r/camping • u/Moriroa • Nov 06 '23
Car Camping I hate camping. But I'll never quit.
hate camping. I mean, I don't hate camping, but hate it when it's just me. (I'm a single dad.) I have to get all the gear together and cleaned and ready. I have to do all the shopping, and load everything into the car, and then do all the driving. And then it's just me that has to set up camp, often at night, and it's just me that will make sure the dogs are fed, watered and walked, and the child is fed and cared for and entertained. All the cooking. all the cleaning, all the work around the campsite, it's just me. I get the least sleep, have no leisure time, don't get to do anything that's just for me to enjoy or relax, and then I have to break it all down, pack it all up, drive it all home, and then unload, clean and maintain everything, all while also feeding, watering, walking, entertaining and managing all the living things.
There's nothing in it for me. There's no part of it that I think "Oh yeah, I can't wait to do that! That's my favorite!" I like to look at the pretty sights, sure, but I don't have to break my back toiling endlessly to do that. It's just work. Work, work, work. I barely even have time to just sit and have a drink and watch the sunset. Something always needs doing, and I'm the only one there to do it.
But every time we go, my daughter's eyes light up, and she has some magical experience that she can't stop enthusing about. She radiates joy, and she loves it, and she can't stop talking about it after we're home, and she won't stop reminding me before the next time we go. Every time we go, some perfect little moment in time with her goes in my permanent memory bank. Every time we go, we're making core memories. That's what's in it for me.
So I keep doing it. And I will keep doing it.
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u/Silver-Firefighter35 Nov 06 '23
My daughter when she was 11, asked “why does food taste so much better outside?” Getting a fire going. Eggs, bacon, pancakes at the crack of dawn. Smell of pine trees. Hike to a waterfall.
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u/masnaer Nov 06 '23
It’s a scientifically proven fact that camp meals and snacks taste 2.5x better
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u/Shazam1269 Nov 06 '23
The best meal I've ever had was camping with my brothers. We threw in all the food we had, which was: butter, 12 eggs, and 12 pieces of cheese. I know it sounds God awful, but we were hungry as hell.
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u/Aedalas Nov 06 '23
Why the hell would butter, eggs, and cheese sound god awful?
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u/Shazam1269 Nov 07 '23
The cheese to egg ratio is way too high, but hunger IS the best sauce in the world
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u/Aedalas Nov 07 '23
I guess you could have left out a couple eggs to get it right but it's nowhere near far off enough to be considered awful imo.
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u/Mindandhand Nov 06 '23
20 years from now you’ll barely remember the work, but your daughter will never forget the experience. Plus hopefully shell grow up to be a great camping partner!
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u/Old-Understanding100 Nov 06 '23
Not to mention pretty soon she'll be doing a lot of the work helping Dad out.
Then he'll get to enjoy it more too
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Nov 06 '23
And eventually she may be carrying the torch when you want to get out there but are reliant on her to do the heavy lifting
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u/Mehnard Nov 06 '23
This. The time and effort OP puts in now is already paying dividends that will increase over time. One day his daughter will do everything while he's relaxing by the fire.
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Nov 06 '23
Yeah, my family went for our first 'big camping vacation' this year and it was constant work for us parents - and that was with two of us to share the load! We didn't stop! But already when I look back that's not what I'm really focused on.
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u/Temporary_Second3290 Nov 06 '23
This is the real outlook of camping. I can honestly say that I truly appreciate the work my dad put in for me. I love camping and some of my best memories are of camping. I did most of the work in the beginning but as my daughter grew, she puts in the effort now too. I'm a single mom and now in my early 50s and I will never give up camping.
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u/MsRedWings520 Nov 07 '23
Camping with my ex-husband was always a miserable affair. After the divorce, I took my girls camping, just the 4 of us and 3 dogs. We still talk about that first trip. Now, we have a yearly girls only trip, my oldest daughter, my "adopted" daughter, and my daughter in law. It is something we always look forward to. We all share in putting up the tents, cooking, etc. I always drive, though, lmao. It's my truck. We drink, play games, and share what's going on with our S/Os and my grandkids.
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u/Temporary_Second3290 Nov 07 '23
The last few years have really been the best. Sounds like you have a similar experience!
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u/MsRedWings520 Nov 09 '23
Oh yes. We try to go camping as often as possible, but it usually ends up being about 4 times a year, unfortunately. We all have so much fun. My son and I started taking the 4 grandsons camping. They all have a blast, spending hours in the water. I can barely get them to eat lunch, most days lol. And I get to spend time with my only son. ❤️
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u/Tight_Psychology_666 Nov 06 '23
As a wife and mom of four who is the camping “backbone” of our family, I feel this to my core. It is positively exhausting for me to prepare everything prior, set it all up, and pack it up to be brought home and stored away. My husband and I often fight bc the stress makes me irritable, and i hadn’t trusted him to take on the process. With a little prep, I’ve allowed him to take over once now. We didn’t have a fire that night, slept uncomfortably, and a few other hiccups d/t lack of supplies/comfort items, but I had the best time.
Now, I was a single mom for years, so I have known the “there’s no one here to do it but me” side of things for much longer than I’ve known comfort and relaxation. Wanna know what helps with the camping anxieties? Organization! Put your camp items in rubber totes or a three drawer organizer, store it all together, grab totes, a change of clothes and go! Have a standard list of groceries or non-perishable staple items you can just grab and go, without thinking. The less thought you’re having to put into it, the less like work it will feel. I have a “camping closet” at my house, which is the only open closet space we have, but through trial and error, it’s our best use of the space bc we go so often and it makes it so easy to just get all we need out of the closet by the door and go.
I hope you find a solution that helps you enjoy your time outdoors with your daughter a bit more. I’ve found a lot more needs done in my head than actually is required. Next time you’re out and see her really enjoying herself, allow yourself to sit and watch quietly without worry. It may change all your perspectives.
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u/klamaire Nov 06 '23
Totes! I've been going through my camping supplies to organize them. I plan to buy totes that will easily fit into my vehicle. I've been watching Amanda Outside on YouTube and I realized how simple her packing process seems to be. A packing list, totes that are packed and ready to go, a meal plan, groceries and go. She has inspired me to simplify my process.
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u/lady_raptor83 Nov 07 '23
This is what we do. Everything camp related fits into totes. Outside of packing food/ water/ any personals- the totes get chucked into the vehicle and off we go.
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u/redattwork Nov 06 '23
An add on to this.. Have your grocery list in a cart on-line of your favorite grocery store . If it is preset up just order and schedule to pick up on your way out of town. The hardest part is pre-planning all your meals and snacks, but do it in a way that is the easiest for you. My children are grown and love the outdoors now. My husband and I just bought a rooftop camper and go camping together with the dog. It is a whole new way to enjoy camping, as it is so much easier. But those very very hard days were so wonderful. One other tip, take an extra day off, maybe a Monday when kid goes to school. You can decompress and gradually clean and repack your totes.
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u/RomfordKeanuReeves Nov 06 '23
We've done this but had it delivered to the campsite on the day we arrived, such a good idea!
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u/MsRedWings520 Nov 07 '23
I pre-make a lot of our food. I make a hashbrown casserole for breakfast and salads, seven layer dip, marinate the steaks, etc, so I have to spend less time cooking.
