elisha29605 asked:


Me and my boyfriend are going camping for the first time and don’t really know what to bring. We’re going this Friday and Saturday and time is ticking away. I’ve already purchased sleeping bags and flashlights. I need to know what else to bring so I can come up with a list for him to follow.

Christine

jusjoe asked:


I am looking for a water purification container for camping and or surviving in the outdoors. Also what is the best way to preserve your water when storing it in barrels or bottles for a long period of time?

James

Camping Now asked:


Buying sleeping bags can be a difficult task, with prices ranging from a few pounds to a few hundred. Ultimately you have to ask what you want to use it for. The sleepig bag is an important part of the kit. If you are hiking then you ideally want something that will pack tightly and is quite lightweight, such as a compact sleeping bag, although you have to be careful as these sometimes don’t provide the best insulation. Temperatures drop at night more than ost people expect, even in the middle of sumer so you should make sure you’re prepared. A sleeping bag traps the warm air around your body which provides the best insulation possible. The best sleeping bag is one which allows moisture to escape while keeping warm air trapped.If you are in a couple, you might prefer a double sleeping bag (there is no better central heating than the body heat of someone else.

Slepping bags are given temperature rating based upon their intended use. One season sleeping bags are designed for use in the sumer months only and aren’t suitable for camping in the winer (they just won’t keep you warm). Two season sleeping bags are suitable for the extended summer months (from early spring to late autumn, but aren’t suitable for sub zero temperatures. Three season sleeping bags will provide warmth in temperatures which are slightly sub zero and four season bags are designed to be used all year round and will be the most expensive type of sleeping bag.

Temperature ratiings should be taken as a general rule, remember, temperatures can drop below zero in spring, particularly at higher altitudes so you should follow specfic directions of the manufacturer. The amount of heating that different people will need can vary widly, with some people requiring more warmth than others.

What you sleep on is also very important, a good ground mat provides great insulation and is very important when camping.

If you are just planning on camping in the summer, you probably don’t need to spend too much, if you are looking at trecking, climbing, mountaineering etc then you really want to look at the top end, as the cheaper models simply won’t keep you warm enough. You might also want to consider a “bivvy bag”, as this can be useful in emergencies, or if temperatures drop lower than expected.

The fill in sleeping bags can be made of a wide range of things, most commonly goose, duck or down. Down is the warmest and often most expensive but not very good if it gets wet.

You may aso want to look out for a bag with a 2 way zip so you can stick your feet out the bottom. Double sleeping bags are also available and singles that join together to form a double. Insulated zips are also important if it gets very cold. A good ground mat is also an essential. They are only cheap and provide excellent insulation.



Dora

Eric D. Naftulin asked:


If you’re a parent considering summer camp opportunities for your child, you might consider a day camp rather than (or in addition to) a sleepaway camp experience.

Parents often view sending their kids to day camps as a “stepping stone” to overnight camp. They might think day camps are for “younger kids” and sleepaway camps are for older ones. In some cases this is might be true, but not always.

In fact, some day camps actually specialize in meeting the unique needs of older kids who don’t want to go to sleepaway camp, but who still require worthwhile activities and adult supervision during the summer.

 Activities at such day camps are often designed for the teen or “tween” age group.

One of the advantages you have as a parent when comparing day camps to overnight camps (or even day camps to day camps) is that a day camp’s customer base is generally restricted to its local geographical area. This makes things easier for you to learn more about the camp.

For example, you can contact the camp’s current or former customers for references, and you can even visit the camp before making a decision.

So how do you know you’re picking the right day camp for your child? We’ve indirectly touched on a few points above. In particular, though, we recommend following 4-point checklist to help ensure the day camp you choose is the right one for your child.

1. Make sure the day camp is ACA accredited

If the day camp you’re considering is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA), then you are assured it meets or exceeds up to 300 best-practice industry standards relating to camper health and safety, program quality, camper supervision, activity planning, transportation and more. If the day camp you’re considering is not ACA-accredited, ask the camp director why not.

2. Check references

Since day camps primarily serve local customers, it should not be difficult to find a few families who’ve attended the camp before. Talk to them about their impressions of the program. If you hear good things, you might have a winner. Mixed reviews, on the other hand, could be a “red flag” alerting you to research the camp further. But if everyone you speak with has only negative things to say, then rule that day camp out, pat yourself on the back for taking the time to conduct a thorough investigation, and keep looking for a different camp.

