Locate Medical Help

Whether you are camping with kids or not it may be wise to locate the nearest hospital or 24hr clinic in case of any emergency. You may need immediate medial attention and there’s nothing worse then having to aimlessly search for aid.

Medical Conditions -Wear a Medical Alert Bracelet

If you or your child have specific medical needs such as diabetes, allergies etc.  you should be wearing a medical alert bracelet. Have your kid/s wear their medical alert bracelet at all times. This way if an emergency occurs and your child is given medical attention while you are not present the person/doctor administrating first aid will be aware of any specific medical conditions.

Medication and Prescriptions

Bring any medication your child will or may need on your camping trip. As an extra precaution you may want to bring your child’s prescription in case you need to pick up any extra medication while camping.

First Aid Kit

Always pack a First Aid Kit when camping, basic safety involves having a first aid kit. Here a full list of what should be packed in your Family’s First Aid Kit. If you are looking for a complete First Aid Kit to buy, these are a few excellent ones.

Outdoors First Aid Kit -205 piece kit
First Aid Complete Care Kit -326 piece kit

Child Safety Info/Reference

One of the best things I have ever bought is “Take Your Pediatrician with You: Keeping Your Child Healthy at Home and on the Road”. This book is written by Christopher S. Ryder, a pediatrician and it covers almost everything you will need to know about how to keep your child safe while away from home. This book is compact and very easy to read; it is a wealth of valuable information all in one very convenient place. It makes for an excellent reference when you are faced with an ill child or medical situation.  This is one book you will definitely want to own.

Campsite Location

Have your kids learn the location and address of the campsite at which you are staying. This is important because, if your child were to get lost, they could give the address to an adult to help find their way back to the campsite. Or if your child is injured or has an emergency without you knowing and is taken to the hospital. If your child knows where he/she is staying the hospital has a much easier time in contacting you immediately. Having your kids memorize the campsites address does not have to be difficult –  make it a game in the car as you drive to the campsite. Quiz them on the campsite’s name, address, location etc. that way when you arrive they are geared with the information and ready to have fun camping.

I hope you have found these points on how to prepare your kids for safety before camping helpful. If you have any other suggestions you would like to share please leave them in the comment box below. Thanks!

Please also read the article “How to Prepare your Kids for Safety While Camping”; it shares some essential child safety tips.

Author: Latoya Atkins, Kaitlyn (CampTrip Team)

Edited By: CampTrip.com

Brief your Kids on Wildlife

It is a good idea to educate your kids about their surroundings (ie. the different wildlife and greenery around them). After you finish setting up your camp, sit them down at the table and explain to them what types of wildlife there is around them and which of these animals/ insects around them are dangerous or should be avoided. You should also do the same with different plants, shrubs, mushrooms, berries around the area and which are dangerous. Depending on the area in which you are camping the types of wildlife and greenery will differ. Be aware of where you are camping and what dangers might be in the area.

There may be such wildlife as: bears, alligators, mountain lions, cougars, snakes (poisonous etc.), spiders (poisonous), ants (fire ants) and many more. Some shrubs/ poison plants to avoid are: Poison oak/ ivy, sumac, wood nettle, certain berries, mushrooms, etc. These are only a few of the potentially dangerous things that inhabit camping areas; there may be more or less depending on where you are camping. Please know your surroundings so that you can show your kids how to be safe. The best thing to do is have pictures of what they should be avoiding (ie. snakes, bears, poison oak, etc.) so they can identify dangerous things and know exactly what to do when they are faced with one of them. Here are some great books for kids and adults with information and photos of poisonous plants and mushrooms.

Become Familiar with the Campsite

Before settling into a campsite take your kids on a tour of the entire campsite so they know where and what everything is. This way if they get lost they will have an easier time  finding their way back. Let your kids know where they should go if there is an emergency and where you, as a family, should all meet if something were to happen. You can also show them what areas are off-limits and what areas are fine to play in.