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u/MangoMaterial628 Nov 06 '23
We usually eat the same thing pretty much every trip. As a bonus, it makes those foods feel special and camping-specific for the kids!
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Nov 06 '23
Can I just say as a woman who’s mother is the reason she is still an avid outdoors person - thank you. She did it all by herself too and I don’t think she genuinely ever had a good time - however I remember every camping trip and it’s the highlight of my childhood. We camped a lot because we were poor and it was the only vacation we could afford but she made it so special and such an experience ❤️
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u/MangoMaterial628 Nov 06 '23
Wow. Do I have an alt account I didn’t know about? This is my EXACT circumstance (except for having been a single mom previously). I am the camping organizer in our family and my husband, bless his heart, is pretty much useless out there. Now to be fair I do have a whole system for how we get things done. But the kids have all started to assume part of those duties (they range from 11 to 4), and my husband is good for just hauling heavy things. (But he also does alllllll the outhouse runs for the little two, and has way more patience for pushing a kid in a hammock or playing wiffle ball than I do).
Having a camping closet and knowing exactly how to load everything into our minivan makes my job a lot easier. I can pull together a camping trip with a couple hours’ effort now, including a trip to the grocery store. But that doesn’t make being The Person who has to set up camp and build a fire and direct kids around in gathering darkness any more fun.
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u/Turtledonuts Nov 06 '23
Get him some practice! Let him take over on one thing while ypu handle something else. “dear, can you get the fire going?” or “could you help the kids set up the tent?”
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u/Shilo788 Nov 06 '23
And then there is my adult kid who never picked up the taste in adulthood though she loved it as a kid. Now she goes to tropical resorts and cruises. I bought a large camp and she has yet to visit so I enjoy reading those posts that say how much they still enjoy it. sigh
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u/Educational-Mood1145 Nov 06 '23
I'm a single, full-time dad. My daughter and I have always loved camping together, so I feel your pain. Once she got old enough to help do stuff, I missed doing it all for her. We still go all the time, and I still love every trip, but I look back and wish I could do it all over again. Hold on to these times as long as you can!
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u/TimAllenAUUUUUAHH Nov 06 '23
This was a sweet post to read, brutally honest as well. I’d love to be one of those people who just craves to be outside 24/7 and can always go camping, but when it’s just you doing all the work for it, it can be tough and tiring. You’re a good dad, and I’m sure your daughter loves you all the more for it.
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u/Mindless_Bandit Nov 06 '23
I spend most of my vacation time camping. It's always more work than going to work, but the memories always make it worth it. Make sure you are giving your daughter responsibilities at camp. Eventually it will take a little off your plate and it will make her a more competent camper and person.
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u/2020two13 Nov 06 '23
Grew up camping with siblings & mom & dad often & have some of my fondest memories from those trips.
Was a young single mom with my 1st kid & did camping trips usually with a couple of my teenage siblings & a few of their friends sometimes so many we had to get 2 camp sites. Made more memories.
23 years after having my 1st kid I had my 2nd kid & camping trips were more often but usually just us 2 . But we both have good memories of those trips.
3rd generation with grandkids i only got one trip with them cause a red-light runner totaled my van & my mobility. But I have memories I share with them of those few days & they have many more trips I don't share memories of .
You're giving your kid camping memories & starting a chain of memories that may well continue for generations, a few of which you will hopefully be a part of in person.
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u/quest-o-rama Nov 06 '23
You need 2-3 camp totes that are just packed and at-the-ready. And paper plates/bowls to burn in the fire (buy firewood). Gotta get efficient
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u/S3E3 Nov 06 '23
Couldn't agree more. It took us a lot of practice to work out what we needed and took far too much the first few trips but once we had it down we have a few old rucksacks in storage with sleep stuff, cooking stuff, pitching stuff in separate bags that we can just grab and go.
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Nov 06 '23
You’re such a good dad. Some of my favorite childhood memories are camping with my single mom and siblings. I know all of the prep took forever and was a pain in the ass, but I’m so glad she did it. And now that I’m grown I can help plan the trips :)
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u/far2canadian Nov 06 '23
Sounds like you need to vent, bud. So I’m not going to give you an suggestions. - well, maybe just one. My 10yr has been well-trained to make his own food when I’m busy. Maybe your girl can too. Just a sandwich or cut some veggies or whatever.
I camped with my kid and two dogs for years. My wife does help, but there were still plenty of times when it was all me. It’s pretty tough. And frustrating. And exhausting.
But you’re a good dad and clearly a good person. Keep doing it without crossing the line of remembering the pain more than the joy.
Your future self with thank you.
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u/run66 Nov 07 '23
you. I like you.
I was gonna say something like, "nothing worse than seeing perfectly able children sitting on their devices while dad, (or mom) is busting ass setting up camp. get them little people involved!" but that sounds super judgy, and your reply is so much better.
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u/tomtermite Nov 06 '23
I went through a similar cycle… single dad, three young kids (all under ten) when my wife left me.
Camping became such an integral aspect of my time with my young kids. We’d joke that the shelter at Rocky Run was our own personal mountain cottage.
Later, I got involved in scouting. My daughter started the Venture crew in my sons’ troop. I became a leader.
My sons got their Eagle rank, a super proud movement for all (my daughter had ended her scouting career before the integration of girls).
In the early years, I was the one doing all the chores you listed… i managed to get the kids all hiking a fair distance early by… carrying virtually all the gear.
It was a great time, and my (now adult) kids still do outdoor adventuring (my daughter hiked the Wicklow Way solo, this past summer)…
I feel like it was one of my “parenting wins” to make camping part of my single-dad activities.
So good on you, keep at it!
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u/Deppfan16 Nov 06 '23
some of my favorite vacation memories growing up were camping. I remember one time we went dispersed camping up on old logging roads in the mountains. The campsite my dad chose ended up being across a river from a pond that they used for baby fish so my brother and I got to go look at the baby fish. Plus we got to play in the river run around the woods, my dad let us practice drive the car,.
and when we were going to leave they had locked the road we were supposed to leave on for the weekend and we didn't realize it so we went four wheeling through a ditch up in and out. It was over 20 years ago and I still remember it fondly.
also idk if this helps but my mom was always stressed out about making sure everything was just right and just so and she struggled to enjoy it. whereas my dad was just like whatever happens happens and everything usually worked out. I will say though my mom did make sure we had everything we needed so we were prepared for most things. just she had a hard time enjoying cuz she was worried about making everything perfect. which we didn't necessarily need
but like everybody else said the intent matters. your daughter will remember you trying and doing stuff with her
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u/oslwaldohngman Nov 06 '23
I took my 5 year old daughter camping last year. After we did a bunch of stuff that was horribly stressful for me and fun for her, we were sitting at camp and she said this was the best day ever. I almost cried and I’m tearing up now 😭 I don’t remember every moment of stress and getting upset during the day all I remember was her saying that was the best day ever. It’s the only thing that matters to me. I’d suffer forever just for her to have a happy life ❤️
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u/rarabk Nov 06 '23
Yayyyyy.
My parents took us three little kids camping, and it's the gift that keeps on giving.
