiates various projects for underprivileged bright students, helping them to achieve their dreams of education.

Explore Triponary School Educational Trips and Camping Packages (School & College)

Leadership & Adventure Trips

Culture History & Heritage Trips

Knowledge Retreat Trips

Winter is here! Check out the winter wonderlands at these 5 amazing winter destinations in Montana

• Travel Guide

How To Plan A Girl Scout Camping Trip

Published: December 4, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Rikki Bianco

• Plan Your Trip
• Travel Tips

Introduction

Embarking on a Girl Scout camping trip is a thrilling adventure that offers girls a chance to connect with nature, develop essential skills, and foster lifelong friendships. Whether you are a troop leader or a parent, planning a successful camping trip requires careful preparation and consideration. From choosing the perfect camping destination to organizing activities and ensuring safety measures, every step plays a crucial role in creating a memorable and enjoyable experience for all.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to plan a memorable Girl Scout camping trip. We’ll provide you with tips and insights to help you make informed decisions and ensure a smooth and exciting adventure for your troop or daughter.

As you embark on this journey, it’s important to remember that camping is not just a recreational activity. It’s an opportunity for girls to learn new skills, build resilience, and develop an appreciation for nature. By encouraging teamwork, leadership, and a sense of adventure, you can create a transformative experience that will leave a lasting impact on the girls’ lives.

So grab your camping gear, gather your troop, and get ready to dive into the world of outdoor exploration with our comprehensive guide on how to plan a Girl Scout camping trip.

Choosing a Camping Destination

When it comes to choosing a camping destination for your Girl Scout trip, there are several factors to consider. First and foremost, you’ll want to select a location that aligns with the goals and interests of your troop. Are you looking for a rustic wilderness experience or a campsite with more amenities? Research different campgrounds and scout-owned properties to find one that best suits your needs.

Consider the proximity of the campground to your location. If you have limited time, it’s ideal to choose a site that is relatively close by. This will reduce travel time and allow for more time to enjoy the outdoor activities. Additionally, check if the campground offers facilities like restrooms, showers, and potable water to ensure the comfort and convenience of your group.

Furthermore, pay attention to the availability of hiking trails, swimming areas, and other recreational activities that may be of interest to your troop. Consider the level of difficulty and the age appropriateness of these activities. Aim for a balance between adventure and accessibility.

Another important aspect to consider is the camping season and weather conditions. Take into account the climate and average temperatures during your planned camping dates. Ensure that the location is suitable for camping during that time of year and that it offers proper shelter in case of unexpected weather changes.

Lastly, remember to check if a permit or reservation is required for the chosen campground. Some popular sites may require advance booking to secure your spot. Make sure to adhere to the regulations and guidelines set by the campground to ensure a smooth and hassle-free camping experience.

By carefully considering these factors, you’ll be able to select a camping destination that offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and necessary amenities for an unforgettable Girl Scout camping trip.

Setting a Date and Duration

Setting the right date and duration for your Girl Scout camping trip is crucial to ensure maximum participation and a well-planned itinerary. Consider the availability of your troop members and any school or extracurricular commitments that may conflict with the trip.

When choosing a date, take into account the weather conditions and the specific activities you plan to undertake. It’s essential to select a time of year when the weather is favorable for camping and outdoor adventures. Avoid extreme temperatures or seasons with high chances of inclement weather.

The duration of the camping trip depends on various factors, including the age of the girls, their experience with camping, and the available resources. For younger or less experienced scouts, a weekend trip may be more suitable, while older scouts may be ready for a longer excursion. Consider the logistics of transportation, meal planning, and activity schedule when deciding on the duration of the trip.

Additionally, assess the comfort level and camping experience of your troop members. If it’s their first camping trip, a shorter duration may be less overwhelming and more manageable. On the other hand, if your troop has prior camping experience, they may be ready for a more extended adventure.

Collaborate with your troop members and their families to determine the best dates and duration that work for everyone. Consider sending out a survey or conducting a group discussion to gather input and ensure that the majority of the troop can participate.

Once you have settled on a date and duration, be sure to provide ample notice to both troop members and parents. This will allow them to make necessary arrangements and prepare for the trip ahead. A well-communicated schedule will ensure that everyone is on the same page and can plan accordingly.

By thoughtfully selecting a date and duration for your Girl Scout camping trip, you will maximize participation and create a schedule that allows for a well-rounded and enjoyable outdoor experience for your troop.

Preparing the Camping Checklist

Before embarking on your Girl Scout camping trip, it’s important to create a comprehensive camping checklist. This will ensure that you have all the necessary gear, supplies, and essentials for a safe and comfortable camping experience. Here are some key items to include on your checklist:

• Tents and Sleeping Equipment: Make sure to pack enough tents to accommodate everyone in your troop. Include sleeping bags, sleeping pads or air mattresses, and pillows for a comfortable night’s sleep.
• Clothing and Footwear: Pack appropriate clothing for the weather conditions, including extra layers for colder nights. Don’t forget essentials like rain gear, hats, and sturdy hiking boots or sneakers.
• Kitchen and Cooking Supplies: Bring a camp stove, fuel, and cooking utensils for preparing meals. Don’t forget pots, pans, plates, bowls, and cutlery. Pack cleaning materials such as dish soap and sponges for easy cleanup.
• Food and Water: Plan your meals and bring enough food to last the duration of the trip. Pack non-perishable items, snacks, and plenty of drinking water. Consider any dietary restrictions or allergies within your troop.
• Lighting and Navigation: Pack headlamps, flashlights, and extra batteries for nighttime activities and emergencies. Consider bringing a compass, maps, and a GPS device for navigation purposes.
• First Aid Kit: Ensure you have a fully stocked first aid kit that includes bandages, antiseptic ointment, pain relievers, insect repellent, sunscreen, and any necessary personal medications.
• Personal Hygiene Items: Pack toiletries such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, and toilet paper. Include hand sanitizer and wet wipes for times when running water is not easily accessible.
• Emergency Supplies: Prepare for unforeseen circumstances by including items like a whistle, emergency blanket, multi-tool, duct tape, and a fully charged cell phone or two-way radio.
• Activities and Entertainment: Bring along games, books, or craft supplies to keep the troop engaged and entertained during downtime. Consider including items for outdoor activities like sports equipment or nature exploration tools.
• Leave No Trace Principles: Educate your troop about the importance of leaving the campsite as you found it. Pack trash bags, and encourage responsible waste disposal and recycling practices.

Take the time to review your camping checklist, ensuring that you have everything you need for a successful trip. It’s helpful to divide responsibilities among troop members and share the load of carrying communal equipment and supplies.

By having a thorough and organized camping checklist, you’ll be well-prepared for any camping situation, allowing for a smooth and enjoyable experience for your Girl Scout troop.

Arranging Transportation

Transportation is a key aspect to consider when planning a Girl Scout camping trip. Whether you’re traveling to a nearby campground or a more remote location, arranging transportation efficiently is essential for a successful and smooth trip. Here are some tips to help you navigate this aspect of your planning:

1. Coordinate with Parents: Reach out to the parents of your troop members to determine their availability and willingness to assist with transportation. Some parents may be able to offer their vehicles or may be interested in carpooling with other families. Collaborating with parents will help distribute the responsibility and ensure that all scouts have a mode of transportation.

2. Arrange for a Bus or Van Rental: Depending on the size of your troop and the distance to your camping destination, it may be feasible to rent a bus or van. This option allows you to transport a larger group comfortably and eliminates the need for multiple vehicles. Be sure to compare prices and availability from different rental companies in advance.

3. Scout-Owned Properties: If you’re utilizing a scout-owned property, check to see if they provide transportation options. Some properties may have camp buses or shuttle services available for use by visiting troops. Inquire about any associated costs or requirements for using these transportation services.

4. Public Transportation: Consider using public transportation if your camping destination is accessible via bus, train, or ferry. This can be a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option, especially for troops located in urban areas. Research the schedules and routes beforehand to ensure that they align with your planned itinerary.

5. Safety Considerations: When arranging transportation, prioritize the safety of the scouts. Ensure that drivers have valid licenses, vehicles are properly maintained, and seat belts are available for all passengers. If using carpooling or parent drivers, establish clear guidelines and communicate expectations regarding safe driving practices.

6. Communication and Itinerary: Once transportation arrangements are finalized, share the details with troop members and their parents. Provide clear instructions on meeting points, departure times, and any necessary drop-off or pickup locations. It’s also helpful to create an itinerary outlining the transportation schedule for the duration of the trip.

