@Rodney Thompson Outdoor Skills LOL, yes, I bring a rubber-backed welcome mat that fits under the fly over the door, a camping pack mini dust broom, and a pan to keep it cleaner, and use in the tent if necessary also.

@Rodney Thompson Outdoor Skills As much as my hubby slightly rolled his eyes at first, now he makes sure it's there. Very handy, especially when camping with kiddos or in dry conditions.

@Maren Bruun without.

@Rodney Thompson Outdoor Skills There's a pretty large pack that runs in the park and neighborhood here as well. It is amazing how many different sounds they can make, and the racket when they all go together.

Absolutely. Helpig to make the way easier for someone else is a joy. I would've loved to read all those comments before taking our little tykes out.

@Stacey Coley Agreed.

@Maren Bruun Always duct tape!

@Michael Lohse I used to bring one always. May have to buy a new piece. not sure which kid had turned it into a shade holder over the hammock they did most of their homeschooling in!

1 First aid kit, and have a first aid session in the yard, the what-if scenario could be on a stuffed animal. Simple, what do you do with a cut and dirt in it, step 1, 2, and 3, remember the clean up and put the kit back where it belongs. When first aid is fun, any injuries go more smoothly. 2 Every one gets their own water bottle, and they are different designs- 1 ownership of their own water intake, review how much you want them to get in by what time of day (2 pm and 3/4 of the day's needs is what we did). It also helps you see quickly who has not been hydrating through the day; lots of headaches and fatigue are averted. Everyone gets their own day pack, help keeps their stuff in one place in the tent, and can be checked before hikes for water and snack, rain jacket, or other needed protection. 3 People generally eat more when outside and active all day. Bring more than regular amounts of food, and make sure to pick things they all like. Also, single-serving packaged food is essential for kids on hikes. Having a veggie and cracker or cheese plate while dinner is being made calms many in the wild hour before dinner. 4 Everybody gets to pick a camp job, have a list ready, and help with group chores, for set-up, clean up, take down. This is great to go over the week before. Tommy's Camp Job in the Golden Books may be helpful.