Tent Camping For Beginners - Camping With Children

By Inez Calender

Tent camping can be a wonderful vacation for children. Most kids enjoy the outdoors and tent camping provides then with safe, supervised adventure. Tent camping often seems like playing for both children and adults while offering an educational and self-esteem building experience.

Children should be included in camp preparation. Shopping for a tent (or tents) is interesting, fun and allows children to feel part of the total experience. Children often have wonderful insights when shopping for a tent and may notice something that you may miss.
Before your first camping trip, set up the tent in your back yard. Allow children to assist in the set up. Older children may be able to set the tent up and relish the responsibility with pride.

Have a regular back yard camp out before the actual trip so that you understand how to use equipment such as lanterns and cook stoves. Sleep in the tents so that the children (and adults) feel secure and comfortable sleeping outside in a tent.
Prepare them for night sounds that you may hear when you camp in new, unfamiliar surroundings. The night calls of bullfrogs, owls, or loons may seem spooky to the new camper and frighten young children. But to an experienced camper, the night sounds are beautiful, the song of loons not ghostly, but more like a lullaby. You can listen to bird calls online and familiarize yourself and children with those night sounds.

Never allow food or beverages inside a tent. The smell of food can attract insects and wildlife.

Never smoke in or near a tent. Never pitch a tent near a campfire or stove.
Teach children the rules of camping beforehand on your practice camp and allow them to participate in rule setting. Don't let children run around close to tents where they may trip over stakes. Don't let them run around the campfire. Don't allow children to play with the fire. Teach them fire safety. Allow children to assist in setting up a fire to make them feel included.

Tent camping involves children in the natural world. Most children would rather play with sticks and stones than manufactured toys and will find creative entertainment everywhere.
Most children enjoy learning outdoor skills like hiking, bird identification, fishing, canoeing, and basic botany.

Camp food is usually child friendly and the rustic setting will offer them a connection with the past. The abundance of fresh air creates an appetite like nothing else so even your picky eater will eat anything.

The assistance children can provide on a camping trip fill them with a sense of accomplishment. They will become comfortable in an unfamiliar environment and gain an appreciation for nature. Family camping with adults and children creates a special bond and memories that last forever.

Camping calls for different foods and meals than you usually eat at home. For great ideas for food to take when you go camping, and meals to cook on a camping trip:
http://hubpages.com/hub/Tent-Camping---Food-and-Meals
If you go camping, make sure you take all the things that you need to make your trip comfortable:
http://hubpages.com/hub/Tent-Camping-Checklist

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Camping Recipes - 3 Tips on "Food Safety" to Use on Your Next Camping Trip

 By Rhonda Percell

It is extremely important to use good "Food Safety" when camping.  Use the following "Food Safety" so you and your fellow campers can have an enjoyable camping trip.

1. Plan Your Meals and Method of Cooking - Before you go on your camping trip plan the meals you would like to have and when. This will help you prepare the food for your trip. For instance, if you are planning on having steaks on your third night of camping, make sure the steaks are completely frozen before taking them in your cooler. You will also want to consider what method you will use to cook your meals. Remember, at time, the forest may be closed to campfires and charcoal grills so you will need to bring a propane stove or grill for cooking.
 
2. Keep Everything Clean - Remember to wash your hands before and after handling foods, especially raw meats. Also, make sure all cooking utensils and pans are clean prior to use. When packing your cooler, double wrap your raw meats to contain their juices and keeping your other foods safe.
 
3. Keep Hot Foods Hot, Cold Foods Cold - It is important to keep all your food that should be refrigerated cold. It is recommended to have two coolers, one for drinks and one for all your food. This will eliminate opening the food cooler too frequently and melting the ice more quickly. Also, keep your coolers in the shade and place an old blanket around them for further insulation. Remember to serve hot foods promptly, and store leftovers in an ice filled cooler.
 
So, as you can see, if you practice these "Food Safety" tips your next camping trip will be both SAFE and enjoyable.

And if you would like more camping tips and information please go to http://campingtipsandinfo.blogspot.com/
By: Rhonda Percell - Wife, Mother of 3 and a Happy Camper!

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Dutch Oven Recipes For Camping Trips

By Carolyn Whitley

Camping can be great fun, especially if it is combined with awesome food. Consider some of these winning Dutch oven recipes that you can cook for your family or friends during your camping trips.

