Menu planning is an important part of camping prepartion.  Involve all family members in this part of the planning.  This is a good time to plan special "family camping meals" to make memories as well as meals. When you have prepared a menu you then prepare your shopping list.  Keep a copy of the menu for all family members so that meal preparation can go as planned.  It is nice to label food in the cooler with the day that each meal is to be prepared.  It also allows family members to contribute to the process by knowing which food is for what day. So when you send people to the cooler to find things it is easier. It helps to be organized in the cooler.  Most  people bring more food to camp then the amount consumed.  Most campers don't make allowance for leftovers.  It is helpful to pack a empty cooler for extra ice, leftovers etc.