Friday, May 15, 2009

Going camping? Planning for your camping excursion.

By Dan Smigelitz

Going camping is such a perfect family activity. If you are going to take children with you, it will give them some precious memories that they will never forget. Anyone who went family camping as a child can probably attest to that. No matter what the weather ends up like or what you actually do during the trip, it is usually a great adventure when you are a kid.

Don't forget to bring the most important supplies. You will need to bring a tent unless you are planning to rent a cabin or stay in a camper. You will definitely want some kind of shelter for you and your loved ones. Depending on where you are going, there are many potential things you are going to want better shelter from.

Some of the absolutely necessary tools of camping include chairs, pillows, flashlights, sleeping bags, batteries, and a hatchet. If you are camping in a tent, think about getting yourself an air mattress. It will really improve your whole trip if you get a better nights sleep.

Prepare yourself so you have the necessary supplies for starting a campfire. Gather old newspapers or thinner cardboard. Bring matches and a lighter. I prefer to bring a camping saw and a hatchet. I also like to take my own wood. You might not be allowed to provide your own firewood depending on where you are going camping. Some parks have regulations prohibiting it.

You need to think about how you are going to cook your meals. Consider bringing a cooler for food, propane stove and tanks, plates, silverware, soap, a dish rag and a plastic tub for cleaning dishes. Not every state park has a place to wash dishes. We usually take plastic and paper plates and silverware.

Consider what kinds of clothes you will likely need for the trip. If you are going hiking be sure you have some comfy hiking boots. You don't want foot pain. Bring shorts if it will be warm and jeans otherwise. Your clothes may get soiled or ripped so don't wear your best attire. Don't forget to include a bathing suit, rain jacket, warm shirt and a hat. Those are must have clothes for any trip.

Remember to bring your personal hygiene products for you and your whole family. Pack all of the daily use items into a shaving kit. Make sure you bring bars of soap, shampoo, cue tips, deodorant, razors, and shaving cream. Don't forget to bring contact lens supplies if someone wears them. Don't forget to bring towels for everybody. If you're going to be gone more than a few days, you are going to want something to hang the towels on to dry out. Don't forget to pack any necessary medications.

Some other stuff that you should bring to make the camping trip even more enjoyable would include campfire popcorn, battery powered lanterns, binoculars, cameras, mosquito repellent, chocolate bars and marshmallows, beer, mixed drinks, cigars, Aloe Vera lotion, band aids, sun tan oil and .

Bring toys for the young ones. You are going to have a lot more fun on your trip if the children have plenty of things to occupy their time. Anyways, half the reason you are going away is for them to have a blast too. Bring a football, softball, Frisbee and a kite. Bring anything you can think of that can be done safely outdoors. Make the most of the wide open spaces in most parks.

Make yourself a personalized camping cheat sheet. There are going to be things that you consider essential that I haven't mentioned. Make a complete list of your own, so you won't forget anything. Some people can't leave home without taking a camera, their bike or insect repellent. - 16887

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