Remember to plan for any additional transportation needs during the camping trip itself. If you’re venturing out to nearby attractions or trails, ensure you have vehicles or transportation arrangements to accommodate these excursions.

By carefully arranging transportation for your Girl Scout camping trip, you’ll ensure a smooth and stress-free journey to and from your destination, setting the stage for an unforgettable outdoor experience.

Organizing Meals and Snacks

Properly organizing meals and snacks is crucial to keep your Girl Scout troop well-nourished, energized, and satisfied during the camping trip. Here are some tips to help you plan and prepare meals that will fuel your adventurers:

1. Meal Planning: Create a meal plan in advance, taking into account the duration of your trip and any dietary restrictions or allergies within your troop. Plan a variety of meals that are easy to prepare, nutritious, and suitable for outdoor cooking. Be mindful of the resources available at your campsite, such as grills, camp stoves, or fire pits.

2. Stick to Simple Recipes: Opt for recipes that require minimal ingredients and preparation. One-pot meals, foil pack recipes, and pre-made mixes can be great options for camping. Engage your troop members in meal planning and involve them in the cooking process to foster teamwork and build cooking skills.

3. Pack Storage Containers: Bring storage containers or ziplock bags to store perishable food items securely. This ensures food safety and prevents cross-contamination. Label the containers with names and meal details to keep everything organized.

4. Consider Individual Preferences: Take into account the likes and dislikes of your troop members when planning meals. Offer vegetarian or vegan options and explore different cuisines to make the camping experience more enjoyable for everyone. Encourage troop members to try new foods and flavors.

5. Plan Snacks: Keep energy levels up by packing a variety of healthy and energizing snacks. Choose lightweight options like trail mix, granola bars, fresh fruit, and pre-cut vegetables. Avoid snacks that can easily melt or spoil in varying temperatures.

6. Hydration is Key: Remember to bring plenty of drinking water to keep everyone hydrated throughout the trip. Avoid relying solely on natural water sources for drinking unless they have been properly treated or tested for safety.

7. Cooking and Clean-Up: Assign specific tasks for cooking and clean-up to troop members, rotating responsibilities daily. Make sure everyone understands proper food handling and hygiene practices. Pack dish soap, sponges, and towels for cleaning utensils and cooking equipment.

8. Packaging and Waste Management: Use reusable containers and utensils whenever possible to minimize waste. Plan for proper disposal of food waste and encourage the troop to follow Leave No Trace principles by properly securing trash and recycling materials.

Remember to involve your troop members in the meal planning process to foster teamwork and leadership skills. Encourage them to take responsibility for specific meal tasks, such as gathering firewood or setting up the cooking area.

By carefully organizing meals and snacks, you’ll ensure that your Girl Scout troop is well-fed, fueled, and ready to take on the camping adventures that lie ahead.

Planning Camping Activities

Planning a variety of camping activities is essential to keep your Girl Scout troop engaged and entertained throughout the trip. Here are some tips to help you create an exciting and well-rounded activity plan:

1. Outdoor Exploration: Take advantage of the natural surroundings by planning hikes, nature walks, or scavenger hunts. Explore the local flora and fauna and introduce the girls to the wonders of the outdoors. Encourage them to observe and appreciate the beauty of nature.

2. Outdoor Skills Development: Teach the troop essential outdoor skills such as fire building, knot tying, and basic navigation. Engage them in hands-on activities like setting up tents, cooking meals outdoors, and purifying water. These skills not only enhance their self-sufficiency but also boost their confidence in outdoor settings.

3. Team Building Activities: Incorporate team-building exercises to promote cooperation, communication, and problem-solving skills. Activities like trust falls, team challenges, or group games can help strengthen bonds within the troop and develop leadership skills.

4. Crafts and DIY Projects: Plan arts and crafts activities that allow troop members to express their creativity and create mementos from their camping experience. Provide materials for making friendship bracelets, nature-inspired crafts, or personalized journals.

5. Outdoor Sports and Games: Organize friendly competitions and outdoor games like capture the flag, relay races, or ultimate Frisbee. These activities promote physical fitness, teamwork, and friendly competition amongst the troop members.

6. Educational Workshops: Invite guest speakers or experts to conduct educational workshops on topics like wildlife conservation, outdoor safety, or environmental sustainability. These workshops can be both informative and inspiring for the scouts.

7. Evening Campfire Activities: Gather around the campfire for storytelling sessions, sing-alongs, or skits. Encourage troop members to showcase their talents and create a memorable, bonding experience around the warmth of the fire.

8. Stargazing and Nighttime Activities: Take advantage of the dark skies in rural camping areas and introduce the girls to the wonders of the night sky. Teach them about constellations and encourage them to share their own stories and observations.

9. Badge or Journey Work: Incorporate activities that align with specific Girl Scout badges or journeys. This allows troop members to work towards earning badges while enjoying the camping experience.

10. Free Time and Reflection: Allow for downtime and encourage individual reflection and journaling. Provide space for the girls to relax, enjoy quiet moments in nature, and reflect on their personal experiences during the trip.

Plan a mix of well-structured activities and free time to strike a balance between structure and flexibility. Remember to tailor the activities to the age and interests of the troop members to ensure maximum engagement and enjoyment.

By planning a diverse range of camping activities, you’ll create a rich and memorable experience for your Girl Scout troop, fostering personal growth, teamwork, and a deeper appreciation of the outdoors.

Ensuring Safety Measures

Ensuring the safety of your Girl Scout troop is of utmost importance when planning a camping trip. Here are some essential safety measures to keep in mind:

1. First Aid and Emergency Preparedness: Have a well-stocked first aid kit readily available at the campsite. Train troop members and adult leaders on basic first aid procedures and make sure they are aware of the location of the first aid kit. Additionally, create an emergency action plan that includes contact information for local emergency services.

2. Health and Medical Information: Collect health and medical information from each troop member, including any allergies, medical conditions, and medication requirements. This will enable you to address individual needs and respond appropriately in case of an emergency.

3. Adult-to-Scout Ratio: Maintain the required adult-to-scout ratio as specified by the Girl Scout organization. Ensure that there are enough trained adult leaders present to supervise and support the troop members at all times.

4. Adequate Supervision: Emphasize the importance of supervision during all activities. Assign adult leaders to specific tasks and patrol areas to ensure that nobody is left unsupervised or gets lost during hikes or outdoor exploration.

5. Weather Awareness: Stay informed about the weather conditions before and during the camping trip. Be prepared for sudden changes in weather and have a plan in place to seek shelter or modify activities accordingly. Educate the troop on the signs of heat exhaustion, hypothermia, and other weather-related risks.

6. Water Safety: If water activities are part of your camping trip, make sure that all participants are comfortable swimming and adhere to water safety rules. Provide life jackets or floatation devices as necessary and supervise water activities closely.

7. Campfire Safety: Teach proper campfire safety protocols, including fire building, extinguishing, and monitoring. Ensure that troop members understand the importance of fire safety and never leave a campfire unattended. Designate a safe area for campfires, away from flammable materials.

8. Use of Tools and Equipment: If your camping activities involve the use of tools or equipment, provide proper training and supervision to the troop members. Ensure that they are using the tools safely and following all instructions provided.

9. Insect and Wildlife Safety: Educate the troop about potential risks posed by insects and wildlife. Teach them how to identify common hazards, such as poisonous plants, ticks, or venomous animals. Encourage them to use insect repellent and take necessary precautions to minimize encounters with wildlife.

10. Communication and Check-Ins: Establish a system for regular check-ins and communication among troop members and adult leaders. Set designated meeting points and times to ensure that everyone is accounted for and safe during outdoor activities.

Remember, safety should always be a top priority. Encourage open communication with troop members, parents, and adult leaders to address any safety concerns and ensure a safe and enjoyable camping experience for everyone involved.