Beef Meat Loaf
Ingredients:
4 pounds of pure ground beef
2 cups of bread crumbs or flour
1 large onion, chopped
2 tablespoons of salt
3 eggs, beaten well
Ketchup
1 cup milk
Half tablespoon of pepper

Procedure:
In a container, combine the beef, onion, salt, eggs and pepper and half the bread crumbs. Mix thoroughly. Roll into a log shape, and cover with remaining bread crumbs. Well grease the dutch oven and then put the meat mixture in. Put the lid on the oven and place in the coals of the fire and leave for about an hour and a half. Take the lid off and add the ketchup and brown sugar. Then place the lid back on and cook for a further 15 minutes. If the fire is too hot, the dinner will burn, so make sure you cook your meat loaf in the coals and not the fire.

Pineapple Delight Cake
1 pack cake mix, yellow
3 pieces of eggs, beaten
1 can pineapple slices
½ cup butter
1 cup sugar, brown or white
1 and ½ cup of pineapple juice
8 pieces cherries

Procedure:
Melt the butter in Dutch oven. Place the pineapple slices over the bottom of the dutch oven and place a cherry on top of each piece of pineapple. Follow the instructions for making up the cake mix and then pour the cake mix over the pineapple and cherries. Place the oven in the coals of the fire to cook for half an hour. Let it cool slightly inside the oven after baking and before serving. While cooking, keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn't burn. Enjoy.

Sausage Gravy
Ingredients:

Procedure:
Add the flour to the butter in your hot skillet until it becomes brown. Add water or milk to the flour to thin it, then add pepper and salt. Continue stirring the mixture until it regains its thick constancy. Add the sausage or processed meat product to the mixture.

Wild Turkey
Ingredients:
1 whole turkey
1 pound of pork sausage
6 cups of bread crumbs
Bacon
Onions
Poultry spices

Procedure:
Cover the turkey with seasoning and other poultry spices. Meanwhile, fry the onions and pork sausage in your oven. Then combine this mixture with the bread crumbs. Stuff the turkey with this and put in the dutch oven and bake for 3 and half hours.
These Dutch oven recipes are so easy to make and taste great, and you'll have the family asking for more. Camping is an excellent time to encourage the kids to do some of the cooking as well.

Although fires are fun, remember that children need to be supervised at all times.

My name is Carolyn and I've been on many camping trips. If you enjoy camping, then you should still have great tasting food. When using a dutch oven and some dutch oven recipes you will be sure to have food that tastes as good as you make at home.

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Outdoor Survival - Camping Tent and Hiking Tips

By Kristina Cramarossa  

Outdoor Survival:
When you are planning for your next camping tent or hiking trip, typically you find yourself going through a checklist. Making sure you have your camping tent, backpack, pocketknife, food and even more items depending on the type of trip you are going on. The one thing some people do not do before their trip is re-familiarizing themselves with simple survival tips. Most of these tips could be the difference between life and death.
Before going out on your hike to explore the nature around you, make sure you have scanned your surroundings. Be aware of any mountains, hills, or any other major landmarks around you and the camping tent site. When beginning your hike try to stay around a valley, river or mountainside if possible. Just by doing this it will help keep you going in the same direction. The next step seems simple enough, keep track of time. Make sure you are aware of the time when you leave your campsite. By doing this you will know what rate you are hiking at and then by the time you reach your destination you know exactly how far you are from the camp site. If you have a GPS make sure it is in good condition and you are very familiar with all its settings.

If by chance of you do get lost the first, do not panic! This will not solve the situation and will cause you to lose energy that could be used towards other things. Sit down regain your thoughts. Think back and try to retrace your steps. Ask yourself, what direction did I come from? Can I get back? How long have I been lost? Once you have come up with a game plan try to find a place high where you can see your surroundings, search for a river, familiar areas or even signs of civilization. You are probably asking yourself, should I stay or should I keep moving? In order to answer this question, you want to make sure that you have a shelter to protect yourself. Next if no one is aware of your camping tent trip then it may take awhile before they begin a search. Look around and see if a signal could be seen from your location. If most of these cannot be answered then it is probably in your best interest to keep moving.

