The whole idea of a family camp sing-along is to build team spirit, loosen everybody up and share the humor of made-up words, off-key and off-beat tunes. Never compare your personal camp singing style with any other; since no two camps sing a song exactly the same way, there's no right or wrong way to do it. Veteran campers in your family will remember songs from scouting days, traditional family group holidays and summer camps to share with everyone. Those with no prior experience find good camp songs from browsing online music vendor catalogs, download a selection to a cell phone or music player and put in some discreet practice in the weeks before the trip.
Even if most of your meals are prepared on propane camping stoves, keep it traditional for at least one night during your stay by cooking supper over an open fire. Meat and vegetables cooked together in a heavy-lidded iron pot or Dutch oven make a satisfying meal. Well-seasoned beans complemented by whole potatoes roasted in the embers of your cooking fire are another popular option. Dessert's easy with a little forethought. Don't forget to pack enough ingredients to make traditional campfire treats like toasted marshmallows and s'mores for the whole family.
Family camp games range from rough sports to quiet sit-down card sessions after dark and during poor weather. Pack at least one set of playing cards for games such as Snap, Old Maid and Go Fish. Be prepared to include any friends brought "home" by your children from other families camping nearby and explain any special rules your family favors to them. If your family is kept indoors for an extended period of time, get creative and offer yourself up for an "extreme makeover" by the kids, who will raid everyone's pack for items of clothing, makeup and hats to create a "new you."
Family camp story sessions are a traditional way to pass the hours between dinner and bedtime and during heavy rains. These tales range from the funny to the downright spooky. Remember to be careful to avoid scaring very young children with extreme ghost stories accompanied with eerie voices and flashlight effects. A group story, where everyone adds a few minutes' worth of action, gives all family members a chance to join in and becomes part of your own camp tradition.
