When you go camping with your family, you are likely to create memories that everyone remembers for a lifetime. But are the memories good ones filled with smiles and laughter? Or is just the trip that no one ever wants to talk about? The difference is largely in your knowledge and preparation for the trip. Read on for tips you can use towards camping success.
While a campfire gives off enough light in the general area around it, you want to be sure you take along a flashlight on your camping trip if you plan to venture outside of the campfire’s glow. This is a definite safety precaution you don’t want to ignore. It can be quite dark out there in the woods at nighttime.
Put together a survival pack and have it on you all the time. A survival kit should include items like a flare gun, matches that are waterproof, a knife and other items you think you may need. These items are important to have in case you get lost. It is important that you carry your survival kit with you at all times.
Preparation could mean the difference between a good camping experience and a dreaded one. Be certain that your camping trips always involve proper planning. Research the place that you are traveling to, which will help you to understand the climate and geography.
Bring supplies for ‘Smores. ‘Smores are an integral part of any camping trip. Simply pack graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows. Toast the marshmallows, then make it the filling to a graham cracker/chocolate sandwich. When you have a ‘Smore, you will want ‘some more’–bring enough for everyone to have at least two of them!
Be prepared to handle any emergency that may arise and have a plan in place. This kit should contain the basics, but should evolve as you change your camping locations. Don’t forget to pack the extra for your location, too, such as antivenom for snake bites.
When you go camping, be sure to have a few activities in mind other than just… “camping”. The camping experience is enriched by hiking, swimming, exploring and things like that. Be sure to engage in some of these other activities so that you have the fullest camping experience you’ve ever had.
Make sure that you bring all of your camping equipment with you before you head out on your trip. It is very inconvenient to forget to bring essential items like your sleeping bag or tent. Therefore, double check everything before you leave home.
If you are on a camping trip and forgot the bowls for stew, make your own from large plastic soda bottles that have been emptied. Just rinse the bottle and cut down the plastic to the depth you need. Lightly sand the edges to smooth out any rough spots and prepare to scoop up dinner!
Focus on safety during your trip. Educate yourself and the other members of your party about what you should do if you come across a wild animal. Learn as much as you can about bears and what to do in the event of an attack. Refresh your memory on snakebites. Hopefully, you won’t have to use this knowledge, but it is important that it is available to you.
Do not approach any wild animals while you are camping. Something that may appear harmless and adorable could be incredibly territorial. Furthermore, be sure not to feed any animals, as doing so may lead to injuries. Avoid keeping any food inside of your tent to prevent animals from destroying your campsite. Keep it stored away safely or in a nearby tree.
Camping trips with your family become the memories of legend. Sometimes these memories are good, sometimes they are bad. To give your next camping trip the highest chances of success, apply all the ideas that you have read in this article. They can serve as the tent of knowledge that protects you.