A good rule of thumb is walk away from the mountains, because most likely they may lead you to a road or trail. As you are walking try to leave hints and signals along the way. This will give anyone who could be searching for you hints and signals. Leaving parts of clothing, make arrows out of sticks or rocks are great ways to let searches know what direction you are heading in. This will also help them know you are still alive.
If you know that there will be people searching for you, hurry and find a safe and obvious place where you could have the best chances of a rescue. Try to find a shining or flashy object that could be seen if held against the light. This could be seen for sure by an airplane or a helicopter. Move the mirror or object back and forth so that the reflection could be noticed easily. Another life saving technique is building a fire. There are two types of fire to build for different times of the day. During the daylight make a smoky type fire using wet, damp and green materials. At night make a bright blazing fire using all dry materials. Most people try to yell and scream but end up losing their voice. Instead of using our voice try banging pots and pans they will really echo, much louder than your voice. If you had a whistle that would be even better.

No matter how many precautions someone can take there is always the possibility of getting lost or turned around. Always make sure you are aware of the places you are going and someone knows the details of your trip. There are always more outdoor survival tips you can take on your journey and this article just names a few. Always make sure you are prepared for your camping tent or hiking adventures.

Kristina C. Camping is my life and a great way to spend quality time with my family.
[http://www.tentadventure.com]

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Camping Gadgets - The Effects Of Technology On Camping

By Justin Mountford

"I can't get reception"
Is this really something you want to hear when you go camping? With mobile phone reception pushing further and further inland it's almost possible to make a phone call anywhere. Add satellite reception and you've almost got 100% coverage. Is this really a good thing? On one hand I'd say no.
I believe that camping should be about getting "back to basics". However, is my definition of "basic" antiquated?
There are a number of times where you really want mobile coverage. Getting reception means you can access help a lot quicker than before, this could even lead to saving lives. You can easily contact people if they get lost and you can check weather updates and more. Clearly, being able to use a mobile phone improves your chances of survival and reduces some of the risk involved with long range hiking or adventuring. Or is that part of the excitement?

Self-reliance
Some camping gadgets have come a full circle. Batteries used to power all our devices, like phones, torches, cameras etc. However now the trend is now towards self-reliance. Wind up and solar technology is leading the "charge" (pun intended). We expect out gadgets to now work without having to continuously run back to home to charge them up. I believe this is a good thing. Solar power is now getting the level of efficiency that whole villages can run basic devices from only a small array. Wind up technology means we will always have light and access to a radio.

What is basic camping?
There was a time when basic camping meant, shelter, a sleeping bag and some food. Now we have iPads, light weight synthetic sleeping bags, high powered headlamps, night vision and high tech lightweight tents.
Basic it seems is over. Or is it? Some say this is simply progress.
Why would you want to sleep on the ground, why would you want your basic shelter to blow away and why would you want to not eat just because you can't start a fire? Camping gadgets are designed to help in these situations and thus help us enjoy camping more. I don't think these gadgets detract us from the experience, I think they enhance it!

Limits
Of course there are limits. When does camping simply become moving your house from one spot to another? The very essence of camping is to enjoy, get in touch with and embrace the great outdoors not colonise the area and move on. The perfect camp is a minimal impact camp where it's difficult to tell if you were even there. There's no point in going camping if all you're going to do is setup a TV and a Playstation and not move.
No doubt chainsaws, multi tools, special tents and solar power make camping easy, but let's not get too carried away. It's still fun to chop down a tree, it's still fun to stay around the fire for hours and it's still fun to sit around and talk.

Justin is the founder of Campingeek.com a place where gadgets and the great outdoors coexist. Discover camping gadgets like the ultimate wearable sleeping Bag at Campingeek.com

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Camping During the Four Seasons

By Brian P Hughes

 
Summer
Summer is the most popular camping season, simply because the weather is nice and warm. Also, families can take advantage of their children being out school. As you can imagine, most campgrounds and campsites are more crowded during the summer, so if it is possible to make reservations, you will definitely want to plan in advance.
It is also important to be aware of potential health problems that can come along with camping during the summer. Being exposed to the heat and sun can offer a wide array of problems, ranging from sunburn to dehydration to heatstroke.
Here are a few tips for a healthy summer camping trip:

• Make sure you have enough water and stay hydrated.
• Wear loose fitting and light colored clothing.
• Avoid physical activity during the hottest parts of the day. Do your hiking during the mornings and evenings and save the afternoons for something less strenuous or even a swim to cool off.
• Make sure you know the warning signs and proper first aid for heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
• If you find yourself feeling tired, do not hesitate to rest for as long as you need.
• If possible, set up your campsite in the shade.
• Wear sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
• Bring insect repellent to protect yourself from mosquitoes and other disease-carrying pests.
• Eat small, light meals.

