Camping Tips - TT #27

We are getting ready for a camping trip this week. We are headed to the mountains on Saturday. This week has been full of preparations.

Camping is one of the most economical ways to take a vacation. It is a great way to enjoy nature and creates memorable experiences for the family, but it is a lot of work. We've been camping since I can remember, and for many years my parents took groups of teens camping regularly. I've learned a lot of tricks from my mom to make camping easier. Here are thirteen of them:

1. Write it down!
There are a ton of things to remember. Don't try to keep it all in your head. Make a list and keep it somewhere convenient to add to when you think of yet another thing you want to take.

2. Take the list with you.
That may seem pointless, but there really is a point! While your camping you will probably realize that such and such would have been nice to have, or that meal did not work at all or other some such thoughts about making your next trip better. Write them on your list for reference. Take your menu too. You may forget what all you actually brought.

3. Keep the list.
Save it in your computer or in a paper file, or somewhere you'll be able to find it again. Next trip you won't have to start all over. Plus you will have all the notes of things you learned from tip number 2.

4. The rain will come.
I don't care what the weather man says. It doesn't matter if there is a drought going on. When you go camping, it is bound to rain. Unless you have a high quality tent, the rain fly that came with your tent probably isn't going to keep the rain out. Take an extra tarp to put over the tent. We usually tie ours to trees or you can stake it out. Be sure to take rain coats and cards or something to do while it rains. If there is no thunder and lightning why not just play in the rain?

5. Pack in tubs with lids.
These are great because they are easy to load and unload and they will protect your gear in the rain. They also are useful for storing your camping gear at home.

6. Organize tubs and coolers.
These are like your pantry and refrigerator while you are camping, only not as easy to find things in. As much as possible I like to organize by meal, keeping all the cold things for a meal together in the cooler and all the other items together in a tub. Label your tubs.

7. You'll want a clothes line.
Clothes get wet and towels need a place to dry. You can also make a separate one for cups. See the next tip.

8. Hang up the cups.
If you are using disposable cups, have everyone write their name on their cup and rinse it out and hang it on the line with a clothes pin when they aren't using it. It will save a lot of cups and trash.

This can also work with reusable cups. Buy everyone a different color or type of cup or just write names on and use the same way as the disposable describe above.

9. Cook ahead.
As much as you can, cook your meals ahead so they only need reheated or can be eaten cold. I'll have more on this when I post our camping menu next week.

10. Take it frozen.

Taking your food frozen, except for the meals the first day, helps keep the coolers cold and saves you from using so much ice.

11. Share the work.
Camping with family or friends can help ease the work load. Share the cooking, cleaning up and childcare duties.

12. Beg, borrow, but don't steal.
Don't be too shy to ask your neighbors for help if you've forgotten something crucial or just can't quite figure out how to get that darned tent up. Campers are normally a friendly bunch. Furthermore, if it is your first time camping, I'd suggest borrowing equipment before you go out and buy a lot.

13. Pack your good attitude.
Relax and have a good time. Camping can be challenging, but roll with the punches and enjoy the experiences.

Feel free to add your own camping tips or experiences!

Thursday Thirteen

P.S. Camping also isn't the time to worry about weight loss. Eat up and enjoy! :)