When combined with a clear educational experience, another option is to camp as a group in a local park if granted permission by the local parks department. Just be sure to emphasize rules for low impact and low maintenance camping if exercising this option.
Ask parents to help contribute to the cost of the trip. If their son or daughter is attending, consider requesting for a donation to the cost of supplies. Allow students to bring their own tents (if applicable) to save school finances.
Give students a brief lesson on how to pitch a tent before the day of the camping trip. Make sure students are comfortable knowing with whom they will be sharing a tent if applicable.
Once camp is set up, go over basic camping rules and make sure that everyone understands. This should include, but need not be limited to the following: How and when food will be served. How to access drinking water. How and where to dispose of trash and recyclables. All food, garbage, bottles, and cans should be placed in appropriate receptacles and carried out if necessary. Location of restroom facilities and how to access them safely. Ideally, facilities should be kept as clean as possible and available for other campers when necessary. Discretion when peeing in the woods (if applicable for boys). How to give or ask for assistance. Boundaries of the campsite, etc.