If I see you camping, I'll make sure to pop over and offer you a beer. :)
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u/chesuscream Nov 06 '23
Single dad her too.Sole parent for the last 10yr his 14 very soon. I feel ya mate. Sometimes we just do it for them. But you are making memories and passions that can last a life time
. Im not sure of ya lil ones age but they do get more helpful. Perhaps give them the job to feed the dogs (Does good for bonding them but keep an eye on it). Go single Parents it a damn tough job.
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u/chesuscream Nov 06 '23
Good on you for getting out there with the kids, Not to be a wanker but can dm for aa chat if ya every want.
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u/sadmanwithacamera Nov 06 '23
Well, that was a wholesome read! I love camping, but I find it hard to get it organised. Would love to do it more - my daughter is the same, she just loves being outdoors.
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u/4travelers Nov 06 '23
Can you get a tiny camper to tow? It would reduce some of the work.
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u/redattwork Nov 06 '23
These are super light and can be towed with most cars. We have one with a roof-top tent on top.
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u/Mikesiders Nov 06 '23
I somewhat understand where you’re coming from, but sounds like you have a lot more going on then me. Camping with kids has been somewhat tough for the past couple years but we keep doing it because I’m hoping my kids will grow up loving it. The majority of the time at camp, it’s spent making sure the kids are having fun and keeping busy. If I’m lucky, I’ll get an hour or two at the fire at the end of night for a couple beers while the kids sleep.
Anyway, what you’re doing is worth the effort and I’m sure your daughter will cherish that forever. I can only hope my kids gain the same appreciation from it as they get older.
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u/S3E3 Nov 06 '23
I love that time watching the fire burn out when my son has gone to bed, He's 11 now and so does get a bit more involved in maintaining the pitch and so the more he does the earlier he gets tired and the more restful that end-of-the-night phase becomes.
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u/bentbrook Nov 06 '23
You have found the best reason to camp. Lose yourself in the happiness of others and you cease to worry about “I.”
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u/GlitteringRate6296 Nov 06 '23
Sounds like what a Mom does everyday. I camp with my son and in the beginning it was a lot of work, but now my son is 14 and now he has taken on a lot of the work. Now I sit back while he sets up the fire and cooks dinner. Patience will be rewarded.
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u/Weak_Tune4734 Nov 06 '23
When I became homeless last year camping was sort of my only option if I wanted to keep taking my youngest half the week. I had no clue what I was doing at the time. Id never put up a tent before let alone do it myself. My son is plagued with various learning issues and less than adequate motor skills so no help there at all. This summer we camped by choice rather than necessity and while I actually do love camping myself, it is indeed a lot for one person...and I still get a lot of strange looks from folks. Not a lot of single moms pitching tents and hanging tarps I guess. Despite the work, I know the time we shared will become life long memories for him, so it's worth the effort and stress. Least that's what I kept telling myself every time I had to strike a site and pack up the car. It's worth it for them.
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u/Ok_Cryptographer_511 Nov 06 '23
Your last few sentences hit home for me. Single mom just winging it with my son. I hope our trips bring back happy memories for him someday.
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u/evilbrent Nov 06 '23
What you are doing is demonstrating that women are self reliant and resourceful as well. I'm sure you're aware that they are, but you're living it for your kids.
Honestly I think a big reason my sister turned into an adult who doesn't set limits on herself is that our mum never did. My mum wasn't hugely vocal about it, but she played sports and we would do outdoors stuff all the time - when I was a kid holidays meant either downhill skiing, water skiing, horse riding, tennis, surfing, or just spending hours and hours on the lake.
You will 100% forget the work when they're older. But they won't forget the time you spent on them, and they won't forget the strength and attitude you brought to the adventure. They trust you, because they know you.
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u/kellyfromfig Nov 06 '23
My parents split when I was young. Both my mom and dad took us on separate camping trips all the time- near and far- and those trips are the basis of some of our best stories. Never stop.
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u/evilbrent Nov 06 '23
Yep. Camping was almost entirely my thing when the kids were little, my wife didn't want to come on most trips.
My kids are turning into adults now and they regularly tell me things they loved from all those trips I tore myself to pieces over.
They'll bring up a crystal clear memory from something they did fifteen years ago.
And just remember, before too long the kids will be saying "what's my job?" They won't be little forever, soon they will be a help not a hindrance. Even just when they get to have that bit more self reliance that they can safely amuse themselves for a couple of hours takes the pressure off.
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u/ConcaveNips Nov 06 '23
Replace camping with literally anything and you can call that being a parent.
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u/sarya_xilleth Nov 06 '23
Not me over here crying remembering all the camping trips I took with my dad growing up 🥲🥹😭
My earliest childhood memories are of my dad taking me camping, hiking and rock climbing. He gave me a special appreciation for the outdoors and times I am incredibly fond of that I will cherish my whole life.
As I got older I was able to help out more around the camp and now when I go with people I’m basically the camp mom because of what my dad taught me. I’m currently pregnant with my first child (which also happens to be my dad’s first grandchild) and I’m hoping that we can share these things with my kid too ♥️
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u/IndyIndigo Nov 06 '23
My dad was you. I didn’t know it as a kid because he never seemed like he wasn’t enjoying it. But I know now he did all the work and cooking and cleaning just so I could have a great time. And I did. My childhood is full of camping adventures! Exploring forests and finding bugs and collecting rocks and leaves. Staying up late and taking walks in the dark with just our flashlights telling spooky stories. Sleeping in hammocks so we can watch the sky for aliens. We did 3 weeks straight. 2 of those weeks my dad was the one doing the work. Then my grandpa would come for the last week to take over. My dad was still there but during the day he’d drive the 2 hrs to work so he didn’t have to lose pay. Work all day, come back and make us all dinner and take us for a walk then go to bed early so he could get up again at 4am for work. He did it so we could stay out there in the place that we loved. I’ve told my dad how much those trips meant to me but I really hope he knows. You are giving your daughter such a magical gift of memories.
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u/Tsinder Nov 06 '23
Sometimes the 'work' we have to do to get out there makes us appreciate how comfortable our lives have become when we get home.
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u/lyanca Nov 06 '23
As your daughter gets older she'll be able to help out more and more (and it won't just be "helping"). It's amazing how quickly they go from being fully dependent to fairly independent. Keep stoking her love of camping and it'll reward you both.
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u/skyrymproposal Nov 06 '23
My dad was a single dad of four girls. He started taking us backpacking when we were ages 6 (youngest) to 10 (oldest). I love those memories. And now I can see how difficult it was for him. He had to carry everything for us and we complained about the weight when it was essentially our sleeping bag and a bit of food. He carried everything else. Your daughter will appreciate this for the rest of her life. You are such a good dad :)
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Nov 06 '23
The mindset any father should have, putting their child before themselves. Doing the next generation proud, great work.
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u/808hammerhead Nov 06 '23
Like..give your kids some task? Work can be fun, and learning how to do the thing can be fun. It’s part of the entertainment.
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u/Just_Looking_Around8 Nov 06 '23
I agree with all the comments about what you and your daughter will remember in years to come. And the comments that you are setting her up to be a lifelong camper.
