Family Camping

Happy Camping!

Camping has had a makeover and is becoming increasingly popular, with even the celebrities opting for canvas accommodation. And just because summer is over it doesn’t mean you have to wait until next year to hammer those tent pegs into the ground. Flying Start looks at the growing camping trend and discovers how to take your family camping in style 

Research and statistics show that more and more families are choosing to holiday in Britain rather than go abroad. Reasons for this include the global threat of terrorism and climate change issues. Consumer researcher Mintel has reported a surge in the short break camping holiday and Camping and Caravanning Club membership has increased by ten per cent over the last year. British manufacturer of tents and outdoor equipment Terra Nova has found that families with young children consider protection against the weather as their number one priority when purchasing a tent. However, unsurprisingly, style and design now comes high up in people’s expectations.

The days of “roughing it” in a standard canvas tent are long gone and now British holiday makers expect more from their equipment. Families staying on camping and caravanning club sites are treated to four star facilities and an exceptionally high standard of service. The tents they purchase also reflect this change of attitude to camping. The increase in family camping also supports the government’s drive to encourage children to become more active. Young people are increasingly turning their back on outdoor activities in favour of computer games and television but, due to the nature of camping, are finding new activities in the outdoors. 

Top 10 Tips for Family Camping by Wild Country 
                             
When buying a new tent: 
First decide how many people it will need to accommodate and how many home comforts you will be taking with you so you know how much space you need. If you are planning on using airbeds make sure they will fit in the tent.
Secondly, decide when and where you will be using it. Conditions in the summer are different from those in the spring and autumn when wind and rain is more prevalent. Some tents use steel poles which provide a more rigid structure that will flex less in wind or rain than fibre glass. Fibre glass is often used but will bend more, although it is lighter. Price will generally be a good indicator of performance – don’t be disappointed if a £30 festival tent leaks in a downpour.


If you already own a tent, get it out a month before you are due to go away and check it over. This will give you chance to get any repairs done in plenty of time. If you are buying a new tent, don’t wait until you get to the campsite to put it up for the first time, take time to practice in your garden first. You will be glad of having had a least one run through if it is raining when you arrive at your camp site, or if it is late at night. 
                           
Make a list (and keep a copy) of everything you take. Check over any equipment in plenty of time to make sure it is still working okay. Check airbeds, foot pumps, cooker, gas bottles etc. If you plan to stay on a campsite with facilities, check what is available, shop opening and closing times, plan your first meal with reference to your expected time of arrival. 
                             
Consider where and when you plan to camp. Remember it can be cold at night in mountain areas even in early summer. Check the weather forecast for the area you plan to visit. Take appropriate clothing and ensure your sleeping bags are warm enough for the expected conditions. Ensure you take a first aid kit and include sun block and mosquito/midge repellant.  
                             
When you arrive at your campsite if you have a choice of where you can pitch try and find a flat area not too far from the toilet block (but not too close) and a reasonable distance from the access road. Before you pitch your tent, try to ensure the area is free of anything that will damage the tent groundsheet. 
                             
When you pitch your tent, make sure you peg out all the guy ropes. Just because the weather is good when you arrive, does not mean it will be the same at 3am. It is also a good idea to take a groundsheet protector, or a large piece of polythene to put on the ground underneath your tent. When you come to pack the tent away, you can pack the dirty protector separate from your nice clean tent. It also protects your groundsheets against sharp objects in the ground. 
                             
Make sure children know the layout of the site and how to get back to your tent, point out any landmarks that will help them. 
                             
Some useful things to take with you: telephone number of campsite and directions, first aid kit, at least two (preferably head) torches (and spare batteries), water carrier and water bottles, string, mosquito repellent, wet wipes, waterless hand sanitiser, toilet roll, plastic bags (for muddy boots, rubbish bin etc.) washing tablets, matches, washing up liquid, brush and bowl, tea towel. 
                             
Uncovered inflatable mattresses are cold at night, a blanket on the mattress and under your sleeping bag will add warmth and comfort. 
                         
Fill the kettle with water before going to bed so it is ready for the morning brew. Make sure you put your milk in a pan of cold water overnight to keep fresh(ish) if you don’t have a fridge.    

Camping – the facts & figures 

Almost six per cent of Britains who holidayed in the UK in 2005 stayed in a tent, nearly a one per cent rise on 2000.

Mintel forecasts that the expenditure on domestic holidays will grow by over 18 per cent to reach a value of £11billion by 2010.
                                
18 per cent of all families have been on a camping holiday in the past three years.
                                
ABC socio economic groups are the most likely to have been on a camping holiday (between 14 per cent and 17 per cent of people – AB being slightly higher than C1 and C2).
                                
20 per cent of people aged ten - 44 are likely to have been on a camping holiday.

23 per cent of families with two earners have been on a camping holiday.

20 per cent of families with working mothers have been on a camping holiday.

22 per cent of families with ten – 14 year olds have been on a camping holiday.

19 per cent of families with parents aged 35 have been on a camping holiday.

37 per cent consider good local cuisine as the essential element for an enjoyable holiday.

Nearly 60 per cent make their own travel/accommodation arrangements.