Don’t Let Camping Cramp Your Style: Stress Free Camping Tips
By: Benedict Smythe
Submitted: 2008-08-02 05:47:47 | Word Count: 543
Camping can be very stressful. Don’t let the stress get in the way of having fun and spending quality time with your family. Here are some stress free camping tips that you can do to avoid any trouble.
Before going to a camping trip, check the rules and regulations of the camp site you are going to. Some forests and camp sites do not allow camping stoves to be used during fire danger periods. It’s better to check before your trip if the camp site allows camp fires and barbeques.
[ advertisement ]
To avoid any kind of accident, keep your fire levels moderate. You do not need a raging fire to cook your food or keep you warm. Never leave a campfire or a stove unattended and avoid using cooking stoves when it is really windy. Keep your cooking area clean from flammable materials like matches, propane and papers. If you have children with you on the trip, remind them to not get too close to the fire and impose a three feet fire zone for them. Always have pot holders ready whenever you’re cooking. Keep water in hand to extinguish the fire or if you have one, bring a portable fire extinguisher. Do not set up your tent near the camp fire. Make sure your tent is flame retardant.
Do not over pack; over packing takes up a lot of tent space. If you’re going on a four day trip then bring clothes set for two days. Remember to bring a light jacket, warm sweater, shorts, shirts, pants and extra underwear. If you want to go hiking, bring hiking boots. Plan a camping menu so you know what food to bring and what to prepare during the time of day. Bring non perishable food like bread and nuts. Store your perishables in a cooler filled with ice. Keep your meals simple and at the same time add your kids’ favorite meals. If you want to choose an easy way out, drive to the nearest fast food or burger joint and have your meals there.
Bring board games and sports equipment like Frisbee, soccer ball and baseball equipment. Also bring toys and books for the kids. Create a little play area near your camp site. Bring a fishing pole and teach your kids how to catch fish.
Spray your tent with rain resistant solution and bring an additional tarp to provide cover and shade. Make sure the tent is large enough to accommodate everyone going to the trip and have enough space for the equipment. Assign tasks to the children. Include them in the planning process. Have them help you in setting up the tent, cooking food and cleaning utensils. This way they can be part of the camping process and at the same time learn how to do different things. By doing this, they feel that they are important. As an adult, remember to supervise small children at all times to avoid any accidents. Do everything as a family. Bring swim suits and swimming gear if there’s a lake or ocean nearby. Take a nature hike.
Remember to have fun and enjoy the goodness of nature and also teach your kids about the importance of taking care of nature.
