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ummer is the perfect time to enjoy the great outdoors, so channel your inner Bear Grylls and go camping. Sitting around a campfire, toasting marshmallows, telling scary stories, singing songs... what’s not to like?

Yes, camping is fun, and in an age where parents have their work cut out prising kids away from mobile phones and tablets, removing the distractions can prove to be a breath of fresh air (literally).

Of course, not every parent can properly pitch a tent build and a campfire. If this sounds like you, don’t worry – ahead of National Camping and Caravanning Week (May 29 – June 4) we asked the Camping and Caravanning Club for tips for families considering camping for the first time.

Choose a tent with more berths than people who’ll use it. Smaller tents are easier to pitch, but ensure you can stand up in it and that there is enough space to get changed and store kit.

Practice putting up your tent in the garden. You’ll confirm all the parts are there, and get faster at putting it up with each attempt.

Choose a site close to home for your first trip. If you forget something, you’ll be able to quickly pop home.

Before pitching your tent, check you’re not on uneven ground that’s too hard to hammer in the pegs. Lay the poles and pegs out, and get all the family to help. Check you’re not missing any parts. Try to do it in an area that is sheltered from the elements.

Keep cooking simple. There are plenty of portable camping stoves which are perfect for heating up ready-made dishes. Take food in airtight containers, and also consider taking a cool box.

Research the local area for fun things to do for all the family, especially those which are weatherproof. And pack games that all the family can play.

Take quality sleeping bags, and a decent sleeping mat or air bed. Take lanterns and torches, plus spare batteries. Pack your camping kit box with utensils, pots and pans, matches, washing up bowl and liquid, tea towels, and plenty of rubbish bags. Don’t forget a corkscrew or bottle opener.

Remember, there’s no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong gear – take waterproofs, fleeces and layers, along with suitable footwear.