My daughter decided to try camping with her friends this summer. In the past she has only gone camping with the family. She's not used to having to needed to bring things. I usually make sure we have everything we need packed into the van. All she ever had to do was bring her clothing.

Her first camping trip with her friends was a short lived disaster. She took her tent, sleeping bag and clothing. That was it. It never occurred to her or her friends they would need things like camping cookware. Everyone expected someone else to bring camping cookware. They set up camp, got ready for the night and had nothing to cook on or with. Some of them, like my daughter, did not even bring food or a cooler to keep food. It was a learning experience for her. I think she now appreciates how much work goes into planning a camping trip. They are re-trying the camping experience this weekend. My daughter is borrowing our camping cookware and some of our other camping equipment. I think this camping trip is going to go a lot smoother this time.