Packing Essential Gear and Supplies

When planning a Girl Scout camping trip, packing the right gear and supplies is essential for comfort, safety, and a successful outdoor experience. Here are some key items to include in your packing list:

• Tents and Sleeping Equipment: Pack enough tents to accommodate the troop, along with sleeping bags, sleeping pads or air mattresses, and pillows for a comfortable night’s sleep.
• Clothing and Footwear: Pack appropriate clothing for the expected weather conditions, including extra layers for colder nights. Don’t forget essentials like rain gear, hats, and sturdy hiking boots or sneakers.
• Kitchen and Cooking Supplies: Bring a camp stove or grill, fuel, and cooking utensils for preparing meals. Don’t forget pots, pans, plates, bowls, and cutlery. Pack cleaning materials such as dish soap and sponges for easy cleanup.
• Food and Water: Plan your meals in advance and pack non-perishable food items that are easy to prepare. Include snacks and plenty of drinking water to keep the troop hydrated.
• Lighting and Navigation: Pack headlamps, flashlights, lanterns, and extra batteries for nighttime activities and emergencies. Consider bringing a compass, maps, and a GPS device for navigation purposes.
• First Aid Kit: Ensure you have a well-stocked first aid kit that includes bandages, antiseptic ointment, pain relievers, insect repellent, sunscreen, and any necessary personal medications.
• Emergency Supplies: Be prepared for unforeseen circumstances by including items like a whistle, emergency blanket, multi-tool, duct tape, and a fully charged cell phone or two-way radio.
• Outdoor Gear: Bring camping chairs, picnic blankets, and tarps for relaxation and shelter. Pack hiking gear like backpacks, trekking poles, and sturdy water bottles. Don’t forget insect repellent, sun hats, and sunglasses.
• Entertainment and Education: Include games, books, or craft supplies for downtime. Consider bringing field guides, nature identification books, or outdoor educational materials to enhance the learning experience for the troop.

Consider dividing the essential gear among troop members to distribute the weight and ensure everyone is carrying their fair share. Encourage troop members to pack their personal items in waterproof bags or containers to protect them from rain or accidental spills.

Additionally, research the facilities available at the campsite to determine if items like firewood, water, or picnic tables are provided. This will help you avoid packing unnecessary items that are readily available onsite.

Remember, it’s important to balance bringing essential items with packing efficiently to avoid overloading yourself or the troop. Consider the weight limit of vehicles and the physical capabilities of troop members when making packing decisions.

By packing the necessary gear and supplies, you’ll be well-prepared for a comfortable and enjoyable camping trip with your Girl Scout troop.

Setting Up Camp

Setting up camp is an important part of any Girl Scout camping trip. It involves creating a safe and comfortable living space that serves as a home base for your troop’s outdoor adventures. Here are some essential steps to consider when setting up camp:

1. Choose a Suitable Campsite: Select a level and dry area that is suitable for pitching tents and setting up camp. Look for a spot away from hazards such as dead trees, rocky terrain, or low-lying areas that might collect water.

2. Pitching Tents: Assign adults and troop members to set up tents according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Ensure that tents are properly staked, guyed out, and securely fastened to withstand wind and weather conditions.

3. Campfire Safety: Designate a safe area for your campfire, following campground guidelines and regulations. Clear away any flammable materials and keep a safe distance between tents and the fire pit. Assign responsible adults to monitor the fire at all times.

4. Cooking and Dining Area: Set up a designated area for cooking and dining. Use tables or create a makeshift kitchen with a camp stove, grill, or fire pit. Ensure proper ventilation and space for food preparation and cooking activities.

5. Campsite Organization: Establish designated areas or zones for specific activities or equipment, such as sleeping, cooking, and storing gear. Keep communal areas tidy, and teach troop members the importance of keeping the campsite clean and organized.

6. Sanitation and Waste Management: Set up a system for waste disposal, recycling, and proper sanitation. Designate a specific area for trash and recycling bins, and encourage troop members to follow Leave No Trace principles by properly disposing of waste and reducing environmental impact.

7. Water and Hygiene: Locate a water source and establish a system for getting clean water. Set up a washing station with soap, water, and hand sanitizer to promote good hygiene practices among troop members.

8. Lighting and Marking: Use outdoor lighting, such as lanterns or solar-powered lights, to illuminate pathways and communal areas during the evening. Place reflective markers or glow sticks near tent entrances to help troop members easily find their way back to their tents at night.

9. Safety Considerations: Ensure that all troop members are aware of emergency protocols, including evacuation plans, meeting points, and emergency contact information. Establish clear rules and guidelines for navigating the campsite safely.

10. Enjoyment and Relaxation: Create a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere at the campsite. Provide seating areas, create a cozy campfire circle, and encourage troop members to bring personal items that enhance their relaxation and enjoyment during downtime.

Remember, setting up camp should be a team effort where everyone contributes to creating a safe and nurturing environment. Encourage troop members to take ownership and responsibility for their campsite, fostering a sense of pride and accomplishment in their camping experience.

By following these steps, you’ll establish a well-organized and functional campsite that serves as a home away from home for your Girl Scout troop.

Managing Campfire and Cooking

A campfire not only provides warmth and comfort but also serves as a central gathering point for your Girl Scout camping trip. Properly managing the campfire and cooking activities is essential for both safety and enjoyable culinary experiences. Here are some key tips to help you effectively manage the campfire and cooking process:

1. Campfire Safety: Prioritize safety by following established campfire guidelines and regulations. Choose a safe location, away from flammable materials, and ensure proper ventilation. Clear a wide area around the fire pit and maintain a safe distance from tents and other structures. Always have a responsible adult monitoring the fire and keep a fire extinguisher or a bucket of water nearby for emergencies.

2. Building and Maintaining the Fire: Teach troop members proper fire-building techniques, such as using tinder, kindling, and fuel wood. Avoid using accelerants or combustible materials that could lead to uncontrolled fires. Monitor and tend to the fire, adding fuel wood as necessary while maintaining a safe flame size.

3. Cooking Equipment: Use appropriate cooking equipment for campfire cooking, such as grills, dutch ovens, or cookware designed for outdoor use. Ensure that all cooking equipment is clean and in good working condition. Properly position the cookware to avoid accidents and spills.

4. Menu Planning: Plan meals that are suitable for cooking over a campfire. Consider options like foil packet meals, one-pot dishes, or skewered items for easy preparation. Coordinate meal planning with troop members and ensure any dietary restrictions or allergies are taken into account.

5. Food Safety: Emphasize the importance of food safety and proper hygiene during cooking. Encourage troop members to wash their hands before handling food and to use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw and cooked food. Ensure that all food is cooked to the recommended temperatures to prevent foodborne illnesses.

6. Cooking Methods: Teach troop members different cooking methods, such as grilling, foil packet cooking, or using a camp stove. Supervise their activities and provide guidance to ensure that cooking is done safely and food is cooked thoroughly.

7. Clean-Up and Waste Disposal: Promote responsible waste management by disposing of food waste properly. Allow the fire to burn down to ashes, and then scatter them in a wide, dispersed area away from the campsite. Properly clean and store cooking utensils and equipment to prevent contamination.

8. Fire Safety Education: Use the campfire and cooking activities as an opportunity to educate troop members about fire safety. Teach them about fire prevention, emergency procedures, and the importance of respecting fire as a powerful force of nature.

Remember, safety is paramount when managing a campfire and cooking activities. Assign responsible adults or trained leaders to supervise the process and ensure that troop members are following safety guidelines.

By effectively managing the campfire and cooking process, you’ll create a safe and enjoyable outdoor culinary experience for your Girl Scout troop, fostering skills, and creating lasting memories.

Building Teamwork and Leadership Skills

A Girl Scout camping trip provides an excellent opportunity to foster teamwork and develop leadership skills among troop members. By incorporating activities and strategies that promote collaboration, communication, and decision-making, you can empower girls to become effective team players and emerging leaders. Here are some ways to build teamwork and leadership skills during the camping trip:

1. Group Challenges: Engage troop members in group challenges and problem-solving activities. Encourage them to work together to overcome obstacles, find solutions, and achieve shared goals. Collaborative activities like building a shelter or navigating a hiking trail can promote teamwork while developing critical thinking and communication skills.

2. Rotating Roles: Rotate leadership roles within the troop to give each girl a chance to take charge and make decisions. Assign responsibilities for tasks like cooking, setting up camp, or leading an activity. This allows girls to experience different leadership styles and encourages them to support and respect each other’s leadership abilities.

3. Team-building Exercises: Incorporate team-building exercises that require cooperation and communication. Activities like trust falls, human knots, or blindfolded team challenges foster trust, enhance problem-solving skills, and strengthen interpersonal relationships within the troop.

4. Reflective Discussions: Schedule time for reflective discussions where troop members can share their experiences, challenges, and successes. Encourage them to listen to each other, offer support and feedback, and appreciate different perspectives. These discussions can promote empathy, active listening, and the ability to consider multiple viewpoints.