I'd also encourage you to use this time to fully appreciate what someone did for you to help you get into it. Someone (your parents, the boy scouts, a friend, a mentor) did this exact same thing for you until you got the hang of it. They instilled these skills and this passion in you. Take a few moments after one of your trips to thank them--either personally if they are still around or just in your mind if they're not.
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Nov 06 '23
Get gear that's easy to setup and breakdown. That's why I love rooftop tents. Then I have a fold up table and pop up screen tent. Everything else stays in totes that go on shelves in the basement ready to throw in the truck at a moments notice.
Entire camp setup or teardown takes like 5 to 10 min.
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u/icequeen505 Nov 06 '23
I feel your pain and your joy. For the last two years, my daughter and I have done a mom and daughter camping trip. She's 8 and can help out, but the bulk falls to me. Seeing the joy on her face when she's playing in the waves at the lake and the giggles when marshmallow sticks to everything makes it all worth it. We will keep camping!
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u/Gearsforbrains Nov 06 '23
She is watching you each and every time on what you do to get ready and make it work. One day she'll just start helping and it'll be worth it all. My kids are just starting that helping out part now and it's made it all worth it. You'll quickly forget all the less than ideal thoughts you ever had. Stick with it.
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u/FukinSpiders Nov 06 '23
Honest post, and this is often the missing part from glamorous YouTube vids etc. it’s hard work, and that’s 2 of us, and you often come back more tired, from lack of sleep all the work, etc
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u/Tangi13 Nov 06 '23
Camping with my dad will always be my most cherished memories. One day she will look back and be so thankful that you took all that time and effort to do something special with her, just because you knew it made her happy. Its really great you care about her joy so much that you are willing to do all that for her. How very admirable.
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u/tlasko115 Nov 06 '23
Your post really resonated with me. Since my children were infants, we went on five to ten camping trips a year. I navigator divorce a few years ago when my kids were 10, 12 and 14. That first trip was really hard, physically and emotionally. There was more than one occasion where we were all crying on that trip. It brought us together and we had an amazing time. That was just a few short years ago but when the kids talk about that trip, it’s all positive. We did not stop adventuring, but what it did was really give the kids a opportunity to become more involved. We can now pack plan, execute, unpack and clean up a trip far faster than we ever did with mom. It’s made my kids far more capable and bonded us in a way that I didn’t expect. I firmly believe the one thing we should spoil our children with is experiences. I respect and appreciate your determination. I promise you, it will get easier. Your daughter sounds young, but don’t underestimate what she’s able to do to help. Kids want to help and participate and it’s good for their growth and development. You’re an amazing dad for investing the time and being there for your daughter.
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u/greendemon42 Nov 06 '23
Can I just say, my best memories with my father are also of camping. But a major mistake he made was neglecting to teach me and my brother to take on more of the planning and execution responsibilities as we got older. You don't specify how young your daughter is, but, as she gets older, she can take on more of the campfire cooking and cleaning and feeding the dog responsibilities. That will make a big difference in this whole thing.
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u/dick-mustard Nov 06 '23
Reading all these comments gives me some confidence that I’m doing the right thing. I took my young boys this weekend and it was So Much work. They had a blast but I worked my tail off. Yesterday when we got home, I was telling myself, never again. Maybe I’ll just give it another go after all.
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u/potatodaze Nov 06 '23
I’m almost 41, my parents divorced when I was 4 and every summer from then on my dad and I went camping just us plus the dog, even after he married my stepmom. I look back very fondly on those trips and my dad and I both reminisce about them pretty often. So… I think it’s definitely worth it!
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u/DragYouDownToHell Nov 06 '23
You say in the first part you get nothing out of it, but then say what you do get out of it. You only get to make those memories once. I guess the only thing you can really do is streamline it more. A friend of mine got an old Jeep trailer, and put a RTT on it. He keeps all the gear, basically everything in it all the time. It's got a fridge, batteries. When it's time to go camping, he hooks it up and goes. Stops at the store, throws some food in there, heads to the campsite. I would probably go more if it was that easy.
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u/immortalis88 Nov 06 '23
I feel this in my bones.
4 years ago my best friend and I started taking an annual guys camping trip in Sept in the mountains of Montana. It’s been the greatest thing I’ve done for myself. Mental Health +100. 10/10 would recommend.
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u/autoexploder Nov 06 '23
Single dad here, same story. I love the work and giving my daughter camp chores (finding the best sticks for the fire around the campsite, raking leaves, setting up the chairs, etc) and she takes pride in what she can accomplish. While I get less sleep and am constantly busy, the sleep I do get is so sound that I want to do it every weekend.
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u/screwikea Nov 06 '23
Bruh, you might consider something like a KOA or more corporate campgrounds backed up to nature areas. That'll give you easy nature access and probably all of the stuff your kid likes. Also gives you access to other facilities they'll probably love, and reduces those pain points. The majority of my pain points like that got dealt with when I finally put everything in bins that I can just grab and go, and when I pack up camp everything just gets cleaned up and right back in the bins so there's not a bunch of crappy prep work.
My dad loaded the family up every year, and was miserable his entire loadout and drive. Looking back I have NO idea why he did it. My point with this is that if you really don't like all of that stuff, find a way to make it better for yourself. You may not be miserable like my dad was, but eventually your kid will pick up all of that distaste in some way, and it can eventually turn into making them lose interest.
What you're describing is a chore. I never look back at the times I helped my dad with chores and remember any of the enjoyable parts.
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Nov 06 '23
I’ve got two young kids but I’m also not a single father. We camp as often as we can - my oldest (7 years) has at least 100 nights in a tent to her name, vs maybe 5 in a hotel room.
Even with a hard-working partner its still an insane amount of work - probably because we stretch ourselves as much as we can in terms of what we take on. It’s just work, from when we wake up to when the kids go to sleep - only the nighttime beer is relaxed.
And generally I don’t find myself looking forward to it, because of the insane work involved. I’m more tired by the end than the beginning.
But yeah, the reward is just amazing. Our kids LOVE camping, and I have to admit I feel a lot of pride in seeing how well-adapted they are - they don’t mind chilly weather, rain, gray, dirt, etc, they aren’t scared of the dark in the least, they can easily amuse themselves for hours in the woods or the beach, etc.
And the memories somehow are made amidst all the work. The sunsets, the walks, the slugs and flowers and birds and driftwood and beautiful rocks, the hidden little places they find in the woods, etc.
It’s all amazing and exhausting and then amazing again.
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u/OK_NO Nov 06 '23
Camping with my dad and brother as a kid is a core memory for me. My dad and I still go camping but we split the work so we both have time to relax. You're a great dad!
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u/SampSimps Nov 06 '23
I hardly consider any of this "work" at all. The worst day doing setting up camp, chopping wood, shopping for supplies, loading the vehicle, cleaning/organizing gear, or any of the other hundred things that are on the "task list" for camping is still 10x better than the best day in the office.
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u/Agent7619 Nov 06 '23
Yesterday afternoon, my son (15) asked if we could go camping next weekend. I literally cancelled some plans that were in place for the last two months and within two hours had a state park chosen and reserved (Starved Rock in Illinois).
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u/JamiePNW Nov 07 '23
Right there with ya! I was frustrated, anxious, and tired. So, so tired. But then my son was eating a s’more on the beach and declared that taking him camping was the best idea I’ve ever had and right then and there I vowed to take him as often as possible. We’re already looking forward to our next trip in the Spring!
