Camping 101

Camping 101 is for the first time camper. Lets get to rule number one first: be prepared. Just about any camping experience can be enjoyed if you are prepared. This boy scout motto may sound way too simple, but it is true.I'll give you a good example: When I was a kid, a group of us went to the mountains to go tubing in the snow. One of the kids wore tennis shoes. He didn't have much fun because his feet were cold and wet. The rest of us had a great time. I have been camping in rain, snow, sun and wind. Although some of these conditions were inconvenient, we stayed comfortable and in good spirits because we were warm, dry and had plenty of food. When the storms finally broke, we were there already to enjoy the fresh outdoors washed clean.First CampoutIf I were going for the first time, I would go to an established campground not more than an hour away. This will allow you to get there quickly. That could be important, especially if you have small children. You also need to consider what you will do there. Many campgrounds have ranger education programs. Look for destinations that have hiking trails, fishing spots or a beach. My brother, Stan, always takes a football or frisbee whenever he travels anywhere with his family. Board games, books, a guitar or harmonica are other possibilities. If you take a guitar or other musical instrument, be sure you don't let it get too cold or hot; it can do unrepairable damage. You can find a great collection of campfire songs (35 pages) at http://www.yellowstone-area-guide.com/campfire-songbook.html.Most established campgrounds have the following amenities;*parking area close to your camp site*fire pit or ring for a campfire*nearby water tap*toilet facilitiesMany campgrounds will also have;*public showers*picnic tables*wash area to clean cooking gear*some places even have a swimming poolCamping GearOnce you have invested money into buying camping gear, you should be able to camp for years without buying new equipment. Here is a list of essential gear;*Tent. Don't forget to take a hammer to pound in the stakes. In a pinch you can use a good sized rock. When buying a tent consider the following:*How many people? If it says it is a four man tent, plan on it sleeping two, unless you want to put all your equipment outside the tent. If you have a family of 4, get a six man tent. Better yet, go to a sporting goods store like Cabelas, or Sportsmans Warehouse and get inside some of the tents they have on display.*Simple or complex? The easiest to set up are the two pole dome tents. They take up less space in your vehicle. They are easy to clean. If you're going someplace very windy, you might want a stronger tent. We used one of these tents last year in the middle of Wyoming. It blew like crazy! Our tent held up, but I was pretty nervous a few times during the wind storm.*Rainfly. This helps keep the rain away from the tent. Even though most tents are waterproof, when they get wet, it puts humidity inside the tent and can be uncomfortable.*Screen covered doors and windows. You'll want some air circulation through your tent, without the mosquitos and other flying insects.*Look for a floor that doesn't have seams at ground level. It is called a bathtub floor.*Solid, strong zippers and tent poles. The death of most tents is from broken tent poles and zippers. Make sure they are strong.*Sleeping bag. Be sure to take a pillow. You can use a folded up coat or jacket if you forget. Here are some ideas on buying a sleeping bag;*Check the temperature rating. 20 or 30 is ok if you're in warm weather. Personally, I want something I can use in the winter and summer, so I buy sleeping bags with a lower temperature rating. Even if you're not planning on camping in the winter, sometimes the weather in June can go from balmy to downright cold. If the weather gets too warm you can always unzip the bag. But if it gets cold, it's pretty hard to go out and get a warmer sleeping bag. Of course you can add blankets, which is an option.*Good quality. Most good namebrand sleeping bags will hold up under much usage. We bought some cheap ones about 20 years ago. We used them 4 or 5 times, and the batting started to come loose and bunch up; not very comfortable. Down is the best, but also the most expensive. Synthetic-fill is the best value for your money.*Hood or no hood? An insulated hood with a drawstring helps to keep the head warm. Most of your body heat is lost through your head. My sleeping bag doesn't have the hood. It makes me feel a little claustrophobic. Instead, I wear a wool or cotton cap on my head and I like it better than the hood.*Foam pad or air mattress. This helps you stay warm from the cold that comes from the ground. It also buffers some of the small bumps and rocks underneath your tent. I like the air mattress the best; it takes less space and is more comfortable.*Cooking equipment. You can be as elaborate or simple as your menu calls for. I have seen some campers take only snacks from a bag, like trail mix, cereal, chips,etc. Maybe not the healthiest, but for one or two meals you can get by. I have also seen elaborate outdoor kitchens that include a sink, stove, drawers for towels, silverware, etc. Personally, I like to take a dutch oven, a couple of pots and pans, spatula and large spoon. Look at your menu and see what you need. Don't forget a can opener. *Mess kit. If you don't want to have to wash so many dishes, take paper plates, bowls, cups and plastic forks, spoons and knives. Otherwise, take the real thing.*Cleaning equipment. A big plastic wash basin for dishes is essential. Also, dish soap, wash cloths, cleaning pads, paper towels and trash bags.*Camp stove and appropriate fuel (propane or kerosene). If you are cooking over a fire, you won't need the camp stove. I like to use the campstove because you have better control over the heat. Shop around. I like the heavy duty two burner stove. You can hook it up to a propane tank. It takes some experience to learn how to cook over a campfire. If you want to use the fire, start with something simple like hot dogs using a long willow or stick or even a straightened heavy duty coat hanger. You can also use a charcoal grill. I have used a small hibachi grill that can be set up on a picnic table. For one to four people, this works pretty good. Don't forget charcoal and starter fluid.*Appropriate clothing. If it's warm at home, don't assume it will be warm where you are camping. Always take jackets, coats, extra socks, gloves and hats. If you don't need it, great, but it sure is nice to have if the weather is colder than you planned. Again, be prepared.*Firewood. Many of the most popular campsites will not have a bunch of firewood lying around, so you should bring your own. Don't forget matches, newspaper and/or firestarters.*Food. Plan a simple menu and pack your food accordingly.*Drinking water.*Insect repellant.*Sunscreen.*First aid kit.*Camp chairs.*Games, books, guitar, banjo, harmonica, etc.Outdoor CookingBefore you plan your menu consider the following:*How long will you be camping? If you're spending one night, fresh foods are great. If you'll be gone more than a day, take foods that won't spoil, or take a cooler with ice to keep milk, meat, etc. cool.*What activities do you have planned? If you have lots of activity planned, you may not want to spend a lot of time cooking. On the other hand, you may enjoy outdoor cooking, and want to plan a real feast.*How will you reach camp? If you can drive right to your spot then you can take more equipment. If you need to hike in, take lighter equipment and food, such as dehydrated meals rather than cans or jars of food.*What kind of weather do you expect? Summer meals may be lighter and include cold drinks. Fall or Spring may include hot drinks.*Consider tin foil dinners. They're easy to make. They're fun to do. Kids think they are cool!Camping 101 tip: don't forget the s'mores! What? You've never heard of s'mores?! Take a bag of the large marshmallows with you. Put one on the end of a roasting stick. Cook it over the fire until it's hot and gooey.Next, take two graham crackers. Put the marsmallow between the two along with a piece of chocolate bar. They are fun for the kids. Although they are not the picture of healthy eating, your kids will get a kick out of them.Why are they called s'mores? Because after you've had one you'll want s'more!!Always keep in mind 3 basic human needs: Good food, dry shelter and a warm bed. Keep those areas covered and you should have a good experience.

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