For the love of camping

Out on a school night? Georgie Duckworth shows us how a spontaneous night out, with campfire, family and open skies, turns the ordinary Wednesday on its head.

A typical Wednesday evening at home: dinner squeezed between homework and clubs. A bit of washing up. Bags packed for the next day. Maybe half an hour of television before everyone drifts off to bed ready to do it all again tomorrow. Perfectly predictable, but rarely memorable.

But what if our bags were packed for camping? A night outdoors flips that routine on its head.

First, I check the weather. We can be totally flexible when it comes to weekday camping; if clear skies are coming tomorrow, why camp in the rain tonight?

Second, I don't wait for a free evening because those don't exist. But clubs and non-essential commitments can usually wait.

Fancy sleeping out tonight?

Usually, the decision happens the night before, or even that same morning. I'll ask the simple question, 'Fancy sleeping out tonight?' and, despite now having generally disgruntled tweens and teenagers, the answer is still always an enthusiastic yes!

Once school and work are finished, we quickly pack the essentials: sleeping bags, warm layers, headtorches and a few simple cooking bits. No need for the full camping setup, just enough to stay warm, comfortable and fed.

Then we head off. We're lucky to have a beautiful campsite down the road from our home in Somerset. Run by a local organic farmer, it's an open stretch of green space edged by thick hedgerows, alive with birdsong and the excited wing flutters of the sparrows which nest in the barns nearby. We like to pitch on the bank above a shallow valley where, in the early morning, a light mist gathers and deer often graze. As evening falls, the big Somerset skies glow gold and orange as the sun sets. It's hard to beat.

Don't wait for the perfect schedule. Pick a clear evening, pack the basics and go. You might find that those simple, slightly spontaneous nights become the ones you remember most.

The campfire is lit, we flop into chairs around it and cook something simple on the gas burner, our usual go-to is a food pouch with some chunky bread, really easy and quick.

And then, relax. I'm always amazed at how quickly my mindset shifts. There's a freedom to being 'out' that elevates the spirits. The kids have the space to run around like wild animals, and I can feel the tension in my shoulders lifting and my constant inner monologue quietening.

Make the most of everyday

We all smile more on our camping nights, I've noticed that. Conversations flow more easily too. The kids tell us stories from school we probably wouldn't have heard otherwise. Someone inevitably spots a satellite crossing the sky. We debate whether that bright dot is a plane or a planet. We listen to owls hoot as the fire crackles. Dreamy.

Georgie's family camping set up

Keeping things simple is what makes weekday camping work. The children love sleeping in their Alpkit Elan hooped bivvy bags, zipped up like cocoons but still open to the night sky so they can watch the stars before drifting off to sleep.

Meanwhile my husband and I opt for the Jaran 2 tent. It's quick, uncomplicated and just roomy enough for the two of us. With the bivvies and the tent, camp can be set up in around ten minutes.

Aside from the other essentials like sleeping bags, my nice to haves: camping chairs, coffee supplies, and a hot water bottle.

If the idea of a weeknight adventure appeals, Georgie's written about bivvying with the family and the art of squeezing more adventure into your weekend too.

Follow the adventures of Georgie and her family, or visit @gowildgowest on Instagram and Facebook.