I know NOWT about camping..

[Elphaba]

...and have been invited on a camping trip in the summer, just for a weekend.

It sounds like fun but where the devil do we start? Will it cost us huge amounts of money to buy stuff (because we've already got 2 holidays booked this year and they were not cheap!)?

What do I need to know about tents? There are 2 adults and 3 kids.

And actually, I don't 'do' roughing it but I think the boys would bloody love it (they are 7, 5, 3).

Heeeeeeeelp!

any good?

Needn't cst that much at all- firstly is there anyone you can borrow a tent from? That's the biggie. If nto go for Argos or see what offers they have in the sale section on sites like outdoor world or outdoor megastore.

or try freecycle.

Your boys will love it as they are pretty much the same ages as mine (8, 7, 4.5) and we have been camping for years. We will be off this Whitsun again, with a fourth boy due next month LOL.

Ebay great for everything except (if you dont know your stuff) tents- stove, sleeping bag, airbed etc.

tent- minimum 1500 HH for summer usage (waterproof rating), 6 berth minimum for a family of 5 (we have 8 but do use it a lot), SIG best if you're a reluctant camper (sewn in hroundsheet) but first time we went DH had never camped, Argos cheapy, no SIG and he loved it.

Oh right - had a quick look at 5 berth so it's handy to know you that recommend 6.
Also wondered what SIG meant so thanks for that!

I don't know if we know anyone with a tent - that will be my first stop so I will ask around.

Thanks Peachy - what about chairs, stove and all that clobber. We are going to be bankrupt aren't we?!

Check out Asda and tesco for bargains, they're starting to get their ranges in now I notice and they are far cheaper than you'd expect!

Firstly if it is just for one weekend in the summer I would BORROW stuff.

I wouldn't buy anything more than a sleeping bag unyil you give it a go, you could love it or hate it.

If you are invited I would check out the cooking arrangements, I am sure they don't expect you to bring you own cooking facilities, perhaps your own plates and cups etc.

If you can't borrow and it is the summer you can get away with a basic tent and cheap sleeping bags, blow up mattress or a pile of duvets and wooly blankets.