5. Encourage Decision-Making: Provide opportunities for troop members to make decisions as a group. For example, allow them to plan a portion of the itinerary or select a camping activity. Support their decision-making process and help them understand the consequences of their choices, fostering a sense of responsibility and accountability.

6. Leadership Workshops: Organize workshops led by experienced leaders or guest speakers who can share insights on leadership skills, goal setting, and effective communication. These workshops can provide valuable tips and guidance while inspiring troop members to develop their own leadership potential.

7. Mentorship and Buddy System: Pair older, more experienced girls with younger or less experienced members in a mentorship or buddy system. This provides opportunities for leadership, guidance, and support, allowing girls to learn from and inspire each other.

8. Encourage Self-reflection: Promote self-reflection by encouraging girls to set personal goals and track their progress throughout the camping trip. Create space for them to document their achievements, challenges, and areas for improvement. Provide guidance and support for self-reflection exercises that will enhance their self-awareness and personal growth.

By intentionally incorporating teamwork and leadership-building activities, you’ll create an environment that empowers girls and nurtures their leadership potential. These experiences will not only benefit them on the camping trip but also have a lasting impact on their personal growth and development.

Respecting Nature and Leave No Trace Principles

One of the core values of Girl Scouts is environmental stewardship. Teaching troop members to respect nature and practice Leave No Trace principles is crucial to instill a sense of responsibility towards the environment. By fostering an understanding of the impact humans can have on natural spaces and promoting sustainable practices, we can ensure that future generations can also enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. Here’s how to incorporate these principles into your camping trip:

1. Educate Troop Members: Start by educating troop members about the importance of respecting nature and the Leave No Trace principles. Teach them about the potential impact of human activities on the environment, such as littering, damaging vegetation, or disturbing wildlife habitats.

2. Plan Ahead and Prepare: Encourage troop members to plan their camping trip in advance, considering factors that may impact the environment, such as weather conditions, fragile ecosystems, and local regulations. By being prepared, you can minimize the negative impact on the natural surroundings.

3. Dispose of Waste Properly: Emphasize the importance of proper waste disposal. Encourage the use of designated trash and recycling bins and educate troop members about the importance of leaving the campsite in a better condition than they found it. Teach them to pack out all trash and leave no trace of their presence.

4. Minimize Campfire Impact: Teach troop members the responsible use of campfires. Emphasize the importance of using established fire rings or designated fire pits and not leaving any trace of the fire once it has been extinguished. Encourage the use of alternative cooking methods to minimize the impact on the environment.

5. Respect Wildlife: Teach troop members to observe wildlife from a respectful distance and remind them never to feed or approach wild animals. Encourage them to appreciate animals in their natural habitats without causing harm or disturbance.

6. Stay on Designated Trails: Instruct troop members to stay on designated trails and avoid trampling or creating new paths. This helps to preserve the natural landscape and prevents unnecessary erosion and disturbance to plants and wildlife habitats.

7. Leave Nature As You Found It: Emphasize the importance of leaving the natural environment untouched. Encourage troop members to resist the temptation to pick flowers or collect natural souvenirs, as this can disrupt the delicate balance of ecosystems.

8. Appreciate Nature: Foster a sense of wonder and appreciation for nature among troop members. Encourage them to take the time to observe and learn about the plants, animals, and natural features they encounter during the camping trip.

9. Lead by Example: As adult leaders, it’s important to lead by example and demonstrate responsible behavior. Show troop members how to practice Leave No Trace principles through your own actions, such as properly disposing of waste, following trail guidelines, and leaving minimal impact on the environment.

10. Reflect and Share: After the camping trip, engage in discussions with the troop members about their experiences and the impact they had on the environment. Reflect on what they learned and how they can apply these principles in their everyday lives.

By instilling a sense of respect and responsibility for the environment through the practice of Leave No Trace principles, we can empower Girl Scouts to become lifelong advocates for nature conservation and environmental sustainability.

Handling Emergencies and First Aid

Being prepared to handle emergencies and administer first aid is essential for ensuring the safety and well-being of your Girl Scout troop during a camping trip. By having the necessary knowledge and supplies, you can respond effectively in case of injuries or emergencies. Here are important steps to follow:

1. First Aid Training: Ensure that at least one adult leader or troop member is trained in first aid and CPR. Consider enrolling in a recognized first aid course to gain the knowledge and skills needed to handle common camping injuries and emergencies.

2. First Aid Kit: Carry a well-stocked first aid kit that includes basic supplies such as bandages, gauze, adhesive tape, antiseptic ointment, tweezers, scissors, and gloves. Additionally, include any necessary personal medications required by troop members.

3. Emergency Contacts: Keep a list of emergency contact numbers, including local emergency services, parents or guardians of troop members, and any necessary medical professionals. Ensure that everyone in the troop knows where to find this information.

4. Assessing the Situation: In the event of an emergency or injury, begin by assessing the situation. Ensure the safety of the troop members and determine the severity of the injury. If necessary, call for medical assistance immediately.

5. Stabilize and Comfort: Provide immediate care by stabilizing the injured person and providing comfort. This may involve keeping them calm, applying pressure to a wound to stop bleeding, or supporting a limb that may be injured.

6. Basic First Aid: Administer basic first aid techniques as required, such as cleaning and dressing wounds, applying ice packs for swelling, or assisting with minor burns. Remember to follow proper hygiene practices and use personal protective equipment when providing care.

7. Evacuation and Transport: If the injury or emergency requires medical attention beyond the scope of basic first aid, determine the need for evacuation and transport. Follow appropriate protocols and coordinate with medical professionals or emergency services as needed.

8. Communication: Keep troop members, parents or guardians, and relevant adult leaders informed about any emergencies or injuries that occur during the camping trip. Ensure that there is clear communication and regular updates to alleviate concerns and provide necessary information.

9. Follow-Up Care: After providing initial first aid, make sure to educate troop members and their parents or guardians about any necessary follow-up care. Provide guidance on wound care, medication administration, or any other instructions given by medical professionals.

10. Review and Learn: Conduct a debriefing session with the troop to review the handling of the emergency and identify areas for improvement. Encourage troop members to share their experiences, ask questions, and learn from the situation to enhance their overall safety knowledge.

Remember, staying calm and acting swiftly is important during emergencies. By being prepared with the necessary training, supplies, and protocols, you can ensure the safety and well-being of your Girl Scout troop during a camping trip.

Cleaning Up and Departing

As your Girl Scout camping trip comes to an end, it is important to leave the campsite clean and pristine for future campers and respect the environment you have enjoyed. Here are some important steps to follow when cleaning up and departing:

1. Pack Out Everything: Make sure to leave the campsite exactly as you found it, or even cleaner. Properly dispose of all trash, including food waste, by packing it out and disposing of it in designated garbage bins or facilities. Leave no trace of your presence behind.

2. Recycle: If recycling facilities are available, separate recyclable items such as plastics, glass, or aluminum cans. Encourage troop members to be mindful of their waste and make efforts to minimize non-recyclable materials brought to the campsite.

3. Check the Campfire Area: Ensure that the campfire is fully extinguished, following the guidelines of the campsite. Pour water on the fire and stir the ashes until completely cooled. Remove any remaining firewood, garbage, or debris from the fire pit, leaving it clean and safe for future use.

4. Pack It In, Pack It Out: Perform a thorough sweep of the campsite to ensure that no personal items or gear are left behind. Check for smaller items such as tent stakes, ropes, or any other equipment that may have been scattered during your stay.

5. Clean Cooking and Eating Utensils: Properly clean all cooking and eating utensils, ensuring that they are free of food particles and properly sanitized. Use environmentally friendly dish soap and hot water to wash the utensils, then allow them to air dry before packing them away.

6. Inspect the Area: Conduct a final inspection of the campsite to ensure that no litter or personal belongings are left behind. Look for any items that may have fallen or gotten stuck in nearby vegetation, ensuring that the area is left in its natural state.

7. Express Gratitude: Take a moment to express gratitude to the campground hosts or staff who may have assisted you during your stay. Thank them for their hospitality, and consider leaving a note or card expressing your appreciation for their efforts.

8. Departure Etiquette: When departing, respect quiet hours and any campground-specific guidelines. Be mindful of noise levels and ensure that troop members are considerate of others who may still be camping nearby.

9. Leave Nature as You Found It: Before leaving the campsite, remind troop members of the importance of leaving nature undisturbed. Encourage them to appreciate the beauty of the environment without removing or damaging any natural elements such as plants, rocks, or wildlife.