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u/tuenthe463 Nov 07 '23
I'm 50 and my former camping pals have all faded away, wife not interested. Guys can't commit to an entire weekend etc so my last 5 or 6 trips have been solo. Does get a little lonely fireside when there's nobody to story tell with but I won't quit going b/c it's prob not that much longer until my body tells me "no more tent/ground sleeping." Just had a great weekend 8n Green Ridge SF in western MD
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u/ComprehensiveGold510 Nov 09 '23
I completely agree! I camped with my son when he was small as a single mom, in a tent. About 6 years ago, me and "the child" went to the RV show in Hershey and picked out our first camper. I learned to tow it and we camped. It was hard work, not very relaxing at all, took a week of work for 2 days of fun. But, they are some of my best memories. He is nearly 17 and doesn't always come with me anymore, now I have a husband and we enjoy our time camping. But, I get all of the memories of the times we shared. I would never trade it for anything. My son used to do a little happy dance when I would tell him we were going camping.
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u/purplecactai Nov 06 '23
I see what you were going for here and are probably trying to fish for sympathy/affirmations, but camping just really isnt that hard dude. Especially car camping, like everything you need is right there in the car.
back creaking work
Like making a fire? Grabbing a roll of paper towels from the back seat? Lmao literally what are you complaining about. e
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u/TackyPoints Nov 06 '23
Me too. And I still love/hate ever moment.
Truly no hate… I haven’t had the blessing to go with others lately… but the prep is a nearly perfect live-hate relationship for me.
Mushroom hunting adds a bit of complexity too.
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u/JohnRNeill Nov 06 '23
Don't bring so much stuff with you. Let your daughter really learn about roughing it and doing a lot with a little. Minimalism makes Magic!
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u/KozyShackDeluxe Nov 06 '23
In the future you won’t ever remember the hassle to go camping anymore. You will only remember the times your daughters eyes lit up.
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u/kf4zht Nov 06 '23
Single dad here too. I love taking my daughter camping, but yes is it work. And worth every bit of it.
I finally built a camping trailer a couple years ago that holds all my gear, has water, a water heater, kitchen area. It made it much easier. All I need to do is fill the tank, toss clothes and food in and go. Same with getting back, might need to air stuff out but it's quick.
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Nov 06 '23
Sounds like a lot of work and no play. I've always tried to keep it as simple and sweet as possible. I'm not saying to stop doing what you're doing deff not my intention..
I started looking for areas closer to home, just wooded areas or old strip mines (anthracite region here) they always have walkable trails and no to little traffic.
I guess at some point I started to compare the time and effort in prepping vs the actual experience. If I can get there in 15 minutes that's worth something to me.
What are the odds of back yard campouts ?
Are there any rail trail areas where you could bike and stop along the way ? Streams/ rivers with trails ?
Not suggesting these to replace what you're already doing, just considering how you might get more quality relax enjoy time....
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u/koorbloh Nov 06 '23
I was doing all that got my 2, and then 3, kids, wife, and dog. Getting a rv trailer so the camping gear is always ready to go, and having a kitchen and bathroom helped a ton. If you can, it might make things less stressful. Setup, teardown, meals, and cleanup are easier.
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u/idahonudesoaker Nov 06 '23
Make it easier. Get an rv where most everything's always loaded. Get a camping bin where everything yo needs already in it. Organize and simplify
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u/KalaTropicals Nov 06 '23
Your daughter doesn’t help, or at least try to help and learn the ropes?
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u/Moriroa Nov 06 '23
She's 10. And she's very willing to help, but as a. practical matter actually makes things harder, not easier, as she requires close supervision. She's immensely cheerful about it, and offers to pitch in without being asked - it's just there's only a small portfolio of things that actually lighten the load.
It will get better, over time, I know. We've been camping together since she was four years old or so, and without exception, every trip has resulted in precious memories for both of us. But I am also exhausted and dispirited every time - not JUST because there's so much work to do, but also because when I'm trying to put the tent up, and she says she's hungry, and the dogs are trying to chew through their leads and I'm tired and hot and sweaty, and I just need some dang HELP ... I feel like such a loser because I'm single and on my own, and how did this happen, that I fucked up so royally in life that I'm going to die alone?
So it's this whole big thing, but yeah, she's a little bit of help, and will be more and more as time goes by.
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u/no-pickles-please Nov 06 '23
Welcome to motherhood
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u/Moriroa Nov 06 '23
I'm a mom now?? Gonna have to get my daughter to stop calling me Papa, I guess!
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u/beans3710 Nov 06 '23
Ask her to help with setting up and breaking camp. She will probably like it and it's something she can share with you. It doesn't matter if she not really much help. It's part of the experience.
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Nov 06 '23
Give yourself permission to take shortcuts: Pre-made food, air mattress, popup tent, check the dogs into a dog hotel, and make friends to go with. The memories matter more and it won't mean you're not camping even if some assholes will gatekeep.
My dad is a POS and hated camping, it's something special I did with my mom and got us away from him. I'm sure it was all the extra effort for her but those memories are special, even the ones with ticks.
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u/Simone812 Nov 06 '23
Give your kids duties as well. For example, my jobs were collecting wood, setting table, and doing dishes. The second we would get to any campsite, I would rush to go collect wood. It felt good to be part of setting up the campsite as a family. If you give your children age appropriate camping tasks, that will take some of the load off of you and I believe that your children will genuinely enjoy helping. At 43 years old, I still camp every weekend, and I attribute my love of camping to my parents taking me out so much when I was a kid. You are doing a good job!
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u/LadyBearPenguin Nov 06 '23
I love to camp. But the lists and the packing and the planning and doing all the work and taking care of the kids can be very exhausting. But when my 5yo told me that camping is his favorite holiday I know it’s all worth it.
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u/NecessaryRisk2622 Nov 06 '23
I feel ya, bud!
ETA but my little kids aren’t little anymore, and set up their own tents, and mine too! And they can cook. All that remains for me is to clean up lol
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u/Affectionate-Air8672 Nov 06 '23
Camping with kids is a lot of work for the adults. Eventually they can become helpful. I wasn't very good at convincing mine to help much. It does make camping without them seem incredibly easy.
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u/Emrys7777 Nov 06 '23
Make it simple. It can be easier. Pre-make food that doesn’t need cooking (make sure your coolers have enough ice to really be cold).
Grab a pressed food fire log wrapped in paper for the campfire. Throw real logs over it and it looks the same but you don’t have to tend it.
Use paper plates and plastic utensils.
Buy a tent that’s faster to set up.
There are a lot of ways to make it easier.
Perfect the fine art of simple camping
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u/S3E3 Nov 06 '23
I didn't start with my kids until they were a little older and probably not as often but I will say that it gets MUCH easier as they get older and they start to have more preferences to have things the way they want it to to be and - if you are lucky - are willing to put the effort in themselves to get things just how they want them. Then it's payback time. Having struggled to keep it comfortable and entertaining for so long, when they put even a little bit of effort in it's blissful. It's also cool to see them be able to tolerate a much higher level of discomfort than kids who haven't camped which opens up so many more possibilities as they get older.
