Photo Credit: Niels Timmer

We’ve been camping many times. But I’ve never been “backpacking.” I purchased the book The Joy of Backpacking by Brian Beffort and have read it cover to cover. Most of the information I basically already knew just from having been camping so many times. But there are some differences. Mainly, you have to whittle what you take with you down to the very basics. I enjoyed the book and it was very informative.

So, for me, one of the major differences between backpacking and camping close to your car is the food.

Food for me is critical to the enjoyment of my camping experience. I need good food and lots of it. If I don’t eat I get shaky and feel like passing out. So, like I said, food is really important to me. Not only that, but I figure that since I’m bringing my kids and teenagers along, I want them to really enjoy the experience so they want to do it again. If we eat nasty, tasteless food everyday, they won’t enjoy it.

I don’t know if this menu is practical. I will be weighing the food and determining how much each person needs in the way of servings before we pack up. I hope to pack just enough with very little food leftover.

Everything I have read suggests that you pack an Average 2 lbs. per person/ per day. I figure my nine year old daughter will only need about 1 1/2 lbs. per day. Also, you need to consider the weight versus the amount of enjoyment the food item will bring you plus the energy it will provide you as well.

So, here’s my menu. Later I will try to post some of the recipes.

Friday:

Lunch – Sack Lunch

Snack #1– Trail Mix

Snack #2 – Cheese-Its, Energy Scotch Bars

Supper – Lentils, Cornbread Patties

Sabbath:

Breakfast – Pancakes, Fried Eggs

Snack #1– Cheese Crackers,

Snack #2 – Granola Bars

Lunch – Ramen

Supper – Walking Tacos, Black Bean Soup, Orange Chocolate Cake

Sunday:

Breakfast – Instant Grits, Hot Chocolate or Apple Cider

Snack #1 – Tofu Jerky

Snack #2 – Cheese-Its

Lunch – Macaroni and Cheese, Dried Apricots

Supper – Cashew Stir-Fry Rice, Angel Food Cake, Leftover Nutella

Monday:

Breakfast – Instant Oatmeal, Nuts, Hot Chocolate

Snack #1 – Trail Mix

Snack #2 – Fruit Snacks

Lunch – Bread, Cheese, Mayo Packets, Pringles Potato Chips

This past week, we didn’t have school on Monday – Labor Day – as we had family over for a picnic in the yard. Here’s our lunch boxes from the rest of the week:

Sandwich, Potato Chips, Veggies, Dip.

Veggie Hot Dog, Coleslaw, Veggies, Dip.

Cashew Stir Fried Rice, Edamame Soy Beans, Carrot Sticks, Cottage Cheese.

Cashew Fried Rice, Edamame Soy Beans, Corn on the Cob.

You can print my blank menu planner here.

This week’s plan for suppers:

M - Crock-pot Enchiladas, Broccoli Casserole, Salad

T - Haystacks at church

W- Falafel, Couscous, Hummus, Tahini Sauce

TH - Tostadas

F - Cream Cheese Patties, Brown Mushroom Gravy, Smashed Potatoes, Beans

Be sure to visit Organizing Junkie for hundreds of menu ideas!

What’s on your menu this week? I’d love for you to share!

This year I’m packing the kids lunches for home school days. I’m wondering why I’d never tried this before?

This week suppers will be:

Monday: Cabbage and Onions with Smashed Potatoes, Deviled Eggs, and Garlic Toast

Tuesday: Crock-pot Enchiladas and Salad

Wednesday: Spaghetti, Salad, and Garlic Toast

Thursday: Crock-pot Black Bean Soup and Gluten Free Cornbread

Friday: Cottage Cheese Loaf, Gravy, Green Beans and Potatoes

What are you having for supper this week? Share your ideas and links in the comments below!

Be sure to stop by Organizing Junkie for hundreds of ideas for menu planning!