10. Reflect and Share: Take the opportunity to reflect on the camping experience with the troop members. Discuss the importance of leaving a positive impact on the environment and how they can continue practicing environmentally friendly habits in their everyday lives.

By following these steps, you will ensure that your Girl Scout troop leaves behind a clean and respectful campsite, preserving the natural beauty for others to enjoy. Remember, the principles of leaving no trace and environmental stewardship are essential components of a responsible camping experience.

Planning a Girl Scout camping trip is an exciting and rewarding endeavor that offers girls the opportunity to connect with nature, develop essential skills, and foster lifelong friendships. By following the steps outlined in this comprehensive guide, you can ensure a successful and enjoyable camping experience for your troop.

From choosing the right destination to organizing meals, activities, and safety measures, each aspect of planning contributes to the overall success of your camping trip. Remember to prioritize safety at all times and ensure that adult leaders and troop members are trained in first aid and emergency preparedness.

Encouraging teamwork, leadership skills, and respect for nature are also key components of a Girl Scout camping trip. Provide opportunities for troop members to work together, make decisions, and develop their leadership potential. Promote a sense of responsibility towards the environment by practicing Leave No Trace principles and instilling a respect for nature in troop members.

As you embark on your camping adventure, remember that the journey itself is just as important as the destination. The memories created, skills learned, and friendships formed will have a lasting impact on the girls’ lives. Encourage them to step out of their comfort zones, embrace new experiences, and appreciate the beauty of the great outdoors.

By incorporating these guidelines and infusing your own creativity and personal touch, you can create a memorable and transformative camping experience for your Girl Scout troop. So grab your camping gear, gather your enthusiastic troop, and embark on an adventure that will create lifelong memories.

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How much do your school trips typically cost?

All of our school trips are designed to be all inclusive. Our school trip packages range from $2800 to $6000 depending on the destination, chaperone to student ratio, length of the trip and choices of activities. Contact us at 888-457-4534 or [email protected] to discuss costs.

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Where the Waring year  really  begins

Camping Trip – A Waring School Tradition

An integral part of the Waring experience since the first Camping Trip in 1974.

Dan Wellehan

Camping Trip Coordinator

Four-day Journey into the Outdoors

Camping Trip is much more than a simple Waring tradition.  This four-day journey into the outdoors is where the Waring year  really  begins. Students and faculty  live in cabins as a Tutorial, eat meals together, engage in community service, and partake in spontaneous activities.  The trip is an entrée into what we are and who we are in any given year.

Photo Highlights

New Students Share Favorite Memories

From their first camping trip.

• Camille, Class of 2023 "'Strange, exuberant, ukulele-playing man in a Hawaiian shirt who comes and sings hippie songs.' That’s all the information that I had gathered from various people regarding the legendary Nick Page and his iconic annual performance. Frankly, I was scared. Walking to the Rec. Hall, I really didn’t have any idea what to expect other than the whole school breaking out in song. I didn’t expect that we’d be clapping our hands like maniacs while smiling like the Cheshire Cat. I didn’t expect to laugh like hyenas from the Lion King or that I’d learn that much or feel that much a part of a Waring tradition. Singing and laughing and crying and smiling as a school, a school that I was so nervous to get to be a part of but has this huge sense of overwhelming community. It felt like I finally belonged. Thank you, Nick Page, for helping create a night of making me smile until my cheeks hurt, of making me expose my ugly laugh, of making me clap until my hands turned red, of making me walk in circles singing from my heart, of making me feel a little more like I’m in a place I belong in."
• Una, Class of 2026 "My favorite part of Camping Trip was doing night yoga on the dock. I did this with most of my tutorial, and we had so much fun. We could see the stars and we had only a few flashlights and the light of the moon. We could hear the waves crashing against the dock and distant chatter from people."
• Henry, Class of 2025 "One of my favorite memories on Camping Trip was tutorial time. It was just fun to relax and talk with everyone–anything from stargazing to trying to name 100 languages and eating Starbursts. We would sit on the dock discussing our favorite shows and movies. Another one of my favorite memories was sports (despite the hill). It was nice to have two hours to run and release energy."
• Wilhelmina, Class of 2026 "Going camping for the first time with Waring was amazing. There are so many great memories like listening to Harry Potter read aloud by Francis or playing gaga ball or even eating with everyone. But my favorite moment was gazing up at the stars. When I was looking into the sky, I felt like I was in my own world where I had nothing I had to do and nowhere I had to go. It also brought back memories of me looking up at the stars before. In the few moments of almost silence I felt especially calm, letting all my worries float up into the air, stars dancing in the sky."
• Carter, Class of 2022 "My favorite part of Camping Trip so far was the stuffed shells. If I’m being honest, they were probably the best pasta dish I’ve had in awhile. Also, the meatballs that came with the shells were also pristine. It was a great first meal to have with my tutorial and a great start to Camping Trip."
• Natalia, Class of 2025 "My favorite memory from Camping Trip was singing with Nick Page. We started to get the rhythm of the songs. Then we rotated around each other with a certain spirit I’ve never felt before. Nick Page brought an atmosphere of hope and positivity. It’s like a hovering blanket around everyone near him. There are many people in the world, yet Nick Page could bring happiness for everyone."

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The Essential School Camp Checklist

School camps happen all your round – make sure you and your child are ready.

Each year, school’s all-around Australia organise camping trips to introduce students to the wonders of nature and outdoor adventure activities. School camp is a rite of passage for all kids – big and small, and it’s a fantastic opportunity for students to develop new friendships, skills and interests.

For many kids, it will be their first time being away from home and the comfort of their parents, which is the perfect opportunity to teach them independence. The process should begin with the school camp checklist and handing over the responsibility for packing and organising for the camp.

The school will usually send home a list, and we strongly encourage you to run through the list to add more detail or other necessary/sentimental items. With your child, go through the list and highlight things that need to be bought or borrowed (well before camp to ensure you’re not scrambling last minute!). Organisation is essential. Leaving something important behind could be the difference between a horrible experience and a camp experience they’ll cherish forever.

It’s also an excellent idea for you and your child to practice packing and to unpack the items in their bag with a checklist. This will help them to be aware of what they have and to understand what order is best to pack, such as the essentials at the top so that they can be quickly accessed. This will go a long way to ensuring your child can re-pack at the end of the camp and minimise the chance they will leave something behind. If a sleeping bag is required, have your child practice getting it out, using the zips and packing the sleeping bag away.

According to Dr Christopher Thurber, a clinical psychologist, author, camp consultant and father; “ the most important thing about packing for school camp is to make it a team effort and allow plenty of time to teach your child how to pack. This can also help to ease any nerves about being away from home .”

What to Pack

At the top of the school camp checklist, is luggage – it needs to be big enough to fit everything comfortably, but remember that your child will have to carry the luggage on their own, so make sure it’s not too heavy or too big. One piece of luggage, a sleeping bag and a small backpack for day trips are highly recommended. Mark these with your child’s name, address and phone number. 

• Shorts and t-shirts
• Socks and underwear
• Warm jacket or jumper – if it’s a Winter camp
• Swimming costume
• Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
• Two pairs of sneakers – one old pair for water for camp activities
• Thongs – for showers
• Toiletries, soap, toothpaste, shampoo/conditioner, deodorant, lip balm and insect repellent
• Two towels – bathroom and beach towel
• Pillow and sleeping bag
• Day backpack
• Paper, pens or pencils
• Plastic bags for dirty or wet clothes
• Medication (if required)
• Water bottle
• Pocket money – for souvenirs
• Camera – optional, a waterproof disposable camera is a great idea to capture the memories

Wash all clothing before packing and ensure to mark everything with your child’s name or initials, from socks to soap cases, if something goes missing you’ll want it to be returned without a fuss.

As well as providing unforgettable outdoor adventure school camps , The Collaroy Centre also hosts birthday parties, conferences and retreats. Located conveniently on Sydney’s Northern Beaches on natural bushland with stunning views, The Collaroy Centre is a unique location, perfect for any size event. You can learn more about us on the About page .

You will love it here if this is your camp destination! 

If you have never visited and stayed, we guarantee you won’t want to leave.  Book a personal tour of the site to see for yourself! Or visit our Virtual Tour here .

Grade 6 Camping Trip

Camp squanto 2024.

June 10 th  through June 14 th  2023

Each year, during the month of June, the entire sixth grade from Hanover Middle School participates in an outdoor education camping trip. We are now undergoing the planning and preparation for this year’s trip to Camp Squanto in Plymouth, Massachusetts.

