1.  Various sizes of dry firewood

2.  Newspapers/fire starters

3.  Flashlight for each camper

4.  Camping stove

5.  Comfortable sleeping bags 

Air mattress!!!  Seriously!  The kids can keep the sleeping bags, but this happy momma needs to have a rock-free sleeping zone.  The tiniest pebble becomes a boulder when you are trying to get comfy.  

Other than that, the kiddos LOVE to bring flashlights.  

Oh, and a dustpan/broom.  I was amazed at how grubby the inside of the tent got. 

I am totally with you on the air mattress.  My kids are young - they can handle sleeping bags on the ground. But these old bones need comfort!

I also like to have a lantern that can be a central light at night.  Everyone has their own flashlights, but we always keep a lantern on the table.

“

Rachel said ...
Air mattress!!!  Seriously!  The kids can keep the sleeping bags, but this happy momma needs to have a rock-free sleeping zone.  The tiniest pebble becomes a boulder when you are trying to get comfy.  

Other than that, the kiddos LOVE to bring flashlights.  

Oh, and a dustpan/broom.  I was amazed at how grubby the inside of the tent got. 

”

A GOOD tent! Or several...we never like all cramming into one!

1. We give each of our children (both under 5) a plastic tub with secure lid for toys.  Let them decide what goes in then attach a list of contents to the inside of the lid.
2. Good quality sleeping bags and sleeping mats.
3. Bug repellent and a mosquito clicker - this is a little device that you put on bug bites to stop the itch, it is brilliant. http://www.intelligenthealthsystems.com.au/mosquito_click/
4. Torches, head torches, batteries and more torches.
5. Good quality cooking equipment.  Buy the best you can find - this is not necessarily the most expensive but you need good pots, pans and dishes.  They are going to get knock around and dropped.

1. planned menus (sounds like a no-brainer, right?  We've not planned very well for meals in the past -big mistake!)

2. Great Big Quality Tent

3. Rain gear - tarps, umbrellas, boots

4. a fun activity or 2 to do as a family (I always research before we go what there is to do locally) - we love to Geo-cache!

5. a fantastic attitude - don't let a change in plans ruin your trip!

Lots of snacks.