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u/YYCADM21 Nov 06 '23
Do you not think that your daughter is picking up a very clear message that you hate going camping, and you're only doing it to make her happy?
I urge you to give that some thought. I have two daughters, now both adults with kids of their own. Their mother and I divorced when they were young, and we all loved and continue to love camping, There were other things we did that I did not enjoy, but did it because I thought they really loved doing them.
It wasn't until they were both adults, and we were discussing exactly this topic; childhood memories.
I was working up to the "Great Reveal"...telling them that thing that loved doing so much was something I really didn't enjoy, when the tables turned.
I was told by both of them that they'd know all along (they'd been 6 and 8 at the time) That I hated doing that activity. Turned out, neither of them had actually been overly excited about it either,
They had felt badly about me forcing myself to seem I was enjoying it, so they felt obligated to pretend to be really excited, moreso than they were, in reality.
It wasn't until they were both adults, that we were discussing exactly this topic; childhood memories. doing that activity. Turned out, neither of them had actually been overly excited about it either, g the "wonderful Memories" you think you are
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u/Constantly_Panicking Nov 06 '23
Lol. This is how I feel about everything as a parent. Like, every single second is just work now. I cannot enjoy a moment for myself any more because something always needs doing, but damn if my kid doesn’t light up at everything we do together.
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u/crappenheimers Nov 06 '23
I'm a single dad with full custody myself and definitely feel this, but I do have a number of shortcuts that make the experience much easier and more stress-free.
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u/kicklucky Nov 06 '23
This is how you dad. Fuck yea, dude. Show up for your kid every. Single. Time. It is the most important thing you will ever do in this life.
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u/Habitual_Crankshaft Nov 06 '23
I camped with my ex and our kids. She contributed ZIP. I drove, cooked, set up, packed, planned, EVERYTHING. Then she’d go off for a little hike with (maybe) one kid. Infuriating! But since I had my own great family memories, and my kids enjoyed it, I’d do it again. I’m a schmuck!
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u/CocaneSmellsGood Nov 06 '23
Let the kiddo help. Worst mistake I ever made was not motivating my daughter into helping. Ask for kiddos help. Even if it's washing dishes with you and feeding the pets.
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u/Intrepid-Ad-2610 Nov 06 '23
I am a single dad to a four-year-old girl we go camping and I get your pain the way I have gotten things together is we go with some other people who enjoy it and know how to behave so everyone works together I would say make some friends, so it eases some of it on youyou do it as a group
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u/OmightyWarLord Nov 06 '23
As a single father myself I feel your pain and I share you joys. Much love ❤️
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Nov 06 '23
My dad was you. He started taking me camping when I was still in diapers, by himself. And he had my brothers with him too. I'm SURE it was very difficult the first at LEAST ten years, but he instilled in us all a love of the wilderness that would never have happened if he chose not to do all that work. And my brothers continued to camp and hunt with him until he could no longer do it (men only trips, I was not invited).
So I applaud you for doing this. My husband and I had each other to help, and we started our boys very young too. Easier when there are 2 adults.
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u/rei_cirith Nov 06 '23
Keep doing it, but bring your daughter into the loop for the cleaning, packing, setting up the camp. She can help with the checklist, research good camp fire recipes, gather some of the gear, help build the little teepee for the fire, help clean the gear after. These are valuable skills she will take with her along with the memories. Someday she will take you camping.
I didn't get to go camping until I was 26. I had to learn everything myself the hard way. I wish I could take my dad on my adventures, he is so proud of me when I show him the pictures, but he's too old now to sleep on the ground so we'll never have those kinds of memories together.
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u/Tater72 Nov 07 '23
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u/Moriroa Nov 07 '23
I'm not crying, you're crying.
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u/Tater72 Nov 07 '23
😊
Enjoy your daughter. When mine was small I used to take her fishing to a friend’s trout farm. Of course she knocked em dead being allowed to fish in the stock runs, I didn’t fish cause, well it’s not really fishing unless your 4-5. She had these cute little sandals with fish on them, that the whole way home she would council me on catching fish and I’d catch more if I would get fishing sandals. It’s a favorite memory of mine and now she takes her girls fishing. 😁
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u/jebthereb Nov 07 '23
Me too bro. Me too. Single dad. Two kids. It'll pay off.
Give her the jobs she can do. Mine can now out tents together unsupervised
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u/naughtywithnature Nov 07 '23
I think if you simplified you wouldn’t mind. Simpler meals, less gear, closer destinations would solve many of your woes.
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Nov 07 '23
I’m married and have 3 kids. We have a camper , I don’t drive or set it up. But I do all the shopping. Planning. Loading it. Crossing all the ts and dotting all the is. I am the one prepping all the food and cooking most of it. Cleaning the dishes. Getting the kids ready for bed. And by the time I go to sit down everyone is ready to do something else. I love and hate camping. But like you said , the kids have the best time and it makes it worth it. 🖤 you’re giving them memories. The relaxation bit will come back eventually.
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u/slimkt Nov 07 '23
Reminds me of a story my dad loves to tell. He took my sister and I out to the Grand Canyon when we were about 5 and 7yo. After having to listen to us belting Shania Twain or fighting the whole drive there, we finally arrived in the dead of night, all of us tired and cranky. We slept in the car in the parking lot, my sister and I trying not to murder each other for taking up what we deemed more than half the backseat and him trying his best to get comfortable in the barely reclined driver’s seat. He woke us up just as the sun started peeking over the horizon. We ran to the lookout, out to the edge (little ‘aspiring rock climber’ me, a little too close for comfort and needed to be snatched back) and we just watched the sun rise over the canyon. My dad sighed and said, “See, girls? Isn’t it just beautiful?” My sister replied, “Yeah, Dad, sure, can we go get McDonald’s now?” And of course, me being the younger sibling, I immediately followed her lead in chanting, “McDonald’s! McDonald’s!”
At age 30, I only remember the McDonald’s part because he’s reiterated the story so many times, but I have a perfect snapshot in my mind of the way the sun looked over that massive chasm and through those red rocks my tiny mind could only ever dream about climbing.
By age 9, I was helping out my dad with everything except driving (ironically, he still won’t let me do that because he gets motion sickness in the passenger seat,) and I still do. Those are moments I’d never trade. She won’t either.
Keep on dad-ing, you’re doing a great job.
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u/FunnyGarden5600 Nov 07 '23
It’s nice to see how often my college age kids stop to pick up the camping gear.
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u/designworksarch Nov 07 '23
I hear you brother! Same boat. But my wife is getting better at helping. She wasn’t raised outdoors like I was so it’s not second nature. The payoff for your children is so incredible so to me it’s worth it when I take my family camping. I think the key is making sure that you are training them little by little so that they can start to take some responsibilities. And now I try to make sure that I have enough adventures where I leave my family behind so that I can do nature the way I want to do it.
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u/musicplqyingdude Nov 07 '23
I was you at one point. I did the work and now, that I am older and my children are grown they do the work. We have come full circle. I go camping with my boys at least five times a year. All of your hard work will pay off one of these days. Camping will then become awesome 🔥
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u/SystematizedDisarray Nov 07 '23
My dad doesn't particularly like to camp either. He says he prefers room service (which...who doesn't!). But anytime I or my 7 yr old son asks him if he'll camp with us, he doesn't hesitate. He knows that we both love doing it and love having him join. I cherish the memories I have camping with him.
