AmericanItGirl-I'm doing the same thing myself for the first time this Aug. we can work through this together (we've tent camped at FW before but had a car-this year it was cheaper to fly). First, I'm taking just me and my DD8 and DS5 so I'll be responsible for a lot of things and second, we tent camp anyway so that part won't be new. Here's what I have so far.
1) I want airconditioning!!! So, I bought a window A/C and will ship it down and back FedEx (varified the airline wouldn't allow it boxed and checked as baggage)
2) Each person in my party will have the max. allowable luggage size and weight used (you'll want to have a large suitcase for each child available). My luggage set only had 2 large pieces so I just picked up another large piece at a garage sale for $4 (don't care what it looks like I only intend to use it once. Each person will have their one carry-on, one personal item, and one quart bag of liquids (make sure you count the kids in your total allotment even if they're not the ones lugging it). I will be taking the umbrella stroller for DS5 at the parks-I anticipate having bags in it and looped to it while at the airport.
3) My tent would not fit into luggage that was within the limits. So, rather than ship the tent down and back and have nothing to show for my $$, I choose to buy a new more compact tent. This came in its own zipper bag like a duffel bag and will be one of our carry-ons. The tent came with small flimsy spikes that will stay in the carry-on. I will check metal heavy duty spikes and a mallet and will switch them out when my luggage arrives. I will not check the tent and risk having my only shelter separated from me (lost or delayed). I will take the airmattress in my carry-on, sheets are less important and can be checked.
4) Practice, Practice, Practice. We've been pitching the new tent (just me and DD8 but she's been doing this with me since she was 5), using window A/C, cooking (both creating a menu-I won't charcoal in Aug. heat) and deciding what will be packed or bought onsite, cleaning the dishes, and even the electrical cord configuration. We've been practicing things we learned on disboards like packing each days outfit in ziplocs to keep dry and ease my workload each morning. The kids need more practice with showering at the bath house. Our next camping trip will have all gear packed in suitcases just like it will for the real trip so we can make sure everything fits.
5) How important is it? Although it might be nice to have, unless it's used more than twice during the trip it probably won't go. Everything must be cut down in size ( I just bought a camping towel, very thin and still need to try, instead of packing bath towels, I have bought and practiced with the camping pillows-these work just fine, and I bought and need to practice with with emergency blanket-folds down to wallet size and don't anticipate needing at all in Aug. but peace of mind will be good, I may also use them as a table cover and are cheap and will be thrown away). I will be packing a fold-up electric griddle as the primary cooking source, I'm working to create a full menu of items that I can cook on it. Although the kids fold-up lawn chairs easily fit into the suitcase, mine won't, I will just have to sit on the wood picnic table or squeeze my tooshie into theirs.
I'm sure I'll think of more, let me know what you come up with.
