The camping trip I posted about a couple of weeks ago was really fun. I’m glad it turned out that way. Leading up to it, I was really nervous that it wouldn’t go well and I’d never get my family to go camping again.
After we setup the tent and I spent nearly an hour and a half with a foot pump borrowed from an exercise ball I bought a couple years back I realized that Be Prepared Thing #1 was get a better pump for air mattresses.  I later learned that the portable battery operated ones work pretty well.
Next it was time to cook dinner.  I was excited to use the propone stove I got for Christmas over 5 years ago. I had only used it once before in the backyard.  We kept things simple by buying some pre-made chicken corn chowder from Costco on the way to camp. Just pour it in a pot, heat it up and serve. We packed some dinner rolls to go with it. Mmmm mmmm good. I quickly learned that there is absolutely no way to light propane stove with out a lighter or a match. NUTS!  Be Prepared Thing #2: If you pack a propane stove, you’d better pack a lighter or matches.  Luckily, the family camping nearby had an extra lighter and gave it to us.  It’s a good thing, I wasn’t sure I wanted to re-admit my mistake the next morning at breakfast too.
We were glad we remembered a few things well. The camera and GPS for geocaching both had batteries this time.  I’ve been known to take the batteries out of the camera for charging and then pack the camera and leave the battery at home. I also started to leave an extra pair of batteries in my bag just in case some run out. However, on my last hike I left that particular bag at home. That reminds me of Be Prepared Thing #3: Put all of your gear in a single place if possible. It’s so much easier to remember things if you can find them easily. It’s easiest to do this after the first time out. When you come home everything is already in you vehicle. Just put it all back in one place. Then find the things you forgot and put them there as well.
I guess that leads to my last piece of advice Be Prepared Thing #4.  Make a list and keep it. It’s easier to keep a running list of things you like to take places.  With a running list you can add to it as you think of them.

Here is mine:
Camping Stuff:
Tent
Small broom
Sleeping bags
Air mattresses
Mattress pump
Pillows
Change of clothes
Sleeping clothes (being clean when you sleep feels so good)
Slip-on water proof shoes – like crocs
Jackets – especially in the morning

Cooking Stuff:
Stove
Fuel
Wood if campfires are allowed/wanted
Fire Starter
Lighter
Hot Dog/Marshmallow Sticks
Pans
Utensils – Spatulas and knifes are great to have
bowls/plates
Paper Towels
Trash Bags
Food
Can-opener if your food is in a can`
Drinks
Snacks
Snacks and Drinks (You can never have enough)
Optional Fun Stuff:
Life Jackets – If you’ll be by a lake
Favorite toys, balls or games
Bikes
Stroller – doubles as a high chair for little ones
Camera
GPS
Extra Batteries
Camp chairs

That’s all I have so far. I’m sure as I get out more I will think of other must have items.  What do you take? Am I missing anything that would make my camping trips better?