Setting Boundaries

This point is not necessary for everyone depending on your kids and campsite, but if you feel that your kids should not be wildly roaming the campsite, setting boundaries could be a good idea. If you have young children that you want to keep an eye on here is a great way to keep them within reasonable boundaries. Cut long strips of bright cloth or ribbon and tie them around tree trunks or shrubs to show that the child cannot go past that mark. Put the ribbons around the perimeter of your camp spot to keep you children in range.

It is a good idea to have your kids help you put up the ribbons so they understand why you are doing it and so that it seems fun for them instead of restricting. Some kids get so involved in putting up ribbons they don’t realize how much they are limiting themselves, which is quite funny. You be the judge as to how much space they can have, keep in mind that camping is about having some space and freedom to play, so don’t limit them too much.

Safety Gadgets for Kids

There are some camping gear and equipment you can give your child to help them be safe:

Whistle

Giving your child a whistle is probably the smallest, cheapest and most useful thing to give them to keep safe. Whistles are there for if your child gets hurt or lost in the wilderness; if they blow on the whistle it is likely someone will be able to find and help them much sooner. Let your child know they are for emergency use only and not for tooting around the campsite – this will keep your neighbors happy.

Walkie- Talkies

These are not essential, but can be useful and fun. Walkie Talkies can keep you and your kids in touch and know where they are and what they are doing at all times. It is also fun for kids and is a good skill for your child to learn how to use them. Walkie- Talkies vary in price and vary in quality. You will have to decide how much money you want to invest in a pair and how much you trust your kids to take care of them out in the wilderness. Walkie- Talkies allow the whole family to go off and do their own activity but keep the whole family connected.

Flashlight

Flashlights are only really needed at night but are essential to night-time activities. Give each of your kids a flashlight so they can safely navigate their way around the campsite. Whether they are playing flashlight tag in the dark or trying to find their way to the toilet having a flashlight at night makes everything so much easier.

In order for you and your family to have a fun and successful camping trip it is important to plan and prepare for safety before you go. It is also essential you show and explain to your kids the rules of the campsite and what to be aware of. That way the whole family will be on the same page and ready for a safe and exciting camping experience!

I hope you found these points on how to prepare your kids for safety while camping helpful. If you have any suggestions please leave them in the comment box below. Thanks!

Please also read the article “How to Prepare your Kids for safety Before Camping” this will help you get things prepared before you leave home.

Author: Latoya Atkins, Kaitlyn (CampTrip Team)

Edited By: CampTrip.com

The Amazing Amazon Kindle

No, the Kindle is not firewood. The Amazon Kindle is a device where you can download up to 3,500 of your favorite books and have them all in one convenient place! The online Kindle library offers over 270,000 books to choose from. You can find all the books you are looking for. It’s a one stop shop!

Now you are beginning to see just how genius this gadget is… but wait, it gets better. The Kindle is great for anyone who loves to read, but it is especially perfect for ALL campers who enjoy a good book. That is why we are going out on a limb and claiming that the Amazon Kindle is the best camping gadget.

The Best Camping Gadget of 2011

Do you like reading a good book while on your camping trip? Have you ever had trouble deciding which book to bring while packing? Do you get frustrated with how heavy books are in your luggage and how much space they take up?

I am sure you are familiar with this scenario. These problems are now solved. Buy a Kindle.

Why you do not
want to leave without it:

• All books in one place (Latest novel, kids books, guides etc.)
• Lightweight and thin ideal for travel. (Only 8.5 ounces, weighs less than a paperback!)
• LONG Battery life! A single charge lasts up to one month!
• No chargers and cables
• Durable protective casing
• 6″ screen with no glare read in direct sunlight
• Perfect contrast screen giving your eyes a comfortable read.
• Want to know more? Read more…

The Kindle is Amazon’s #1 bestselling item for two years running. It also has the most 5-star reviews of any product on Amazon.

The above reasons are why I recommend the Amazon Kindle as the best camping gadget to any book lover, especially to all those who get out and enjoy the outdoors.

Don’t have a Kindle yet? Why not?

Get an Amazon Kindle now!

Have a Kindle?

Share you experience and let us know what you think about the Amazon Kindle. The community would love to hear from you.

Author: Kaitlyn
(The CampTrip Team)

Beware of Biters, Stingers, and Buzzers Oh My!

