What do I need, first timer

[BabyAlexander]

Not been camping since I was a girl guide and we're going on Thursday.

We've got the tent, SIMs, chairs, table... all that jazz. Any must haves or top tips equipment wise?

About to head off for a quick shop. Washing up liquid, kitchen roll, bin bags etc. Is there a fool proof list? What do I need?

I'm not sure why I feel like such a novice, I camped most summers as a child but being in charge of this gig has got me in a spin.

What is SIMs?
Stove, matches, pans, plates, cups, cutlery, bread board, tin opener, bucket, water container, washing line and pegs, dish cloth.
Camping bed, air bed etc, Sleeping bags, pillows, Jim jams, torch, solar powered garden lights, insect repellent, first aid kit, mirror, coat hangers, rubbish bags, toilet paper.
The list is endless depending on size of tent, numbers, car size etc.
I have found solar lights very usefull as they can be left on over night.

Flip flops or similiar for the showers.
Easy on and off shoes for inand out the tent.
Dustpan and brush (not essential)
Butchers hooks / S hooks : hang over shower door and hang plastic bag from when there are not enough hooks in the shower, and they are all within spray range.
Cafetière/ tea bags, whatever your hot drink of choice
Bucket: night time wees
Baby wipes. For everything. Hands, table,
Ear plugs
Wine

One of those foam sleeping mats is a game changer. Or a camp bed. It’s awful sleeping on the ground.

Patience.

A hotel

Get a big plastic box with lid (a clip lock one was my sil's tip as their lid comes off)

Bin bags
Pegs
Dust pan and brush
Washing up bowl
T'towel
Sponge/cloth
Washing up liquid
Kitchen roll
Playing cards
Lights
Squash
Ketchup
Salt

We took with us a hurricane lamp and big candle which was much better than the battery torches/lamps

You need a caravan

Gin.

And fucking loads of it to see you through.

I always put an emergency blanket (you know, the silvery kind) under the mattress (whatever kind you use) to keep the cold from creeping in. But then I always had shit weather when camping, I hope you have better weather.

bottle opener and corkscrew

Eye mask and ear plugs, wet wipes, toilet roll, hand held fan, insect repellent, antihistamines, bats/balls/nets/stumps, umbrella to make some shade, windbreak.

These are all optional and depends on you - I need them for extended trips.

A hotel room. I haven't got the imagination power to see how camping is fun or cheaper!

Loads of coins if it’s drizzly and there’s a tumble dryer on site. Means you can keep at least your bedding and nightwear a bit dry. Everything gets so damp and clammy in a tent if it’s wet outside for a day or two.

Also in the same vein, I’d recommend a couple of old towels to dry feet and the tent entrance as you come in.

I love camping but only for a night or two as I love a dry, soft bed too much nowadays.

Hope it’s sunny for you though!