I'd really like to find more threads like that for tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, lanterns -- all the stuff we're going to need.
Depending on how old you sons are, I'd encourage you to find a Boy Scout troop in your area. You could join as a leader too. You don't have to have the skills to be a leader.
From an equipment standpoint, here are my thoughts:
In general, find a good local sporting goods store. Avoid tents/sleeping gear from Target. Walmart actually has some pretty good stuff, though I wouldn't buy a tent from there.
Tents: As my wife would testify, I have way too many tents. In general, any tent from Eureka is an excellent quality and reasonably priced. Other manufacturers may have nicer tents, but they are also more expensive. Make sure the tent comes factory seam-sealed. Avoid any tent - other than Eureka - that costs less than $100. For an adult and two growing kids, I'd recommend something bigger than a 4-person tent.
As I got older I've tended to prefer a simple dome tent with pole clips instead of sleeves, tall enough to just be able to stand up in (too tall and its harder to setup), and enough floor space for my gear. I've also started moving away from vestibules since I didn't use them and they make getting into/out of a tent just that much more complicated (zippers tend to be at the ground). Now that I'm in Scouting I've found that most of the Scoutmasters use simple dome tents that are about 10'x10' and 6' high. I like that size.
Aluminum poles are stronger than fiberglass, no doubt. Speaking as a scoutmaster though, if a boy steps on an aluminum pole, it could be fatal. A high quality fiberglass pole (Eureka, Alps Mountaineering) might be a better choice so long as you use storm guylines in windy weather and avoid very cold weather.
I've looked at LOTS of tents, and the best simple dome tent I could find that has 100% clips (no pole sleeves) is the Alps Mountaineering Meramac 6-person. You can order them directly from the company.
http://www.alpsmountaineering.com .
For a lower price tent, take a look at the Eureka Tetragon 9. GREAT tent for the price. The Eureka Sunrise or Spacious is OK too. Get a sheet of plastic to put under the tent that is just smaller than the tent.
Follow these rules:
1. No shoes inside a tent
2. Open door zippers completely before entering/exiting
3. Stake out storm guylines if storms/winds are predicted - high winds will destroy a tent faster than just about anything else
4. Don't stake out guylines until bedtime to keep boys from tripping over them and ripping the tent - unless high winds are in the area
5. ALWAYS stake down the tent - even if it is free-standing - even moderate wind will turn a free-standing tent into a giant rolling beachball in no time
6. NO FLAMES INSIDE TENTS!!
7. Keep the screen doors closed to keep out the bugs!!!
Sleeping Bags:Stick with synthetic insulation. Down is NOT needed.
If you're just camping in the summertime, get a soft fleece-lined bag that matches the lowest temperature rating you think you'll need. You can always bring extra blankets. I wouldn't worry about it being a mummy-shaped or rectangular bag. That only matters for winter camping. Anything Campmor.com, Cabelas.com, or a number of other excellent sources sells is decent quality (Slumberjack or Coleman would do you just fine).
If you're camping in the winter, then you'll want synthetic mummy bags without cotton lining. In the midwest we usually recommend at least 15-20 degree rating.
Sleeping Pads:If your sons are young (8th grade or lower), they'll do just fine with closed cell foam pads (the Thermarest RidgeRest pads are great). They can probably sleep on most anything, including rocks, but the pads provide some insulation. Get full-length pads - not the the shorter versions.
For you, as an adult, it is a very different story. Avoid those bed-sized air matresses. They are lots of work and tend to get leaks. I would recommend you get the thickest Thermarest self-inflating pad that your budget can afford. Actually, blow your budget and get the next thickest size, because you will need it soon enough. I use the large (I'm tall and need the height) 3.5" "Ultimate" pad sold by Cabelas, and LOVE it - it has compelely changed my ability to sleep on the ground, BUT it is large and heavy. Another assistant scoutmaster in my troop uses the thickest self-inflating REI-brand pad that REI sells, and he likes that alot.
Stoves/Lanterns:Stick with Coleman 2-burner stoves and Coleman gas lanterns. They are wonderful. Most people these days use propane stoves & lanterns, as opposed to the Coleman fuel versions. I myself have both kinds (yeah, too much gear), and I much prefer the Coleman fuel stove (I feel like I can control the flame better), and don't see any difference in the lanterns.
For electric lanterns, don't bother with the Coleman flourescent kind. Go to Target and get their River Rock K2 LED Lantern. It is fantastic, and a bargain for $20. While you're there, pick up a River Rock LED headlamp for each of you. Headlamps are great, and the Target River Rick headlamps are quite good for the price. If you want the best, go for the Princeton Tec EOS headlamp. I don't even carry hand-held flashlights anymore.
Don't forget to bring along:-Steal some pots & pans from home - they'll work just fine
-Two plastic tubs for washing dishes (wash & rinse) Don't use paper plates & plastic utensils - teach your boys how to wash dishes - a great skill
-Camp chairs for relaxing (younger boys do just fine with 3-legged camp stools - Campmor sells a very good one for $10)
-If you hate bugs I might suggest investing in a simple screen tent, which will protect you against both bugs AND rain. It doesn't have to be fancy or expensive.
-Extra paracord - as storm guylines for tents, to put up the rain fly, to hang food/garbage away from critters, to tie up wild kids, etc... I'd buy two 100 foot hanks from countycomm.com, and then cut one into six 16' lengths and the other into two 50' lengths. A 16 foot length is easy to untangle and has lots of uses. The 50' lengths are somewhat of a pain to untangle, but great for hanging food or as a clothes line.
Water bottles - you'll find Gatoraide bottles do just great, and they come with one free serving of Gatoraide as well. Don't bother with those 5 gallon collapsable water bottles - they store small, but they'll leak fairly soon. Stick to hard water jugs.
Don't forget to store the food inside your car or hang it high at night, to avoid sharing with the local animals. DON'T put food inside your tent!!
Finally, spend LOTS of time around the campfire with your kids. THAT is the best part of camping - getting to know your kids - and vise versa.