This was about 25 years ago but the images of my Dad suffering an allergic reaction to what doctors believed was the bite of a spider, are still very vivid. Now before you get alarmed it is safe to say that the majority of insect bites and stings typically result in an itchy welt, some mild heat and swelling around the bite area. In some cases however, like that of my Dad, a person could have a systemic allergic reaction. This means the poison from the bite causes a reaction throughout the entire system or body of the victim. At its most severe, Anaphylaxis or whole-body allergic reaction can be life threatening. My Dad returned to us in much better shape the next day but the experience left me with a greater respect for nature and a crucial need to educate myself on how to handle insect bites.

Even if you are new to camping, you are most likely aware of the various types of insects that bite or sting and although some are regional, all of them can be found in wooded areas where camping is most desirable. “Good Times Right?” Well, being a good camper – just like a Boy Scout – means always being prepared.

Most Common Biting/Stinging Insects:

Biters

Mosquitoes, horse flies, black flies, sand flies, deer flies, tsetse flies, brown recluse and black widow spiders, fleas, ticks and leeches, some caterpillars and millipedes can also bite.

Stingers

Bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets, fire ants.

Treating Insect Bites and Stings:

Venom Reactions

Venom reactions vary depending on the source but the good news is that for the majority of bites and stings, self-treatment will suffice. Never scratch or rub the bite area, that increases irritation and always gently wash area with soap and water. Ibuprofen works well for pain and swelling and an applied ice pack will help with the heat. Antihistamines (like Benadryl) work well to temporarily stop the itching and you can also use OTC hydrocortisone cream if you want a topical. Some people swear by vinegar or ammonia and many still use Calamine lotion. If you have a particular allergy to bee stings, make sure you always have your doctor prescribed epinephrine kit when you are in a high risk area. How do you know though when it is time to seek professional medical help verses the trusted home aid? Always remain calm, if you are with a bite victim have them sit or be still and call for medical care if symptoms show up anywhere outside of the bite area.

Ticks

Deer ticks can transmit Lyme disease, an inflammatory disease. Immediate removal of tick is crucial. Remove ticks immediately by pulling the head with a pair of tweezers. This will ensure that you get the entire body. Put the tick in alcohol to kill it and contact your doctor to see if you should save it for later identification.

Bees/Wasps/Hornets

If you can see the stinger in a bee sting, remove it to stop the venom exposure. The best way to pull out a stinger is with a plastic card, i.e. credit card. Put the flat edge of the card at the base of the stinger right up against the skin, then slide it along your skin firmly to remove the whole stinger.

Leeches

Remove leeches by using a finger nail or hard flat item to slide under the bite area and break the bite suction. Leeches have a substance in their saliva that disrupts blood clotting so the area may bleed longer then usual.

Symptoms After Being Bitten or Stung

In most cases once you remove a stinger or leave a bite to heal you will not experience any severe symptoms. If you are allergic to one of these bites or stings some of these symptoms may occur:

*nausea* slurred speech*vomiting*muscle aches *chest pain*hives or skin redness*fever*abdominal pain*trouble breathing*facial swelling, lips, tongue*chills*weakness*dizziness, feeling like you are going to faint *disorientation *diarrhea*.

Do not wait for symptoms to subside or increase, seek professional treatment immediately. If there is any breathing or consciousness issues call 911. Regardless of symptoms, if any attacked area gets infected or does not heal, have it looked at by a medical professional.

Special Note:
Venom from the Black Widow Spider causes a systemic reaction which will require medical attention. Don’t wait for symptoms, call 911. If you can, bring the live or dead culprit with you when you get treatment for accurate identification and diagnosis.

Preventing Insect Bites and Stings:

So now that you know how to handle a surprise bite/sting reactions, how can you prevent it? Well of course the best way to prevent the reaction is not to get bitten in the first place so here are some reasonable tips to follow in preventing insect bites and stings.