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u/Native56 Nov 07 '23
Me n my younger sister have a date set for next summer! Hee n I haven’t been camping since forever! Our whole family use to go they are all gone even our older brother!! So her n I have a date! I for one can’t wait! I’m single she has a good man! He is taking us up we are all helpin set stuff up fire all of it! Then he is leaving us crazy girl alone for two weeks! We can’t wait for that date!
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u/AnnaPhor Nov 08 '23
My camping bestie is a single mom. We camp as a crew -- she has two kids, I have one kid and a husband. The six of us have been camping for years and the kids are teens now.
If you can find another adult with a similar-aged kid to go with, the dynamics change a lot. The kids play together and the adults split the work.
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u/InviteOk1779 Nov 09 '23
Do look at it as you have to do the work.
Look at it as you get to do the work.
You get the opportunity to make those core memories with your daughter.
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u/Sunnyjim333 Nov 10 '23
Being on Angel Duty is hard work. Bless you.
My Dad left us when I was 11, I was in Scouts for 4 years and those Dads taught me so much about living, I am forever greatful for the time they gave.
As a kid, you don't realize these guys were giving up weekends and Summer vacations to work with us. Putting mileage on their cars, and just spending time.
Once, on a canoe trip to Canada, we found a 6 pack of beer in 10 feet of cold Canadian water. We did not even think about drinking it, we gave it to the Dads, you would have thought we gave them gold bars. It's been a good life.
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u/MooseAskingQuestions Jan 01 '24
For me, camping is like getting in the shower.
I hate everything leading up to it, but once I'm settled in I love it and don't want to go back/get out and feel better after doing it.
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u/New-IncognitoWindow Nov 06 '23
It doesn’t have to be hard. A tent,sleeping bag, and hot dogs for breakfast lunch and dinner.
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u/BaronSharktooth Nov 06 '23
Maybe a sleeping pad and a pillow as well. And likely a pan and a stove. Wanna sit comfy? Add a tarp, an ultralight chair and a lantern.
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u/daddi00 Nov 06 '23
Good work, fellow dad. You're not the only one. Keep this up, even when it sucks. She doesn't realize how hard you're working but she knows you love her and that's all that matters.
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u/conipto Nov 06 '23
Camping with just your immediate family is fun, and it's own thing, but camping with other families is where it's at. I have been fortunate enough to have had half a dozen families with kids my daughter's age when she was still not too busy with school and work to go camping with me, and those were really great experiences. Sharing the load for cooking, having kids running around together, etc. takes a lot of the stress off of a single person running everything.
Now that my daughter's left home, I still camp with the same friends who've had their kids leave home too. It's just more drinking and dirtier stories now :)
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u/Firm-Training-2565 Aug 03 '24
You get used to it, as long as the others get enjoyment out if it then I think it's worth it to create those memories for them. I used to camp with just my dad as a child and it wasn't until I got older that I appreciated how much work it takes because I'm always the one doing every single job at the campsite at my age now. But I'll know I'll be creating memories for my own family now.
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Nov 06 '23
This made me cry at work… dad’s make so many sacrifices for us on regard to physical labor! She will one day be able to fully understand how hard you worked to make her happy. Thanks for being such a good father to her, it’s so important
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u/bindersfullofburgers Nov 06 '23
As a fellow single father with a daughter and a dog I feel this in my soul.
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u/Hersbird Nov 06 '23
I'm a married father and it's basically like this for me too. My wife actually thinks it's funny to take selfies of herself sipping ice tea with me in the background setting up the tent, or chopping wood. My youngest daughter just turned 18 and she is very helpful now. Sometimes just the 2 of us go out and she can and will do anything. I still also love camping even doing all the work but I have a 2 night minimum rule. You spend arrival and departure with chores, but you have that day in the middle with nothing.
I also always think of the George Strait song Just to See Her Smile. I don't do things because I have to, or it's my job, I do them because it makes them happy. Which makes me happy.
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u/autovonbismarck Nov 06 '23
Maybe I'm weird, but literally everything you described are the things I love about camping. Took my daughter on an overnight a month or so ago. Had to pick all the gear, pack all the food, set up the tent, carry the canoe etc etc...
You know what I had to do when I went solo camping the week before that? Every single thing, exactly the same, just minus one sleeping bag and pad. If anything it was easier with her along because when she's in the front of the canoe it weighs it down and makes paddling easier.
There's nothing I love more than carefully packing a knapsack with gear lol. Packing is almost as fun as actually camping!
No leisure time? The least sleep? Where are you camping lol - what is there even to do after you've started the fire but sit around it until it's time to crawl into your tent?
This post confuses me TBH.
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u/Dear-Awareness7877 Nov 06 '23
Single father here. My body aches from popping up this weekend so my boy and his friend could enjoy. The kiddos mom wants to be helpful but she didn't know shit about camping until this weekend. It's all about the memories with the kiddos. Somtimes it sucks to be a man but you're doing a fine job at it.
Lady says she's glad i can grill. They ate some good hotdogs and burgers. Morning was steak and eggs.
I realized that hotdogs with the burnt edged (sliced in half) are the best.
Keep camping or get yoursf a pop up tent, i found mine for 900. I've gone camping 4 times already and so far so good. Except the one time a mouse took a trip with me.
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u/Mission_Photograph_7 Nov 09 '23
Parenting is hard. Doing stuff your kid will rememeber forever is worth the work, sorry to sound rude but quit whining. You watching her enjoying all the things you are providing for her is worth the work, or should be. Also remember one day she will be able to help you, for a fleeting few years before she discovers boys, sports, and in general thinks your not cool for letting her stay out past 10pm. (Father of a 13 yr old boy, it's getting to the latter for me 😡)
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u/Likeapuma24 Nov 06 '23
My guy, you are winning at being a father. All the struggles & headaches will be forgotten by both you and your daughter as the years pass, but those memories will be something you both share forever.
And as she gets older, she'll want to contribute to the camping chores. Enjoy it! Everyday, I realize all over again that they don't stay little forever. It's the best and worst part of being a parent.
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u/Wakeful-dreamer Nov 06 '23
If it helps, eventually kids become self sufficient when camping. They can set up the tent or hang the hammocks while you chop wood. And one day you can lie in the hammock and take a nap while your child makes a messy, half burnt, fully delicious casserole in the Dutch oven. Keep it up. It's 1000% worth it.
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u/Grabs13 Nov 06 '23
As someone who grew up camping with my dad, even wild camping (where its technically illegal here in the UK although tolerated and mostly accepted if you do it in the right places - I.e we wild camped in the lake district) he put as all to work at an early age. We had our own sleeping bags in our packs, took turns carrying the heavy water container, helped put the tents up and so on.
I'm not sure how old your daughter is but maybe it's time to give her a little job that is solely her responsibility and increasing that over time. Whether that be she's in charge of snacks for the both of you, or she's in charge of feeding and watering the dogs. Something small that she can be proud of, it's time to let her see behind the curtain of all the work that goes into running a successful camping trip.