3. Involve your child in the decision making process

Research shows that kids enjoy camp more when they’re included in the decision-making process. Since there are so many different types of day camps to choose from, it’s important to match your child’s interests and personality with the activities the day camp offers. Accordingly, it’s advisable to take a tour of the camp and/or attend an open house together with your child. After you’ve toured the camp, ask for your child’s opinion. This can be a much better approach than unilaterally deciding which day camp your child will attend without consulting them ahead of time, as asking for their input means they’ll probably have a more positive camp experience in the end.

4. Tour the camp and meet the staff

Most day camps hold open houses or organized facility tours during the prime camp enrollment season (generally springtime). These events are great opportunities for you to meet the staff, ask questions and see how the camp operates on a day-to-day basis. You might even decide to attend several camps’ open houses for a point of comparison and to see where you get the best “vibe.” In this author’s opinion, attending a day camp open house or touring the facility is the single BEST way to see what you’re getting into ahead of time.

Camp is such a personal experience. You want your child to connect with his or her counselors on a personal level and admire them as leaders and role models. You owe it to yourself and your child to pick a day camp that your child will look back on later in life and say, “I remember that camp, and it was the best experience of my life!”

Your child deserves the best. It’s your responsibility as a parent to put him or her in an environment where they can thrive, and choosing the right day camp can make this happen for you.

Happy day camping!

Copyright Eric Naftulin and Aloha Beach Camp. All rights reserved.



Derrick

Eric D. Naftulin asked:


Approximately 10,000,000 (ten million) kids attend camp each summer. But but only a small percentage of them attend accredited camps. You wouldn’t send your child to attend an unaccredited school, so why send them to an non-accredited summer camp?

Summer camp accreditation is earned through the American Camp Assocation. By choosing an accredited camp, you can be assured the camp meets or exceeds up to 300 best-practice standards within the camp industry relative to child health and safety, food service, supervision, transportation, risk-management, facilities, staff training, program quality and more.

Does choosing a non-Accredited camp for your child mean the camp isn’t a “good” camp? Hardly. There are many wonderful summer camps that have not earned ACA accreditation.

But if you choose an accredited camp for your child, you’ll be in exclusive company. Only 25% of camps in the United States have earned ACA accreditation.

It’s important to note that accreditation is not the same as a license to operate, and accreditation does not guarantee safety. Each state and/or county may have its own licensing and regulations which all camps must comply with in order to operate. However, according to the American Camp Association, “accreditation is the best evidence for parents that a camp is committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment for their children.”

How do you know if the camp you’re considering for your kids has achieved ACA accreditation? Just ask the camp director. If they answer “yes,” you know you’re on the right track. If the camp is not accredited, then you should ask the camp director why not. And if you aren’t satisfied with the answer, perhaps it’s time to consider another camp.

By the way, asking the camp director whether his or her camp is accredited is not the only question you should ask. To ensure the most promising camp experience for your child, you should ask the director a series of questions and be satisfied with the answers. Here’s a link to the American Camp Association’s website to help you know which questions to ask: http://www.campparents.org/safetytips.php#questions

There are many wonderful summer camp opportunities available for your child. Whichever and whatever kind you choose, please make sure it’s accredited. It’s your best guarantee of a safe, fun summer!



Yvonne

Kirstin asked:


Me and my best friend, whom are only 17, are going on a camping trip for her birthday. And I just need to make a checklist of the main and minor things that should be brought along to ensure a fun and safe trip. Thank you!

Jesus

Mari milian asked:


Whether your kid is attending a one-week or an eight-week camp, packing can seem like a intimidating task .Here are few things to consider before you start for a camp, the luggage to use and extra items that you may forget.

1. Things to inquire before you start packing for a camp

•    Would I get a camp clothing list? This might be your best source of information for what the camp may require and doesn’t. On the list, you can find a number of recommended clothing items and other things to bring for particular events, like overnight campouts or themed activities. If you have not received a clothing list, you can call the camp or visit their site and see if the list is available.

•    What they should not bring? Each camp is different and has their own rules for what every camper is allowed. So enquire about it.

