Camping with Kiddos

Camping

with Kiddos

ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY JESSICA CARTWRIGHT

Not everyone is a camper; but if you are, then you know there’s nothing like it. Sleeping under the stars, spending all day in nature, feet in the dirt, smelling the trees.

We started camping with our daughter when she was about 4 months old. To be honest, aside from the whole getting-out-of-the-house thing (one time it started pouring and we just turned back), camping with a non-mobile infant is rather easy. They sleep, feed and hang. If you already have a bit of a camping groove, then just bring a couple of extras and you’re good to go.

Note: Having a sound machine for the tent can also really help (which at first seemed super counterintuitive to me). One thing I didn’t initially consider is that, just because your babe is ready for bed, it doesn’t mean the rest of the campground is. People are having fun and can be loud. Plus, sticking to a little bit of your home routine (for a child of any age) can be soothing and helpful.

Once our baby became a toddler and started walking, things got truly interesting. We spent one weekend at the stunning Cliff and Wade campground, right on the lake, and the weather oscillated between hailing and temperatures of 105 degrees in the tent (so much for naps in there). I also made a HUGE rookie mistake of not bringing our carrier, so we walked around incredibly exhausted trying to get our daughter to fall asleep while she was tied to me with a sheet. It was intense.

Picture a barely walking toddler running toward lakes, disappearing in bushes, almost falling off tables. On the flip side, it was also one of our most memorable weekends. Our daughter had never been happier running around, free in nature, exploring and eating dirt to her heart’s content.

It’s gotten easier as she’s gotten older and understands boundaries. I’ve also gotten more flexible. I know that we might have to get in the car and go for a bit of a drive to get her to nap. I also know that bedtime isn’t really a thing when daylight lasts forever and the rest of the campground is having fun. One parent told me you always have to go for two nights. The first night they stay up for what feels like forever. But by the second night, they’re so tired that they pass out and you can actually relax and enjoy the fire.

While I do find camping with really little ones to be exhausting (I should probably also add here that we’re tent campers, which is different than having a camper), it’s also led to some of our most cherished family moments. You find a groove.

Our kid looks forward to camping the way most kids probably feel about Disney World, and for that I’m happy. It’s so worth it.

But word to the wise: Come home a little early to decompress, because if you’re anything like me, you’ll be content, yet exhausted once you get home.

TO BRING: » Camp clothes that can get totally trashed » So many layers » Somewhere safe for your baby or toddler to hang for a bit » DockATot or Pack n’ Play in lieu of a crib » A battery-operated nightlight for middle of the night wakings or helping your kid feel safer » First aid kit

and Little Shots SOCCER Little Shots SOCCER

SPOTS: There are so many recreation spots in this state! If you’re willing to venture an hour or more out of town, you’ll likely have an easier time finding spots. The Lewis and Clark campground, which is close to Bozeman, is flat, open and even has a playground. Super family friendly!

Your best bet is to take the time to scout out spots you like, write down the campsite number and then book in advance. Sometimes that’s a week; sometimes it’s six months out. A little planning can mean a lot less stress.

Summer Camp | M-F, 8:30am-4:30pm | Starts June 14

Ages 3-5 and 6-11 • Sibling discounts available At Summer Camp, kids will participate in group fitness classes, gym play, swimming and play zone fun. Camp counselors and fitness instructors are trained to give your child a safe, exciting summer and will help build a foundation for a healthy and active life! Sign up for the whole summer or individual days. CAMP RATES:

Members $60 full day/$35 half day Non-Members $70 full day/$40 half day WEEKLY: Members $260 | Non-Members $310

Little Shots Soccer | M/W 3-3:45pm or T/Th 10-10:45am

Jessica Cartwright is a mama, birth doula and co-founder of Our Yoga, Yoga For The Whole Family. She is a certified yoga instructor who specializes in prenatal, postpartum and baby yoga. She is also a featured writer for Elephant Journal, So Much Yoga and BOHO Daily. Kids ages 3-5 will learn the fundamentals of soccer through fun games and activities in a non-competitive environment. Visit Schedulicity for schedules.

CAMP RATES:

Members $75 | Non-Members $90

Register on Schedulicty or call (406) 582-4452

4181 Fallon St., Bozeman, MT 59718 (406) 586-1737 • ridgeathletic.com