Babes in the Woods

I'm Hungry: No Foraging Necessary

Keep it simple. You might want to pack sandwiches or other no-cook meals for the first night because everyone will be more interested in exploring than in cooking.

[an error occurred while processing this directive]

A simple breakfast can be made by dipping cinnamon bread in beaten eggs and milk, then frying over the fire. Skip the syrup; it's a mess to clean up.

Lunches can be finger foods, such as vegetable sticks, celery stuffed with peanut butter or hummus, or cheese and crackers -- anything to provide nourishment without curtailing explorations.

Look for other kid-pleasing meals that take little preparation and require little cleanup. You can double-wrap dinner (a chicken leg, potatoes, onions and carrots, or maybe a vegetarian packet) in foil and place it directly on the grill or in the coals. Use long-handled tongs to turn the packages periodically. Cooking times will vary, so you might want to test your recipe before leaving home.

For dessert, try banana boats. Slice a banana through one side of the peel, pack with chocolate chips and mini marshmallows, then wrap in aluminum foil and place on the grill for about five minutes. Yum! You'll need a spoon for this one.

Another option: Core an apple; fill with cinnamon, raisins and brown sugar. Wrap in foil and bake on coals. And, of course, there's always that perennial favorite: s'mores.

Never store food in your tent, and caution kids about sneaking munchies into their sleeping bags or pockets, unless you want mice, bugs or other animals to pay you a nighttime visit.

Oh, and if you want the grown-ups to be pleasant in the morning, don't forget the coffee.

Sun's Out: Time to Play

Although summer is full of ranger-led programs and other activities at many campgrounds, fall is a time for quiet discoveries. Hiking just to enjoy the scenery is great, but for children, hiking with a purpose can avoid the "are we there yet?" syndrome and can enhance a child's powers of observation.

Try an alphabet hike to see who can match the most letters to things along the way or a shape hike to hunt for natural triangles, ovals, spirals, etc. An oddities hike may interest older kids. They might notice a two-trunk tree, unusual tree bark, signs of animal gnawings or interesting animal tracks. All ages can enjoy a "look under" hike: Use a sturdy stick to peek beneath logs, rocks or leaves.

At night, play a favorite board game by lantern light.

Rain, Rain, Go Away: Don't Let It Dampen Your Fun

Be aware that some fabrics are prone to leaking when disturbed while wet, so it's important not to touch or pile things against the inside walls of your tent. A rain fly (a waterproof tarp suspended above your tent) will act like an umbrella, directing rain away from the top and sides.

Cards, board games and books are family favorites, but rain doesn't have to stop activities. As long as there's no threat of lightning, pop on ponchos and go exploring. Where does the water go? What kind of bugs are out and about? Look for worms. Animal prints show up better in mud. What made the prints? Where was it going?

Be Secure: Safety Comes First

Security at the campground is synonymous with "using common sense." Be aware of your surroundings. Teach your children to be observant and to notice landmarks at the campsite and while hiking. Occasionally turn around to look at the trail behind you so it will be familiar on your return trip.

If they should get lost, teach children to remain where they are and stay calm. Having a whistle and knowing the distress signal of three loud blasts may come in handy, but understand that signal is to be used only in a real emergency. Know where your children are at all times.

Never feed or approach wild animals, no matter how cute. Observe them from a distance. (Bring the binoculars.) By observing patiently and quietly, your kids may catch a squirrel's hording for winter, an ant's industriousness or a bunny's timid exploration.