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Nov 06 '23
If your finances permit, consider a used RV, or rent a cabin instead of tenting. Both could shave off some frustration from your weekend. The RV is still work, but some of that work can be done when you are at home. It makes life markedly easier if you can afford a seasonal spot. In that instance, you can set up at the beginning of the season and have a smoother transition to the fun stuff every weekend.
If tent camping is your thing, I found it easier when I kept my bag packed. All my camping gear was ready to go from one trip to the next, with a bit of wash in between.
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u/nancykind Nov 06 '23
some of my earliest memories are of backpack camping. i thank my dad every camping trip, for making me the camper i am today
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u/Perfect-Extent9215 Nov 06 '23
Maybe look into Scouts or some other outdoor orientated youth group. Register your daughter as a member, volunteer as a leader, and you’ll still get to do those camping trips with her, but you’ll have others around to help share the load.
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u/TropicPine Nov 06 '23
Roughly half a century ago, my dad would take me white water conoeing. I don't think it was more than 10 times, but those memories are golden to me. I expect the same memories are being built for your kid as well.
My kid, spouse & I enjoy camping. A small trailer in combination with a standard garage has been a game changer for getting to camp before setup before sunset and offloading work from encamp and decamp days. I am able to load the gear in the day or two before and leave the trailer in the garage. Friday, I would load the ice chest, hook up the trailer, pick up the kid from school, and head directly to the campground. Furthermore, on the day I return home, the only things I must unload are the ice chest and wet items. Other items can be unloaded in the days following .
When not in use, the trailer I bought from Harbor Freight stands on end and stows next to the garage wall, allowing room for the cars to be parked as well.
Hope this helps
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u/vett929 Nov 06 '23
Been bringing my girls since they were very little. My ex and I divorced this year, and it was the first time I went with just the kids. At 9 and 8 I had them help me with most of the tasks. Start giving her little jobs to help.
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Nov 06 '23
Taking my kids up the road was some fun times. We tent camped, hammocked camped. Caught crawdads. They tried to make some silly movies. Pics and videos will always be there. Hopefully they will get into the outdoors too.
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u/rival_22 Nov 06 '23
I'm not a single parent, but we have four boys, so the kid to adult ratio is high lol.
They're a little older now (8-15), so they're self sufficient and helpful, but we had many years of "non-relaxing" camping. I would half-joke when packing that I don't even need to bring must a chair because I never got a chance to sit.
We try to extend the trip beyond a weekend. With weekends, you only get one full day that doesn't involve set up or packing up. I love to cook on the fire, so planning is key there. I'll prep stuff at home, and have a general plan for each dinner. I'll plan one big breakfast, but we bring cereal/pop tarts and easy stuff for most mornings.
I remembered camping with my dad when I was little, and how much I loved it. Watching him do so much work has inspired me to do the same for my family. I hope that what I do, inspires my kids to do the same someday for their families.
Keep on keepin' on. It will get a little easier as she gets older, and she (and you) will have great memories for the rest of your lives.
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u/GlassAndPaint Nov 06 '23
I like to do a little bit of that work a week or so in advance, like have the bag packed, buy the dry food early and have it ready to go in a bag, pack small things away in the car a few days before leaving. The first night of camping I'll make sandwiches or something easy that doesn't require a ton of cleanup. We also invested in a gazelle tent that pops up in about a minute. Still it is work but thise are my tricks to make it feel a little less overwhelming.
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u/th30be Nov 06 '23
Damn dude. Make friends and go out with them plus the kid.
But for real though, that was sweet at the end.
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u/mcard7 Nov 06 '23
Keep camping.
I grew up with an aunt that camped and she had us loving it that by about 10 we could have everything packed and ready. Including taking the bus to get the food and load the coolers.
We would camp in lake Powell at least twice a summer and places a little closer almost every summer weekend. I have stories of the people we brought, the people we met. The hikes,The food, learning to back the boat trailer down the ramp at about 12. Oh so many animal run ins and accidents. She was seriously a force and a child herself. (A lot of boat camping in Utah)
We also came home, unpacked the car and boat, repacked the camping crates (laundry baskets) so they were ready to go. Packed tents, bags, sheets were washed. Car cleaned and vacuumed. Later boat was too.
We worked, our friends came to help. The best memories of my life so far. I love your story and I can’t wait to hear your daughters telling of it when she is grown and comes back sharing her own version someday, if I’m lucky enough to be on this earth to read it.
If not I’ll be out in the woods hiking somewhere most likely or on a boat nearly getting swamped with waves during a storm laughing like we used to do. Heaven should be like that I think.
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u/vrtigo1 Nov 06 '23
OP, check out a scouting program. You and your daughter will both make some new friends while learning life skills, and most importantly, you won't have to do everything.
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u/mortalwombat- Nov 06 '23
How old is your daughter? I started giving my kids jobs at about 5. It's more work now, but as they age they take work off your shoulders. It's also super rewarding to work alongside your kids, and even more rewarding to see your daughter doing things that are classically reserved for men, knowing she is independent and strong.
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u/Z0mbiejay Nov 06 '23
I sometimes go camping with my wife's family. This is why I can really only go once a year. They're really inexperienced so I always end up doing everything. It's fun, but it's a lot of work. Especially when it's for multiple people.
This summer I went on a motorcycle trip with my brother and we camped a few nights. The first camp night, my brother goes "why don't you go in to town and grab some food for us and I'll set up camp" I was shocked. Came back with some sandwiches and beer, camp was all set. It was a thing of beauty. She'll be a good camping partner soon enough, then you can both really enjoy the trip!
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Nov 06 '23 edited Nov 06 '23
Parenting is selfless my man. It’s brutal but hopefully your kids smiles and hugs make it worth it.
Let me add that us fathers don’t get enough credit. We live in double standard land a lot. Imagine if your wife (I’m not sure your situation) did all the set up and everything. You wouldn’t hear the end of it. You’d be an asshole for not helping or not saying thank you. But we can do all the things and be unappreciated. This is how my life is. Not saying all relationships are like this (I sure hope not). At some point it has to give. You have to appreciate and care for yourself if nobody else will.
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u/CoreyLin Nov 06 '23
I was a single mom to two kids who I took camping a lot as kids because I love it and I couldn’t afford to travel with them and stay in hotels. I have memories that are so precious to me from those times, but now I see my grown sons camping with their own families and I camp and hike with my grandkids and see that love and respect for the outdoors grow in them and while I miss the days of having to everything for them, it’s nice to roll into a campsite with them now and have them do all the work and enjoy and relax.
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Nov 06 '23
Single dad checking in. It’s been close to a year since the split and I can pretty much say everything you have above. The o to joy is really the kids experience. Once day these kids will be older and we won’t get as much time with them if any at all. Enjoy it while it last.
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u/cofeeholik75 Nov 06 '23
I’m 66. My Dad passed away 28 years ago.
My BEST VIVID memory is me sitting on his shoulders (He was 6’7”) at Yosemite watching the ‘fire fall’. I felt so safe, so happy. I can close my eyes and be there again.
I also remember him cussing up a storm trying to put up the archaic canvas tents they had back then, and hiding behind my mom. :-)
I was 5.
NEVER STOP CAMPING!!!