•    Do they want uniforms? Several camps try to lessen “competitive dressing” among campers by having uniforms. Some camps require all clothing to include their camp logo; some may require a particular shirt and short color. Be sure to clear up any questions regarding your child’s necessary clothing before your child leaves for the camp.

•    What stuff does the camp offer? Some camps will provide sheets, mattress, and additional blankets and some even supply towels. Review your clothing catalog for more information about things the camp provides.

2. Selecting your type of luggage: Now you have the items that are needed to pack, what type of luggage you should use? Here is the list of the most common luggage types and pros and cons of each.

•    A Duffel bag: It is large and sturdy but it can get damaged if shipped.

•    Trunk: Good for camps with longer stays and is also sturdy and does not damage easily if shipped though it is bulky.

•    Suitcase: It is best for short camp stays; simple to organize clothing, as most of it have many compartments; easier for a child to carry alone as most have wheels and handles.

Things that you should not forget:

•    Adjoin a nametag to each piece of luggage.

•    Write down lock combination or have extra keys for key locks. Place them in a safe place for your child or you could give copies to your child’s counselor or camp director (some may require it).

•    Find out whether you could ship luggage directly from your residence to camp. Now many camps have assigned trucking companies to consider shipping your luggage through another shipping company.

Extras that you may forget

•    Medications: Find the camp’s events for handling daily medications or refills.

•    Forms: Most camps need a vaccination and a health screening form. Enquire when you need to send the completed forms to camp.

•    Updated contact information: If your contact information is changed since you registered your child for camp then call and update the camp director with your new contact information.



Peggy

Neelima Reddy asked:


Are you planning for a camp and want to spend time in the outdoors? Then camping tent is the most important item that you need to carry with you. Here the most important thing is choosing the right type of tent and its color, quality and the size.

You can find the camping tents which are really useful for sub zero temperatures whereas some others are excellent for tropical forest atmospheric conditions. It is better to select camping tents based on the climate that you will be camping in.

Here are the things that you need to consider while buying camping tent:

In order to select the right type of tent, the first thing you need to do is decide the dimensions of the camping tent that you need. Mainly tents are prepared to protect you and your family.

In the market you will find the tents with labels telling their capacity, or for how many campers it is made. There is no need to choose various tents with different capacities. So, think carefully and decide cleverly on the biggest number of campers that you predict camping together with you.

Basically every camping tent consists of four components. They include: tent body, the poles, the trap and the rain fly. The trap is basically a material that you set on the ground which helps to keep your tent floor last longer.

Tips to choose camping tents based on your needs:

Just think what you require. Before going to purchase, consider the below factors:

• Your camping place or spot

• The season

• Whether you will be backpacking or not

Also consider if you have any other requirements and then decide the type of camping tent that you need.

Decide your budget and how much you are going to spend on the camping tent. Once you have decided your budget you will not spend much on it.

• Decide on the size and weight of the tent. If you prefer car camping, the size of the tent doesn’t matter.

• If there are many campers to sleep in the tent it is better to pick a large camping tent.

• If you want to go on backpacking then it is suggested to invest in a lightweight camping tent.

Search for the available aspects of the tent. It is suggested to select a durable fabric tent. Test how the tent shade spreads the light within the tent. Some colors make the interior of the camping tents brighter, whereas some colors make it dim and gloomy.

If you are planning for a summer camp, it is better to choose light color tents. For cold seasons, pick dark colored camping tents, as they absorb the heat from the sun and keep the interior of the tent warm.

Also, check the coating of the tent. Look for a water proof and shiny coating inside the tent. If you don’t observe these features then the tent might not be durable enough for heavy usage.

The most popular tent makers include: Great land, Coleman, Eddie Bauer, and Wenger. Select the manufacturer whom you trust most. With the wrong type of tent you can’t enjoy the camping experience to the fullest. It leaves it as an unpleasant one.

So, think carefully and choose wisely while you are purchasing the camping tents. Just remember that the tent you have chosen will be the home away from your home for fewer days. Visit Camping Tourist



Benjamin

jackrrabitt asked:


Any ideas? A couple friends and I would like to go camping no further than 3-4 hours away from the Twin Cities without bothering with State Park nonsense, etc… Is this possible? Any stories good or bad? We’re planning on next weekend (2nd wknd October) and we’ll be bringing everything we need, and are prepared to rough it in a beautiful setting. Thanks ahead of time!

Marian