As summer moves forward. More of us are trying to organize family reunions. Summer is a great time to have a reunion that involves camping. Here are some ideas of what to consider when planning your own camping and family reunion.

The next couple of lists in this website will be devoted to things to consider when you want to do a camping trip as a family reunion. Some of the topics that will be covered are accommodations, scheduling events, and projects for all ages.

Now for the first topic, accommodations:

–        Consider your accommodations. If you’re fortunate enough to own some land that your family can camp on then you can gradually improve the amenities of your site throughout the years as each person comes and visits annually. On my father’s side of the family. They have 20 acres that they have gradually installed multiple restrooms close to individual campsites, but also a major meeting area that is covered and cemented.

–        Usually, Memorial Day is devoted to fixing up the site while labor day is the weekend when the reunion takes place.

–        Some family members may spend the summer up on the land.

–        If you don’t own the land and need to host your entire tribe on a rental site, you’ll want to consider what is offered at that campsite, not just plumbing empower but maybe potential sources of entertainment outside the schedule of Activities.

–        You will also want to determine what restrictions exist for that site such as number of people or families per campfire, pets or if generators can be ran during the night.

–        The reason I touch upon additional amenities is that my family reunion hosts a golfing exposition. Or, perhaps, you might have a campsite that is close to a river or swimming pool.

–        You will want to choose a location that can accommodate your family, but also to include the possibility of some unexpected visitors who may come along for the ride.

–        It usually advisable to get some commitment from those who plan to attend, so the appropriate number of resources can be scheduled for the family. And if there are certain meals that will be shared by everyone. This will also give you an opportunity to get precise food assignments.

–        On one particular family reunion. We will not only get an invitation to the mail, but will also start to get information through email and Internet. We even now have a Facebook group page where family members can converse.

–        Having a family website is a wonderful resource to keep up-to-date with family and to inform them of the progression of planning for a camp reunion.

–        When you consider your location, you will want to keep in mind what people will bring with them for camping. Some people may have campers or RVs, while others will be restricted to tents. Who has the Dutch ovens or if fire restrictions prevent campfires, then who has the propane stoves?

–        Try to have a clear idea of what your site offers before you arrive there. You may be told that there are trees, but for the sake of caution, you may want to bring tarps and materials to provide your own shade if necessary.

–        You may also want to check to see what restrictions. There may be restrictions for digging trenches around tents or pet restrictions. You are even consider how far away you are from water sources. Or do you have to truck your own water in.

–        You will want to be prepared to carry a trash out so that you leave your site cleaner than you found it

–        Does your location have access to electricity or will some members of the family be running generators all night?

–        You will want to determine what potential dangers exist at your site. In Zion national Park, we have to consider the following concerns: rattlers, ravines, insects, lack of mature trees that can provide shade, and intense heat.

–        Your family will want to come prepared, not just with the necessary food and water, but cooking fuel and shade as well as bug repellent, suntan lotion, and chairs, etc.

–        please see the following link for potential items that you may want to include on your camping trip:

–        http://www.melvagifford.com/2012/08/21/labor-day-weekend-my-camping-checklist/

If you have enjoyed your family reunions that are either camp related or not, please feel free to share your ideas of what you do with your family. The rest of us will be very greedy to hear additional fun ideas that we can implement for our own reunions. Thanks.