The Basics of Camping

Hustle and bustle with a large dosage of stress is the name of the game for many people in today's society. To relieve this constant insane swirl of pressure from school, work, and goodness know what else, individuals and families plan vacations in an attempt to de-lax (decompress and relax). Unfortunately, many return from vacation stating they need a vacation from their vacation. How is that possible? Often the word "camping" strikes terror into the hearts of some. I know it did me the first time. What no television, fluffy bed, bathroom, blow dryer or curling iron. What about my hair? Turns out, it was the best relaxing vacation I ever experienced. I was forced to just be at one with myself, my family and nature.

The most difficult thing about camping is where to begin with these new vacation plans. I learned the hard way by trial and error. Along the way, I've acquired some great skills and learned a lot about this enjoyable vacation choice. Here are some camping basics guides to help.

Scouting and Selecting a Campsite
Choosing a good location for your campsite is very important. Make certain you're familiar with the identification of poisonous plants. I'll never forget my early education years as we set camp in the middle of poison ivy and poison oak. Find an area that is fairly level to pitch your tent. Be certain of the water flow and drainage in that area. If it rains, does that area flood? If camping near water, does water level rise at any time? You don't want to camp too close to the water. Set the tent up in an area to receive an ample amount of sun each day for warmth, preferably in the morning. Find an area that has plenty accessible firewood and use only fallen dead wood. Never set your tent up around game trails or under a lone or damaged tree.

Campfires
Starting the campfire is a fun and easy event. Make sure you know what the local laws are before you build your fire. Many areas prohibit fires during dry seasons. Most areas also require you to get a fire permit from your local ranger station. If a campfire site is not already outlined, simply use your shovel to dig a shallow pit approximately 1-2 feet in diameter or according to your desired size. Make sure that the campfire is a good distance from your tent, at least 200 feet. Bank your fire by outlining the pit with large rocks in the area. Throughout the day or before sunset, collect firewood and pine cones, if available as they are excellent fire starters. Place the wood in the center of the fire pit and stack it in the shape of a tee pee. Stuff your fire starters (pine cones, small dried pieces of branches or crumpled up pieces of paper) in the middle of the stack and in various open spaces. Light the fires starters and watch your fire come to life. Once it's burning well, add pieces of wood one or two at a time to get the correct size of the fire you desire. Be careful not to let the fire get out of control. Keep a jug of water close by or a fire extinguisher for emergency purposes. Never go to bed with your fire raging as embers from the fire may fly out and cause a fire else where. By having the fire banked, you can let it die down and retire. In the morning it will be easy to start a new fire if you intend on cooking over the campfire. When leaving the campsite, put your fire out completely. Get a bucket or empty water jug. Pour at least 4-5 gallons of water directly into the fire pit. Get a shovel and cover the pit with dirt from the surrounding area.

Food and Water
Having good food and fresh water is a necessity while camping. Even with coolers, it can become a pain having to get ice constantly to keep your food from spoiling. An easy way to remedy this situation is to prepare these items at home first. First, purchase gallons of water and freeze them ahead of time. You can also do this with ice tea and lemonade as well as cocktails. This can also be done with individual bottles. Put the frozen container in a cooler with ice. Whatever you plan to drink that day set it out in the morning to start to thaw and enjoy an icy cold beverage on a hot summer day. Hamburgers and hot dogs are great, but why not enjoy some other great foods. Make some meat kabobs, teriyaki chicken or any kind of chicken to take with you. Prepare and season the meats you plan on taking, place them in freezer bags and freeze them a couple of days before your trip. You can do the same with the good old traditional hamburgers and hot dogs too. Place them in a cooler with ice when you leave. All that's left is to cook them at the camp site. This helps your food and ice last longer and makes less cooking mess for you onsite. For vegetables, wash and cut them up. Put them in plastic bags and add seasonings, Italian or Asian salad dressing to them an refrigerate. Both easy preparations make food taste great because it's had time to marinate.

Camping Equipment and Gear You Need
These are a few items that are vital to make camping easy.

1) sleeping bags (goose-down, recommended)
2) sleeping pads or self inflating air mattress (great if you plan on camping a long time)
3) tents
4) day packs and backpacks
6) camp cooking gear (stoves, cutlery, dishes, coolers)
6) knives, hatchets, saws, shovel, flashlights and lanterns, batteries, matches; and
7) outdoor clothing, including rain gear

A little preparation ahead of time and some basic knowledge makes camping a great outdoor experience. Everyone should try it at least once.

Sources:

Michael Rutter, Camping Made Easy, A Manual for beginners with tips for the experienced, 2001, The Globe Pequot Press

Beverly Liston, Family Camping Made Simple, Tent and RV Camping with Children, 1989, The Globe Pequot Press

Jerome and Alyson Knap, The Family Camping Handbook, A Complete Guide to Camping in North America, 1975, Pagurian Press Limited

Cliff Jacobson, Camping's Forgotten Skills, Backwoods Tips from a Boundary Waters Guide, 1993, Globe Pequot Press