Gobble The S’mores, But Be Careful With The Raisins

Wondering how the big spring break camping trip went?

Here’s a recap of our visit to the Sugar Hollow campground in Bristol, Va., and a few lessons.

S’mores: There’s a reason these marshmallow, chocolate and graham cracker goodies make you want some more. Likely count? Many too many.

Tent pitching: It was easier than we feared, thanks to having the original diagrams that came with the tent. My in-laws graciously loaned us a huge one that could have slept six to eight adults. It was perfect for two adults, two boys juiced on s’mores and a dog that refused to wipe his feet no matter how nicely I asked. I have no clue how we’ll ever get those muddy footprints cleaned up.

Scary stories: Camping seems to be the perfect venue for scary stories; think of Jason Vorhees and Crystal Lake or the Blair Witch Project. But we were too cold and tired by the time we got started. Every attempt at suspense landed us in stitches. We laughed until our sides hurt.

First-aid: We had one mildly scrubbed knee (doctored with only a wet paper towel) and a thin scratch on an arm (doctored with a SpongeBob SquarePants Band-Aid). Both were quickly forgotten. The adults weren’t so lucky. We went home with poison ivy (my husband) and insect bites (me).

Raisins: Do not let young children eat large amounts of raisins on a camping trip. Even if you are near the comfort station, no one wants bathroom drama multiple times in the pre-dawn hours.

Fire patrol: Eleven-year-old boys are fascinated by fire and want to make the biggest one possible. That includes bringing firewood, fire starter and matches from the house. Do not leave them unattended, even for a moment. A big bucket of water and plenty of patience is advisable.

Cooking duty: Let the younger campers help. My older son made delicious cheeseburgers once I relaxed and let him do it.

Other activities: Bring bikes, a football and a Frisbee – anything your children enjoy doing.

Getting away from the drone of the television is wonderful, but kids need activities to keep them occupied. Being able to pedal around the campsite or toss a football gives them exercise and entertainment.

Keeping warm: Children think it is fun to zip and unzip the tent and open and close the window flaps. Adults are not amused by this when the temperature dips below 40 degrees. For sleeping, everyone must partner up and stay inside their sleeping bags and under additional covers. Good luck keeping squirmy boys that still.

On a separate warmth note, visitors will sing a song of praise for hot water in the Sugar Hollow comfort stations. We were elated to find hot water this early in the season.

Roughing it: Sleeping in a tent is not supposed to be glamorous, but if you have an air mattress, consider using it. Your hips and knees will thank you.

Clothes: Even if camping overnight, bring extra outfits for younger children. How can a child go through three pairs of pants in less than a day? See “raisins” above.

Traffic noise: There is noise from Interstate 81 at some of the campsites at Sugar Hollow; it is off Exit 7, after all.
Parks and Recreation Director Kevin Dye said this diminishes later in the spring, once the trees have more leaves to buffer the sound. If you are a light sleeper, you should consider camping closer to Beaver Creek to enjoy the water sounds. We listened to semis for most of the night.

Bottom line? It was incredibly fun and worth doing again. Dye said he is amazed by how many local residents don’t realize there is a campground at Sugar Hollow. His staff works hard to keep the area clean, to check on campers in the park and to respond to questions from the public.

If you are looking for a fun, inexpensive outing for your family, wander out to Sugar Hollow and see for yourself what it has to offer.

Suzanne Tate is the opinion page editor at the Bristol Herald Courier and can be reached at (276) 645-2534 or .