Kids will love you for taking them camping
I'm with the American humourist Dave Barry when he said "camping is nature's way of promoting the motel business."
But I'm prepared to give it a shot for the kids' sake and for charity. Every year Big4 offers people a chance to go camping at a greatly reduced rate. Usually fees are around $38 to $50 for a powered campsite but for their Camp and Care on Friday the 16th of November you and the family, or a group of friends can go camping for just $20.
The money then goes to a local charity. For example the Tweed Heads Big4 is donating the money to the The Salvation Army because of all the great work they do in the area.
Most of the participating parks are also hosting additional activities including pancake breakfasts, face painting and BBQs.
And there are some beautiful settings. Conjola Lakeside Van Park nestles the lapping waters of Lake Conjola on the south coast of NSW. It is surrounded by Lake Conjola National Park and, just beyond, fertile green hills where speckled dairy cattle graze. Lake Macquarie Monteray Tourist Park is one of the largest coastal saltwater lakes in the southern hemisphere - four times larger that Sydney Harbour. With its sandy inlets and secluded bays you can go boating and fishing, swimming and snorkeling. BIG4 Sydney Lakeside Holiday Park is a multi award-winning holiday destination which gives you access to Sydney's famous Northern Beaches.
Camping has also been given a facelift over the last few years. There is a growing phenomenon known as glamping. It started as upmarket camping places offering five star tenting accommodation but in these economic times, it now simply means glamping up the usual camping experience because it doesn't have to be all gung ho and uncomfortable.
So here is a list of a few things to take so you will enjoy the experience even more. Perhaps you might have some items to add in the comments section.
Cosy doonas, sheets and memory pillows. If you have to use a sleeping bag think of taking a satin liner.
Ear plugs and eye mask
A well stocked esky including items such as champagne pate and brie.
Coffee plunger and great coffee. Perhaps some Baileys and Kahlua to slip into it.
Real food and not just some snags for the barbie. Think french toast with strawberries and banana for breakfast and marinated steak and asparagus for dinner. You are only limited by your imagination as most of the parks now have great camp kitchens as well as the usual bbqs.
A glass of red usually goes down well while cooking so don't forget the unbreakable glasses
Scented wipes and candles. Citronella ones are good as camping is nature's way of feeding mosquitoes.
Oh yes, and don't forget the kids. They'll have a ball. And they can never accuse you of not taking them camping.
