Reading List: Camping

It’s that time of year! The days are long and warm, and it is a great time to get outdoors. Camping is one of the most popular ways to introduce children to life outside of familiar, modern comforts, but not everybody gets the chance to experience it. These books are selected for readers ages 8-12 to learn more about camping from different perspectives. Fiction titles are included to enhance the feelings associated with camping, while the selection of nonfiction titles will educate readers about the technical nature of camping and what to expect. Whether a child has never been camping or goes regularly, these titles capture the sensation of camping and inspire future adventures.
Contributed by: Mary Lanni

	Camp By: Mary Kate Doman When the Silva men go camping in Montana, they encounter bears and have to outrun a forest fire.
	Camp Out! The Ultimate Kids’ Guide By: Lynn Brunelle Bear bags, wilderness showers, and telling the temperature by counting the cricket chirps… Whether you’re planning an overnight in the backyard or a weekend in the wilderness, this book is packed with stuff to know. The basics are covered, from gearing up to choosing a site to building a tarp tent. Tasty outdoor recipes are also included, such as Solar Oven Pizza, Chow Down Chili, and s’more’s of course—with eight variations. Plus: how to keep a Field Journal, exploring the nighttime sky, creepy campfire stories, and when it’s time to go home, leaving no trace. It’s everything you need to pick up and head for the hills. For Ages 7 and up.
	Camping By: Sara Green Engaging images accompany information about camping. The combination of high-interest subject matter and narrative text is intended for students in grades 3 through 7.
	Camping By: Cynthia L. Jenson-Elliott Describes the equipment, skills, and knowledge needed for camping.
	Camping By: Julie K. Lundgren Introduces camping, discussing exploring the outdoors, setting up a campsite, and camping safety.
	Camping By: Allan Morey This photo-illustrated book for elementary students describes where to camp and ways to have fun. Includes information on tents, RVs and motorhomes, how to avoid wild animals, and campfire safety.
	Camping By: Tatiana Tomljanovic Provides information about leisure activities that can be enjoyed in nature. Contains photos, charts, and healthy eating and exercise tips that encourage readers to get outdoors and enjoy camping.
	The Camping Caper By: Gail Herman Scooby, Shaggy, and the gang are about to find out if the woods are haunted when the Mystery, Inc. gang goes camping.
	Camping Catastrophe! By: Scott McCormick Illustrated by: R.H. Lazzell Feline siblings Mr. Pants and Foot Foot want to join the Rugged Rangers, but first, they have to prove they can survive an overnight camping trip with their uncle and cousins.
	Camping Chaos By: Franklin W. Dixon Illustrated by: Scott Burroughs Frank and Joe are excited to go camping with their friends in Bayport State Park for the annual “Fun with Camping” event. They are ready for hiking, bonfires, and s’mores–and especially for the tent decorating competition, which the boys are determined to win. But just a few nights into the trip, decorations start to go missing. First, Frank and Joe hear strange noises outside their tent. Then, they see a set of unique footprints at the campsite. It seems like someone–or something–is out to sabotage the decorating contest. Can Joe and Frank figure out who the campsite culprit could be?
	Camping for Kids By: Melanie A. Howard Explores the popular activity of camping, including tips, techniques, conservation, and specific gear needed.
	Gone Camping By: Tamera Will Wissinger Camping is fun, until it’s time to sleep. Then, Lucy wonders what kinds of creatures lurk in the dark? With only her brother and grandpa as tent-mates, will Lucy be able to face her camping fears? Includes a variety of poetic forms–from aubade to haiku–as well as writing tips about rhyme and rhythm.