Camp Squanto is a certified camp owned and operated by the Boy Scouts of America, Old Colony Council. Hanover Middle School leases the entire facility for the entire sixth grade.

Camp News Updates

• Hanover Middle School Grade 6 Camp Squanto Trip Medication Update, March 25, 2024
• Hanover Middle School Grade 6 Camp Squanto Chaperones, March 22, 2024
• Hanover Middle School Grade 6 Camp Squanto Trip Medication Information, March 22, 2024
• Hanover Middle School Camp Squanto Meeting and Candy Delivery Reminder, March 15, 2024

Camp and Planning Information

Students should arrive at Hanover Middle School with their luggage and gear no earlier than 8:00 am and no later than 8:20 am on Monday, June 10, 2024. As you can imagine, there are countless details that the teachers and staff must address on that morning. There are no provisions for student supervision prior to 8:00 am. Students should report directly to the cafeteria after their luggage and gear are dropped off at their homeroom’s designated spot.

Students must have their names on everything they bring to camp, including luggage and sleeping bags. In the event of inclement weather, please safeguard luggage and sleeping bags in large trash bags that are properly labeled.

All medications must be hand delivered by a parent/guardian in its original container to Nurse Kristen Crowley ( [email protected] ) or Nurse Beth MacDougall ( [email protected] ).

Students must be in their homerooms at 8:25 am for attendance.

At 8:30 am, students will board school buses to depart for Camp Squanto.

The front of HMS must be kept open for several equipment trucks, nine school buses, and several smaller support vehicles. There will be NO PLACE for parents to park and stay. Parents are asked to drop off their children and leave the middle school parking lot to allow others in. There will be over 200 students with their luggage arriving simultaneously, and we must keep traffic flowing. Please say your goodbyes in advance.

Cell Phones

Students will not be able to call home. Students may NOT bring CELL PHONES to camp. The camp phone number (which is an unmanned answering machine) is 508-224-2010, and it is for EMERGENCY use only! In the event of an emergency, contact with the camp should be made through the Hanover Middle School office.

Personal Belongings

Please check that all personal belongings are marked with the owner’s name and tag all items, such as duffel bags and sleeping bags, with names as well. If there is any item of concern or any other major health precaution, please contact Hanover Middle School and talk with the school nurse, who will note the necessary information and make sure the necessary steps are taken.

The busses carrying the students and their luggage back to school will arrive at HMS at approximately 11:40 am. All other students at HMS will be dismissed at 11:00 am, so we kindly appreciate the cooperation of all parents/guardians picking up their child to NOT arrive at the middle school prior to 11:20 am. Thank you in advance! We’re asking parents to pick up their child and luggage and leave the middle school as quickly as possible. Parents need to make sure their children pick up ALL of their luggage and equipment. Any and all medications brought to camp by students can only be picked up in the HMS nurse’s office by parents/guardians. To make this a smooth transition, the cooperation of all parents/guardians and students will once again be required.

Suggested Equipment List

• Backpack or string bag
• Refillable water bottle
• Long sleeve shirt/sweatshirt
• Rain poncho or light jacket if the forecast suggests rain
• WEAR SNEAKERS!

Camp Resources

• Directions to Camp Squanto
• Camp Squanto Web Page

If you have any questions, please call the Hanover Middle School at 781-871-1122 during school hours.

30 Must-Have Items for Your Camping Packing List

Are you planning your next adventure and compiling your camping packing list? Striking a balance between over-packing and under-packing for a camping trip can be a daunting task—after all, you want to be adequately prepared, but you also don’t want to have to lug around unnecessary gear. 

To help you out, I’ve rounded up the top camping essentials for tent camping, cabin camping, and RV camping so you can check the items off your list and set off on your adventure with confidence. 

Top Ten Items for Your Tent Camping Packing List

Tent camping is the most “rugged” form of camping and requires well thought-out, efficient packing. This is especially true if you’re backpacking and need to carry your gear with you. Appropriate supplies will ensure a comfortable and safe adventure. 

Packing your tent might seem obvious, but you never know what supplies might get lost in your packing shuffle! Your tent will be your home for the duration of your camping trip, so make sure to bring it. No one wants to make their way out to their site, only to find out that they have nothing to sleep in at night. 

• Tent Footprint
•  Stakes

2. Sleeping Bag

If your tent is your house while you’re camping, then your sleeping bag is your bed. Make sure to add a sleeping bag to your camping packing list since a miscellaneous assortment of blankets won’t cut it in the cold. 

• Sleeping pad 
•  Camping pillow

3. Fire Starter

A fire starter is an absolute must for camping, especially in a tent. Fire will allow you to keep warm, cook food, and even signal for help in the case of an emergency. Remember, a fire starter is not the wood itself, so you’ll need to bring wood, purchase wood onsite, or gather wood where it’s permitted. Many campgrounds do not allow you to bring your own firewood, so always check ahead of time. 

I personally bring multiple types of fire starter, including a Bic lighter, fireproof matches, and a little flint kit. It might seem like overkill but since I always keep them in my hiking pack anyway, and because they are lightweight, it doesn’t burden me in terms of pack weight or convenience.

• Duraflame Log—this is the easiest way to get a nice hot fire started in my experience. I don’t go on a single trip without one!

Read Next: How to Build a Campfire

4. Pocket Knife

A pocket knife or multitool like a Swiss Army Knife will always come in handy when you’re on a camping trip. They can be used for nearly anything, including tent repairs, opening food supplies, and collecting kindling. 

5. Cooking Set 

While you can live on trail mix, canned beans, and assorted pre-packed snack foods, camping in a tent is much more enjoyable with good food. Bring a cooking set designed for tent camping so you can enjoy hot fireside meals that provide more sustenance than a pack of Pringles. 

Also Pack: 

I’m a camping cooking minimalist and like to prepare potatoes or fish by wrapping them in tinfoil and throwing them on the fire. I promise, it’s delicious!

6. Lighting 

I never realize just how dark nighttime is until I’m gracelessly tripping over tree roots and rocks at oh-dark-hundred on a camping trip. Pack a flashlight with extra batteries on your next camping trip to avoid any unexpected trips, falls, and tumbles. 

• Lanterns 
• Head lamp 

7. First Aid Kit 

It goes without saying that a well-stocked first aid kit is essential to tent camping, or any camping trip at all. There are prepackaged first aid kits at outlets like REI that include coagulation medicines (to promote blood clotting), antiseptic ointments, anti-inflammatory pills, and more. It is always better to be prepared in the case of an emergency. 

8. Water Bottle 

Water bottles are essential to bring on your tent camping trip, whether your campsite has running water or not. If you’re camping at a site that doesn’t have running water, you’ll want to fill your water bottle with the larger containers of water that you bring with you. 

• Water filtration system if you plan on drinking creek water
• Thermos for tea or coffee
• Coffee making setup (if you’re a caffeine fiend like me)

9. Hiking Pack

It’s safe to say that if you’re going on a tent camping trip, you’ll probably be doing some hiking too. Bring a hiking pack that’s been professionally fitted to your torso and waist. This will make sure it is comfortable for you to wear and use. It also does double duty by holding some of your other essential camping supplies. 

10. Weather-Appropriate Clothing

We’ve all driven out to a campsite wearing sweats, hoodies, and fuzzy socks, but these clothing items aren’t the only ones you’ll want to pack for your trip. Make sure to bring weather-appropriate clothing, both for the temperature itself and any forecasts calling for rain, snow, or unusual heat. 

• Base Layers 
• Hiking Socks

Read Next: Camping 101 for Beginners Guide

Top Ten Items for Your Cabin Camping Packing List

If you’re planning a cabin camping trip, chances are you’re looking for comfort levels that fall somewhere between tent camping and glamping. It’s one of my favorite ways to camp when I’m looking for the benefit that only four walls (and a space heater) can provide.

Because cabin camping is more accommodating than tent camping, you’ll want to bring some extra supplies to make the most of your trip. 

1. Bedding Linens

Cabins have at least one bed frame and mattress set up, and some even include  extra bunk beds. What they don’t provide are clean linens, so bring your own sheets, pillows, comforter, and blankets. 

2. Toiletries

Cabin campsites also have showers included in either the cabin itself or in their communal bathrooms, so make the most of this opportunity for hygiene by adding basic toiletries to your camping packing list. Soap, a toothbrush, and toothpaste are basic necessities you won’t want to forget, and I like to bring dry shampoo in place of liquid shampoo and conditioner to quickly freshen up my hair. I hate having a cold, wet scalp while out camping. 

