• • Ground cover
• • Tent
• • Sleeping pads
• • Sleeping bags
• • Pillows
• • Lights
• • Water
• • Blankets
• • Snacks

Go out that morning and look for a level spot in the shade away from unnatural lights.

You don't want streetlights keeping you up at night or the sun beating down on you in the morning. 

Do this about an hour before dusk. And let the kids help you.

You can do it more easily by yourself, but that's not the point. Let them help. Let them mess up. Camping requires attention and patience, so give those things to your kids.

Get your kids involved in bringing their favorite snacks: popcorn, twizzlers, fruit snacks.

Treat it like a movie night the first night. We'll work them up to beef jerky later.

Set up sleeping pads, sleeping bags, pillows, and blankets, and hang a light from inside the tent. You want everyone to be warm and comfortable.  

Oh, and turn off the sprinklers. Do not forget to turn off the sprinklers.

Read books. Draw the trees. Play hangman. Hide from the bears just beyond sight.

Anything but stare at a screen.

This is your time to connect with each other.

Put in the effort.

If you do make it through the night, your reward is waking without an alarm. The light and warmth of the sun will do the trick. They’ll never forget the feeling.

In the morning, command the crew to take down the tent.

Another rep or two, and you’ll be ready for primetime.