Treat Your Loved One with a Fun Camping Care Package!

Since the pandemic, hundreds of people have fled the cities to live with their parents or stay inside in an effort to social distance themselves from others. But staying cooped up all day can take a toll on your mental health. Since parks and outdoor recreation spots have started to open again, people are taking this opportunity to enjoy Mother Nature and appreciate all of the beautiful things that the outdoors have to offer.

Do you have a friend who loves exploring the great outdoors? Treat them with a camping care package! Camping is great for people who just want to get away from town and enjoy everything nature has to offer. With the COVID-19 pandemic still raging on, camping might be just what your friend or family member needs. Before they embark on their camping trip, make sure you send them a proper care package that can help make their trip as enjoyable as possible! 

Things to Consider Before Assembling a Camping Care Package

The type of camping trip your friend embarks on will help you decide which items you should include and which ones you should leave out

Before you assemble your care package, you will want to see what type of camping trip your friend is going on. This can help you figure out what items will be helpful for their trip and what items won’t be necessary. 

Find out what type of camping trip your friend is going on first

Different types of camping trips require different equipment. There is tent camping, which is the most basic type of camping that most beginners embark on. You can go anywhere with this type of camping, such as the forest or the beach. Backpacking is another popular form of camping. Many people who backpack find it therapeutic, as it allows them to immerse themselves in nature while getting some exercise. 

More experienced campers will sometimes attempt survivalist camping. You shouldn’t try this type of camping unless you have extensive experience with the outdoors. Campers often have to catch their own food inside a relatively unknown spot. On the other side of the camping spectrum is RV camping. Some people even like to debate over whether or not this should be considered real camping, After all, you have a vehicle to sleep in rather than a tent. 

There is also canoe and biking camping. Along with regular camping equipment, you can bring a canoe or bike along to explore nearby areas. With both types of camping, you must be aware of the weather conditions before going. If it is raining, you might want to reschedule the trip.

Avoid giving them electronic items

Camping is meant to help people reconnect with nature. It’s difficult to do that if you are distracted by your cell phone. Of course, giving them a portable battery case can be helpful in case they need to use their phone for an emergency. But apps or handheld gaming devices are not necessary. 

12 Supplies to Add to Your Camping Care Package

Help your friend prepare for a successful trip by packing these items in your care package!

Before your loved one embarks on their camping adventure, send them some fun items in a care package! You can add an assortment of practical and fun items to the care package. While your friend will need essentials like a flashlight or a pair of binoculars, they will also want a notebook to record their adventures and roasting sticks for heating up marshmallows! That’s why they are sure to enjoy these fun and practical items we have featured below.

1. Portable charger so they don’t need to worry about their phone dying

There are no outlets in the wilderness. And while your friend probably won’t be spending much time on their phone, it is still useful to have a portable charger with them in case they need to stay in contact with loved ones or they experience an emergency. Most portable charges are easy to store in a backpack, and can offer hours of extra battery time. 

Some people prefer phone charger cases while others are fine with a separate portable charge they can stow away. If you aren’t sure what your loved one likes better, you can just ask them outright what their preferences are. 

2. Rain gear if there might be inclement weather during their trip

If it might rain during their time camping, add a waterproof coat or umbrella to your care package. Sitting in the rain is never pleasant, but a coat and umbrella can make your loved one much more comfortable. You can even purchase an entire waterproof outfit including a set of pants to keep them warm and dry. 

Make sure you purchase a suit that offers breathability and is lightweight. There’s nothing more irritating than feeling sweaty under an uncomfortable jacket. 

3. Flashlight to keep them safe at night

A flashlight is a necessity for any camping trip, whether your friend is “glamping” or roughing it out there in a remote area. Whatever flashlight you get, make sure it is high-powered and durable. Weak flashlights won’t do your friend much help in the wilderness. 

You can find a number of smaller flashlights that can easily fit in the pocket of your friend’s pants. Despite their small size, they can offer an abundance of power. Flashlights that are rechargeable and water-resistant may be of special use to your friend during their camping trip. 

4. Safety manual for extra assistance

It never hurts to have a safety manual with you whenever you go camping. Safety manuals can help you with everything from starting a fire to treating an injury. Even if your friend has gone camping numerous times before, it doesn’t hurt to have a safety manual by their side just in case. You can easily find one in-stores or online through places like Barnes & Noble or Amazon. 

5. Binoculars to let them enjoy some gorgeous views

It’s going to be hard to enjoy all of the gorgeous views on a trail or forest without a pair of binoculars! Whether your friend wants to go bird watching or hunting, a durable pair of binoculars will come in handy. Some binoculars even offer night vision, making them perfect for people who enjoy exploring the wilderness in the dark. 

6. Roasting sticks for making delicious s’mores

Roasting sticks are essential for any camping trip. Without them, it just won’t feel like a normal camping expedition into the wilderness! There are a number of different roasting sticks you can choose for superior marshmallow roasting. When searching through different options, try to select a pair made from stainless steel, as they are easy to clean and don't rust. Roasting sticks with wood handles are also much easier to handle and manage than those without one. 

According to experts, roasting sticks that are 32 inches are the perfect length for roasting! This allows you to roast your marshmallows from a safe distance without worrying about accidentally burning yourself. 

7. A blanket to keep them warm at night

Fleece throw blankets are a must-have for your loved one’s camping trip! You can find fleece blankets in different sizes and styles at a variety of different stores. If your loved one loves the Eagles, you can purchase an Eagles-themed blanket for them. Or if they enjoy simple, artistic designs, you can purchase a blanket sporting a unique and contemporary design. One of the best things about this gift is the versatility that it offers. 

8. Wash rags to help them stay clean 

Wash rags are another important gift to include in your care package. Some campsites offer showers for campers, while others require them to wash in a nearby lake or stream. Either way, your loved one will want some wash rags to clean their faces and keep them free of dirt and grime. 

9. First aid kit to keep in the case of an emergency

In the case of an emergency, your loved one will need to use supplies from a first aid kit. When searching for a first aid kit, make sure you purchase one that has the following necessities:

• Antiseptic wipes
• Hand sanitizer
• Gauze pads
• Bandages
• Neosporin
• Safety pin
• Tweezer
• OTC pain relief medication

10. A water filter for purifying water

Unless your friend is okay with risking cholera or diarrhea — which they probably aren’t — water filters are essential for their camping trip. Water filters for camping are pretty portable and easy to store. They can typically filter 99% of bacteria and parasites from water, making it safe for them to drink.  

11. A whistle to use in case they need help

Should your friend ever find themselves in trouble, they can use a whistle to signal for help. Despite their small size, whistles can make pretty powerful sounds. Most whistles are durable and moisture-resistant, making them easy to store or wear around the neck wherever your loved one goes. 

12. A journal to help them record their experiences

Journaling helps people gather their thoughts and record their experiences. As they explore the wilderness, they might enjoy sketching some of the plants and animals they encounter! Adding a small, portable notebook can make it easy for them to record their observations and write down their thoughts. 

Have you ever gone camping before? Taking the time to plan out your trip is crucial for ensuring you and the rest of your crew have an enjoyable trip. What are some useful supplies you enjoy bringing along with you for a successful trip? Let us know in the comments!