Also pack: 

• Your own towels and washcloth

3. Chargers for Your Electronics 

If your cabin has outlets, you’ll want to bring chargers for your cell phone, tablet, or laptop (if you bring them and there is Wifi or you’re using a hotspot). 

• A portable charger bank 

4. Entertainment

Camping in a cabin has its perks, including a sheltered space to enjoy some games after the sun has set. Pack board games, books, and even a laptop that has pre-downloaded shows and movies, in case your campsite doesn’t have a data signal you can use with a hotspot. 

5. Lanterns and Flashlights

Even if your cabin has indoor lighting, it’s still a good idea to bring lanterns and flashlights on your trip. They will provide lighting at your fireside picnic table and on your way to the nearest restroom facility if you need to leave the cabin for that

6. Wood and Fire Starters

Wood and fire starters aren’t as essential to cabin camping trips as they are to tent camping trips, since the cabins naturally provide insulation and shelter from the elements. However, they’re still very helpful to bring with you for staying warm after dark and for cooking. 

• Cooking Grate

Pro Tip: Some campgrounds will already have cooking grates. Be sure to check before you head out. 

7. Kitchen Tools and Utensils 

Some campgrounds have  communal outdoor cooking stations that provide stovetops and outlets for your kitchen gadgets. Check for your campsites amenities before you embark, and even if your campsite doesn’t have a cooking station, still bring basic cookware. You’d be surprised how much you can cook over a campfire!

Items like a cast iron skillet, dutch oven, spatulas, and tongs will be very handy. Also bring bowls, plates, and basic utensils. 

8. Food and Drinks 

Your options for food and drink are expanded when you’re camping in a cabin. Take the opportunity to pack delicious, cookable food in a cooler and get to cooking. You can also bring chilled drinks of your choice, which I highly recommend. 

• S’mores supplies 

9. Storage and Disposal Items 

The rule “leave no trace” applies as much to cabin camping as it does to tent camping. Bring trash bags, Ziplocs, and a cooler to ensure that all your belongings stay contained and are properly disposed of before you leave the campsite. 

Cash is king in the camping world. It’s  especially useful when you’re staying at a campground.  Often there is a general store onsite where you can pick up any supplies you forgot, snacks, and even movie night admission out on their lawn.

Top Ten Items for Your RV Camping Packing List

When it comes to packing for an RV camping trip, you won’t necessarily have the amenities of a cabin campsite, which will warrant you bringing some tent camping supplies, but you will have the comfort and protection similar to a cabin. Another complicating factor? Your RV is a home-on-wheels with needs both similar to and different from your family vehicle. Be sure to pack the following:

1. Drinking Water Hose

A drinking water hose is a must-have for RV camping. It allows you to connect to potable water sources and have running water in your RV. This will be what you drink, cook, and bathe with, so be sure you don’t leave without yours. 

2. Surge Protector

Safeguarding the electronics in your RV is a good idea, especially when you’re out in a rural area on a camping trip. Bring a surge protector to guard against any unexpected power surges from your RV’s power source—phenomena such as lightning strikes can cause a surge that damages your RV’s electronics. It’s a preventable way to prevent any shocking accidents on your camping trip. (Pun intended!)

3. RV Bathroom Supplies

One of the perks of camping in an RV is that you have a built-in bathroom—no need to trek out in the dark to use a Port-A-Potty in the middle of the night. Bring toilet paper that is septic tank friendly, a sewer kit, and appropriate RV toilet chemicals to keep your bathroom running smoothly. 

4. Tire Pressure Gauge

You never know what could happen when driving your RV out to your campsite, so bring a tire pressure gauge to keep an eye on your tires. Whether it’s a nail on the road  or cold weather causing a decrease in pressure, your tire pressure gauge will alert you to any complications so you can drive with peace of mind. 

• Tire Patching Kit
• Spare Tires
• AAA card 

5. Motor Oil and Transmission Fluid 

It’s also a good idea to bring some extra motor oil and transmission fluid. After all, your RV is a recreational vehicle and benefits from practical car supplies like your everyday vehicle at home. 

6. Kitchen Essentials

Because your RV is like a home on wheels, you can expand your camping trip kitchen pack list to include all the goods. Skillets, saucepans, cutting boards, cutlery, utensils, dishes, and a water pitcher, are all items that you might want to bring. 

You can also pack perishable foods (hooray!) since your RV likely has a built-in fridge.

7. Cleaning Supplies

RV’s are confined spaces and can quickly get dirty while on the road. Bring general cleaning supplies to keep your RV neat. Trash bags, all-purpose cleaner, toilet bowl brushes, and a dustpan all come in handy when you’re out at a campground. 

8. First Aid Kit 

First aid kits are essentials on my list for all different types of camping, but it’s worth noting that you’ll want to pack a couple extra items if you’ll be camping in an RV. 

A fire extinguisher is a must-have for kitchen fires and electrical fires, so pack a miniature one designed to fit under a kitchen sink when you set out on your adventure. I also recommend more intensive items like splints, saline solution, and thermometers—all items you might leave behind if you were tent camping or cabin camping.

9. Tool Kit 

In addition to a first aid kit, you should also bring a tool kit with you while on an RV camping trip. 

Basic tools allow you to repair small issues in the RV and are also multipurpose when hiking and exploring. Consider packing a hammer, nails, screws, screwdrivers, an Allen wrench, and duct tape on your next trip.

10. Bedding and Clothing 

RV camping is the type of adventure where you can bring a range of comfortable clothes. 

In addition to bringing your favorite PJ’s and lounge clothes for relaxing inside the vehicle, you should also pack hiking clothes (including good base layers, outer layers, and socks), swimsuits for any campsite swimming pools or nearby designated swimming areas, and even fancier clothes for taking photos while you’re sightseeing.

Whatever way you decide to set up camp on your next adventure, use these items to create your camping packing list and rest assured knowing you have the essentials that will keep you comfortable, safe, and equipped for whatever your trip may bring. 

Read Next: RVing: The Best Way to Experience National Parks

Hannah McKelson is a content writer and California-based adventurer hiking and camping her way across the West Coast. She loves tracking down the best-kept secrets of the beaches, forests, and mountains in her home state while sharing her adventures through her writing. You can follow her travels on social media @hannahmckelson and on her website at hannahmckelson.com.

Photo credit: Tyler Way

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This Zion Campground Was Just Voted The Best Of 2024

• Zion Wright Range Eco-Camp in Utah won the 2024 Hipcamp Award for best all-around campground in the USA.
• Cedar Bloom, Finnon Lake Recreation Area, Ten Sleep Brewing Co., and Shangri La Push were runners-up in the contest.
• Hipcamp Awards utilize a bird's-eye view approach, considering a campground's popularity, reviews, ratings, and pet-friendliness.

The United States has countless excellent campsites scattered (and frequently hidden away) throughout the country. But which ones are the best? Hipcamp Awards are an attempt to help avid campers find the best spots in the country.

The winner for 2024 was Zion Wright Range Eco-Camp not far from Kolob Arch, the second-largest natural arch in the USA . Here's what to know about Hipcamp's best all-around campground and how to book it.

Hipcamp's Best All-Around Campground Awards

Hipcamp uses a massive amount of data for over 500,000 sites to see which are the best all-round campgrounds in the usa.

Hipcamp compiles bookings, reviews, and ratings data from over 500,000 available sites. Its Best All-Around Campground award in the US takes a bird's-eye view to determine which sites people are enjoying the most. While every camping experience is different, and various people have different preferences, most will likely agree that Hipcamp's list of the best campsites is indeed excellent.

To qualify for a 2024 Hipcamp Award , a property must have been live and unpaused on their website as of 1 January 2024, have an average property-wide Hipcamper recommendation rate for 2023 of 95% or more, and have had three or more completed bookings in 2023. In addition, thousands of Hipcamper reviews and ratings are considered along with other factors for specific categories.

Hipcamp Awards are given out across the United States, Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

The 10 Best Places Around The World To Go Camping In October

Zion wright range eco-camp, utah - the best all-around campground, offering rarely-seen views of zion, the off-the-grid zion wright range eco-camp and its 50 campsites was named the best all-round in the usa.

