Thread: Overwhelmed!!

Bins are a great start. I would also review you 'must have' list several times. It was our experience when the boys were that age that a lot of the 'must haves' never got used. While I can no longer blame it on children, we still have that problem with food. Plan for some child entertainment in case of inclement weather, plus some 'outdoor' type toys. We always made sure we had a frisbee or velcro ball to play with. Kind of a learning experience as you go.
Congratulations on getting the kids out into the great outdoors.

We also tended to overpack especially food and still do that today. But always better to have some extra's for that last day meal

You might be able condense cooking gear (and cleaning of such gear) by having a foil meal or two and yes let the kids help cook that meal, they learn about fire. Do not know if toys were included but leave them at home, natures toys are just as good (short hikes on the bike trail, a walk to the restroom near the playground, At johnson branch it is a nice walk to the beach area, look for "stuff".

If you plan to do lots of camping look at a foot locker, just do not over pack it

Try to pack your van so that the things you need first are packed last.
Make sure your tent (and tent pegs plus hammer) and some ground tarps will come out first. Sleeping bags and mats should come out next. then gear and food.

My advise.... ha ha don't take anything that cant be replaced. Go to the dollar stores and get cheap just for camping. You cant have to many panchos this time of year. They make good wind breakers.

I also took ( take ) way to much when we first started. I started keeping a list of things we did NOT use, and wish we HAD brought. I pretty much have it down now but it's been a while and I have atrailer. I do still forget some stuff every now and then.

I keep a tote in the house for stuff that needs to go into the trailer, fresh towels, food items that need replacing ( coffe, sugar, cookies).

Every trip is a learning experance, have fun!!!