• Do not swat at flying insects or disturb their natural habitats; bee hives, ant hills, wasp nests, spider webs, etc.
• Cover your body as much as possible by tucking your clothes in and especially tucking your pants into your socks. Wear gloves if you are exploring or gardening.
• Give yourself a full body check when you come inside. Especially look for ticks behind ears, between toes, on scalp, in groin, armpits, behind knees. If you swim in natural fresh bodies of water, take the time to check thoroughly for leeches in the same way.
• Be aware that spiders can hide anywhere so be cautious when you pick up firewood, or turn over a log for exploration. Pay attention where you are walking so that you do not walk into a web.
• Do not wear perfumes or perfumed sprays and lotions that would draw insects to you. Insects are also drawn to sweat so make sure you wipe your face, neck and any exposed area if you are sweating.
• Avoid locations insects multiply like ponds, lakes or any standing water.
• Do not handle interesting insects regardless of your curiosity.
• Lastly, wear an insect repellent when you are outside. There are now various natural repellents as well so do some research on one that meets your needs. Make sure you read the directions carefully so you understand how long the product is active.

Take these precautions in preventing and treating insect bites and stings, be aware of your surroundings, and know your body and we can all live together in harmony. There is no place like Camping. The biters, the stingers and the buzzers… Have FUN!

Author: Lisa Scott

Edited By: CampTrip.com

Water is Life

Several years ago a Scottish Scout troop came to Arizona, and as their American hosts, we urged them to drink, drink, drink – water, that is. By the time you feel thirsty, you’re already dehydrated. Arid climates require one gallon of water, per person, per day – minimum. Hiking in temperatures over 100 degrees in strenuous conditions, you may need up to four gallons a day. If you plan on doing some hiking while in the desert it is wise to hike with a hydration bag which is essentially a bag with a rubber tube. You fill the bag up with water a place it in your backpack then have the rubber tube (straw) to come out the top of your bag to keep you hydrated as you hike. The American National Park Service recommends one quart an hour when hiking the Grand Canyon.

After two weeks of hiking and camping in the southwest, the Sottish scout leader told us that “Before we came here I thought water was something you washed in. I didn’t know you could drink it!” Don’t forget to snack as well to replenish electrolytes lost through sweating. If your campground does not have potable water, take enough to drink as well as wash, and remember that caffeine and alcohol actually make you more dehydrated.

Factor in the Extreme Sun and Heat

Sun and heat are another factor to watch. Wear sunscreen, and reapply often. Sun-glasses and a wide-brimmed hat help, as do light-weight clothes that cover exposed skin. Rit Sun Guard is a product you can use in your washer to help sun-proof fabrics. This product is great because it does not damage your clothing or change the colour. After washing your clothes with the Rit Sun Guard it will give your clothes a UPF of 30 which protects your skin from the suns harmful UV rays.  I washed white, long-sleeved shirts for myself and my kids with Rit Sun Guard  before one camping trip, to make the equivalent of my husband’s sun-guard fishing shirts. You can also buy clothes with SPF material there are a range of SPF shirts for men, women and kids. A wet bandanna around the neck helps to keep you cool, or you can buy a Cooling Bandannas which have absorbent crystals sewn within it. Soak the bandanna in water for a few minutes to allow the absorbent crystals to absorb water, tie around your neck and it will stay cool and wet for several hours, even days! Perfect for camping or hiking in a hot climate.

Desert Tenting

We take telescoping poles and a tarp to rig a shade shelter, which doubles as a rain shelter in summer monsoons. An E-Z up canopy is great as well. Without trees to tie things to, we use the poles for hanging trash bags and stringing a clothesline.
Set up your tent on high ground, as summer storms can flood low areas. Avoid mountain tops where lightning might strike. July through September is our monsoon season, and flash floods are not uncommon. Sometimes it seems like we get our seven inches of annual rainfall all in one summer storm! A weather radio is a great gadget to take along it will alert you to any weather warnings in your area. Always have basic first aid and survival kit as well, even on a day hike away from camp, no one can predict an emergency but you can prepare for one. Ensure you pack some extra food/water, a lighter or matches and a whistle. Cell phones don’t work in many areas, and temperatures can vary forty degrees in a day.