"This off the grid ranch has some of the most stunning views you'll ever encounter. Want a little adventure during your stay? Reserve a 2-hour horseback ride with Bill. He'll finish your ride with one of the most breathtaking vistas you can find of Zion National Park." - Hipcamp

Coming in at the top spot for America's Best All-Around Campground is Zion Wright Range Eco-Camp in Virgin, Utah. Here, visitors can relax and camp for $35 per night (plus taxes) and select from the campground's 50 tent and RV sites.

The campground offers spaced-out sites (with bathrooms onsite). Plan in advance as with only 50 campsites, the campground could easily sell out.

Zion Wright Ranch Eco-Camp Profile:

• Price: From $35 per night
• Location: Virgin, Utah (near Zion National Park)
• Number of campsites: 50 tent/RV sites

Zion Wright Range Eco-Camp is located over the grid and is an eco-oriented camp set on 1200 acres overlooking Zion National Park (America's 3rd most popular national park according to NPS stats ).

The Wright family, owning the campground, has also owned the land for over 150 years and has chosen to open up their majestic piece of paradise with rarely-seen views of Zion to campers.

Here, campers are only a few minutes from some of Zion's famous backcountry trails in the Kolob Terrace region and only 40 minutes from the main gate of Zion National Park.

Campers can bring their pouch and relax around the campfire (pets and campfires are permitted).

Costs & Where To Do It: 10 Things To Know About Camping In Zion National Park

The top five runners-up, the next five best all-round campsites are in oregon, california, wyoming, and washington.

Hipcamp Awards named Cedar Bloom, located at Cave Junction in Oregon, the second-best all-around campground in the US. Cedar Bloom is intended as a place for peace and healing, and it hosts the annual Spirit Weavers women's gathering in June (over 1,200 women attend). It is nestled in stunning forested land and is a great place for everyone from all walks of life to come and relax.

2nd: Cedar Bloom, Oregon:

• Cost: From $55/night
• Number of campsites: 60 tent/RV sites and 6 glamping sites.

3rd: Finnon Lake Recreation Area , California

• Cost: From $30/night
• Number of campsites: 12 RV/tents sites with 6 tent-only sites

4th: Ten Sleep Brewing Co. , Wyoming

• Cost: From $18/night
• Number of campsites: 12 RV/tent sites and 5 RV-only sites

5th: Shangri La Push , Washington

• Cost: From $36/night
• Number of campsites: 11 RV/tent sites

Finnonn Lake Recreation Area in Placerville, California; Ten Sleep Brewing Co. in Ten Sleep, Wyoming; and Shangri La Push in Forks, Washington, took the third, fourth, and fifth spots, respectively. Hipcamp lists all six of the top six campgrounds as pet-friendly.

Need More Camping Inspo?

Many people love to "get back to nature" but many also don't want to get back to nature too much. For them, there are plenty of glamping options around the United States, including fantastic glamping in Zion National Park .

Those who would like to camp on the beach can select from a bucket-list of beach camping destinations to sleep under the stars .

The Scottish Tories had tabled a motion of no confidence in the first minister.

Douglas Ross said: "Faced with our vote of no confidence, the SNP leader has quit rather than face a humiliating defeat."

While he stressed that "on a personal level, I wish Humza Yousaf and his family well" he added his party "cannot forgive the damage he did to families and households across Scotland by raising taxes, letting NHS waiting lists spiral and attacking free speech".

Mr Ross added: "The next first minister must abandon the nationalist obsession with independence and focus solely on Scotland's top priorities, such as creating jobs and improving our ailing public services."

Scotland's First Minister Humza Yousaf could be set to announce his resignation at a news conference in half an hour's time.

The SNP leader triggered a crisis at Holyrood after he dramatically brought the power-sharing deal with the Scottish Greens to an end.

The backlash plunged Mr Yousaf's future into doubt.

How did we get here?

The Bute House Agreement - signed back in 2021 and named after the first minister's official residence in Edinburgh - brought the Green Party into government for the first time anywhere in the UK.

It gave the SNP a majority at Holyrood when the votes of its MSPs were combined with those of the seven Green members, and also made Green co-leaders Patrick Harvie and Lorna Slater junior ministers.

Without it, the SNP would need to have operated as a minority administration at Holyrood.

What caused the relationship to sour?

There had been mounting tensions between the largest party at Holyrood and their junior partners in government.

The Greens were angered at the SNP-led administration's recent decision to ditch a key climate change target.

That, combined with the decision to pause the prescription of new puberty blockers to under-18s at Scotland's only gender clinic, resulted in the Greens announcing they would have a vote on the future of the power-sharing deal. 

What brought things to a head?

Mr Yousaf decided to pull the plug on the agreement - arguing it had "served its purpose" - prompting a major fallout with his former allies, who vowed to back a no-confidence motion in his leadership proposed by Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross.

Scotland's First Minister Humza Yousaf has arrived at Bute House, his official residence in Edinburgh, ahead of a news conference on his political future at midday.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has said the situation with Humza Yousaf and the SNP in Scotland is "absolute chaos" as he called for a "fresh start".

Sir Keir said: "I despair at the situation in Scotland. It's absolute chaos now from the Scottish parliament, from the SNP. So you've got chaos in the Scottish parliament, chaos in the Westminster parliament."

He said the Scottish people have been "fundamentally let down" and "all the SNP can offer is chaos".

He added: "We've got to turn the page on this now - we need that general election and a fresh start."

Sir Keir Starmer has welcomed MP and psychiatrist Dr Dan Poulter to the Labour Party after he quit the Tories in anger over the NHS crisis.

The former Conservative health minister and part-time working medic made the shock announcement on Saturday, saying Rishi Sunak's government was "failing" the NHS and he could no longer "look my NHS colleagues in the eye" as a Tory.

"The health service has ceased to be an area of priority for the Conservative Party, and that is now showing in the strain on the front line and the deterioration of care for patients," he said, adding "the only cure is a Labour government".

The Scottish National Party faces "a difficult day", its former deputy leader has said, amid expectations Humza Yousaf will resign as Scotland's first minister.

Speaking at a Resolution Foundation event, John Swinney, one of the frontrunners to take over from Mr Yousaf, said: "I think it's probably best at this stage if I let the first minister speak for himself to set out his position."

The MSP for Perthshire North added: "I'm quite sure more has to be said in the course of the rest of the day and the rest of the week."

Campaigners, bereaved relatives and famous faces are due to gather outside parliament today ahead of a debate on assisted dying.

Broadcaster Jonathan Dimbleby, who has called the law "increasingly unbearable" after the death of his younger brother Nicholas, who suffered with motor neurone disease, is expected to be among the high-profile figures present.

Others including Dame Susan Hampshire and campaigner Peter Tatchell are said to be joining calls for a change to the law ahead of the Westminster Hall debate.

A petition for a debate garnered more than 200,000 signatures and has been backed by journalist and campaigner Dame Esther Rantzen, who has stage four lung cancer and revealed in December she has joined the assisted dying clinic Dignitas.

Humza Yousaf will give a news conference at Bute House at midday today.

He will make an announcement at his official residence in Edinburgh about his future as Scotland's first minister.

It comes as he faces two votes of no confidence, one from the Scottish Conservatives and another from Scottish Labour, which has tabled one for the Scottish government as a whole.

Humza Yousaf is expected to make an announcement later today on his future as Scotland's first minister, according to the SNP's former deputy leader John Swinney.

Asked if he could be the next SNP leader, Mr Swinney said: "There's a lot to happen today, and we'll wait to hear what the first minister's got to say."

Mr Yousaf faces two votes of no confidence after ending the SNP's powersharing agreement with the Scottish Greens.

One comes from the Scottish Conservatives and the other from Scottish Labour, which has tabled one for the Scottish government as a whole, with votes expected at Holyrood this week.

Humza Yousaf showed "very poor judgement" in ending the powersharing deal between the SNP and the Scottish Green Party, co-leader Lorna Slater tells Sky News.

Ms Slater says Mr Yousaf only has himself to blame if he loses his job.

She says: "I think he showed very poor judgement to suddenly collapse a pro-independence majority government when we'd worked together really well for two and a half years, we'd achieved some great things... and he just threw that away all of a sudden."

Asked why Mr Yousaf ended the agreement, she says: "I think he was under pressure from the conservative and reactionary right wing of his party.

"The SNP has always been quite a broad church. But Humza Yousaf had been leading a proudly progressive government and we were proud to be part of that."

Asked if an election would benefit her party, she says it "does remain to be seen" but adds the party has been polling well in the past couple of years.

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