The vast majority of tent campers - or those thinking about trying it for the first time - would prefer the convenience, cost and comfort of a weekend family camping, often at a prepared tent site at a campground, with the support of a nearby car or van. This type of camping blends effortlessly into the lifestyle of a busy family wanting to get away from it all without competely cutting the cord. "The Essential Family Camper", as with other titles in the Essential series, presents an engaging, thorough and highly visible introduction to the joys of sleeping and eating under the stars. Longtime campers Zora and David Aiken have gleaned hundreds of tips from a wide array of campers around the United States, and combined them with lessons they've learned during their own transformation from novice to experienced campers. "The Essential Family Camper" presents the best information available on planning an excursion, choosing gear, packing, setting up camp, cooking, sanitation, safety and making the most of one's surroundings. All information is field-tested and designed to make those weekend forays easier, more comfortable and more fun for the entire family, with games and activities to keep the kids happy and involved and advice on bringing along the family pet. "The Essential Family Camper" also includes advice on more remote trips that expand a family's camping horizons. "The Essential Family Camper" is a revised and updated edition of "Simple Tent Camping", first published in 1996, with an added new feature: a "30-minute pack-and-go planner" to guide harried weekenders through getting the family quickly and easily on the road, fully equipped, on a Friday evening.