Winter
Camping during the winter can be very challenging, but even so, many people enjoy it. There is something rewarding about knowing you braved the winter elements to take part in an exciting adventure. Of course, there are some advantages to camping in the winter; gorgeous scenery, less wildlife to protect yourself against, less crowded campgrounds, and the potential to take part in winter sports such as skiing and snowboard to name a few.
As with summer, winter campers want to be safe and make their health a top priority. Here are a few tips for a safe winter camping trip:

• Make sure you have enough water and stay hydrated, even if you aren't thirsty. You can become dehydrated from cold winter air just as easily as you can in the heat.
• Prevent your water from freezing. Bring a bottle cover or keep your water bottles in a sock.
• Bring rain gear to avoid getting wet. Also, bring a change of clothes in case you do get wet.
• Stay moving to generate body heat.
• Add more complex carbohydrates to your diet. They will give you more energy and help keep you warm.
• Wear layers so that you may adjust them as needed.
• If you feel yourself getting too cold, immediately take whatever necessary precautions to warm up.

Spring and Fall
Many people choose to go camping in the transitional seasons - spring and fall - for many reasons. Generally, the weather is not too hot or too cold, and campsites aren't too crowded. Also, you can't beat the scenery, whether you want to take in the colors of the changing leaves in fall or the blooming flowers in spring.
Of course, there are always exceptions. The key to camping in any season is to be prepared and don't make assumptions. Keep an eye on weather reports for the area where you will be camping. If you can, pack extra supplies just in case. Always stay alert and make health and survival your top priority.

From the time I was little, I've always loved the outdoors. I grew up in a family where appreciation for nature's beauty was a value drilled into us nearly as often as "Say please. My name is Brian Hughes and my wife Bec and I are the founders of Tuckerman Outfitters LLC. When we started this business, we saw it as a chance to share our love of nature with other outdoor enthusiasts like you. We're passionate about adventurous living, and we hope you are too. In short, Tuckerman Outfitters isn't just our business; it's personal. We care about the outdoors, and we care about you. That's reflected in the products we offer and the level of service we provide. We love helping others to enjoy nature's gifts just as we do.

So get outside. Get moving. And get your gear at http://www.TuckermanOutfitters.com
Brian Hughes

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Tips For Enjoying Your Next Camping Trip

  

By Ashlee Werts

 

Nothing can compare to the perfect camping trip. However, when you do not have the appropriate equipment while camping, your time spent in the wilderness can be miserable and highly uncomfortable. Follow these tips about choosing camping equipment online for making sure you experience getting back to nature in an enjoyable manner.
Your sleeping arrangement while camping is an important factor in your trip being the most enjoyable. If you do not have a comfortable place to sleep, your trip can certainly end up being less than desirable. Choose the tent that is easy to put up while also being protective and sturdy. Always choose a tent that offers enough room for the number of people sleeping in it.

While quality sleeping bags can be warm and comfortable, you might also consider the addition of an air mattress in your tent. Choosing an air mattress means choosing one made from durable and long lasting materials. Check the warranty you get with some brands for making sure you get a quality product. You might also think about taking along lanterns and flashlights with fresh batteries.

In addition to making sure you sleep comfortably while camping, you might also think about meal preparation. Cooking over an open fire may have a certain appeal, but being able to light a portable propane stove quickly does as well. This is especially important on the camping trip you take with your kids.

Taking along the cooking equipment you need for making fast and easy meals is important. This equipment includes the cookware as well. Choosing the right pots for brewing coffee and pans for frying fresh fish can help you to have the meal you imagined while out in the woods. Check online at camping supply retailers for complete sets of appropriate outdoor cookware.

Hiking is great fun and an invigorating way to enjoy the natural settings you are surrounded by during your trip. Being prepared for a day of hiking is especially important. Selecting a lightweight back pack is important. However, be sure to select on that has separate spaces for all the snacks you may need while on the trail.
Shopping for your next camping trip can be great fun. The anticipation of a weekend in the woods can be an awesome feeling. The stress you can let go of is the greatest benefit of camping, so make sure you get all the equipment you need for making it the perfect, stress free excursion.

You can find a brief summary of the things to keep in mind when buying camping equipments online and visit our virtual store to view our selection of cooking accessories, now.

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