The Desert Wildlife

Creepy-crawlies and prickly plants appear threatening, but encounters with cacti, snakes and scorpions can usually be avoided. Only once in twenty years have I been “cactused” and that was when I was trying to make prickly pear jelly from the cactus fruit. Snakes are most active in the spring. Always shake out shoes and sleeping bags, and never put hands and feet anywhere you can’t see. Wear sturdy footwear; flip-flops are no match for thorns that can puncture a bike tire. Tweezers, a fine-tooth comb, duct tape and Nair can all be used to remove cactus spines.

Where to Stay in the South West & What to See

The American Southwest abounds with places to camp: national, state and county parks, extensive national forests, and private campgrounds. You can camp year-round, and see everything from petroglyphs to ghost towns, white-water rivers to wind-scoured cliffs. Away from cities the stars are amazing, and just gazing up at the Milky Way at night makes the camping experience worthwhile.

I hope you found my tips for desert camping and hiking helpful. If you have any more tips for desert camping and hiking please enter them in the comment box below -Thanks.

Author: Betsy McPhee

Edited By: CampTrip.com

7 Activities for your Kids while Camping:

1. Let them help you collect firewood. I used to take my son down the trails and have him pick up some twigs. Yes, the pieces were small, but we all know when starting a fire small twigs are the best to use. There never seems to be enough wood.
2. Have them collect pine cones. Just something fun to do. Make it a contest to see who can collect the most. They also are a good fire starter and make pretty colors when put in the fire.
3. Take them fishing. If you packed fishing gear, all kids like to go fishing.
4. Take them for a walk in the woods and show them all that nature has to offer. Share with them outdoor knowledge so they can learn something handy and new. Be careful on letting them touch certain leaves, you don’t want them to catch poison ivy, sumac or oak.
5. Play Hide and Seek and around the your campsite/campground just make sure you set boundaries and off limit zones (if necessary).
6. Have them collect rocks to help build a fire pit (if your not camping in a campground)
7. If there is water nearby have them play in or with the water. Kids can spend hours upon hours playing with sand or being in the water. Just be sure they are supervised.

If Camping, Experience all Camping has to Offer

From my experience with taking my kids camping, and being a child myself I find that even if you think there is not much to do, nature always seems to become the entertainment. Being in the woods is  an adventure in itself and learning about all the trees, plants and wildlife is not only educational but also entertaining. In my opinion, you never really get a true experience of camping if you’re camping at a campground. Go out in the woods and experience nature for what it really is.

Kids love to camp. I know as a kid I always looked forward to weekends going camping with the family, as do my kids. Let nature entertain your kids while camping. There is always plenty to do with keeping your kids entertained, its just up to you to find that something.

Author: Katrina Burnell

Edited By: CampTrip.com

If you have any additional ways to entertain your kids while camping or comments we would love to hear them! Please add them in the comment box below. Thank you for sharing.

Please also read How to: Prepare your Kids for Safety While Camping.

Camping is not just a summer activity! Spring is an ideal time to go camping, so dust off the tent and cooler and get the family outdoors! Spring has arrived!

“Top Reasons to go Camping in Spring”

Please feel free to add any comments or info in the comment box below. All comments are appreciated.

Author: Kaitlyn
(CampTrip Team)

The Search for New Accommodation

“I could live outside and be warmer than this,” I thought to myself. It was a that point that I started looking at alternative housing.  I knew a few people who had lived in tepees and another couple who lived in a yurt, like the nomads of Mongolia. But I needed windows, and although the yurt had windows, it also had a caged-in feeling with its lattice work walls. Then I spotted it! My perfect alternative to expensive housing. It looked like a large white mushroom in the magazine ad, but it had windows that popped in and out and a roof that zipped off! It was a tent from Pacific Domes out of Oregon. I immediately called, got information on sizes and cost and headed to the bank for a loan.

My Dome Sweet Dome

By the beginning of June I had gathered a gaggle of friends to help me construct my dome-sweet-dome in the middle of an apple orchard I was to share with a dozen sheep. Ten of us placed the octagon shaped deck atop cinder blocks while another couple of guys dug a trench to a nearby garage to hook into the electrical system. Once the deck was constructed we all grabbed a piece of the steel frame and began putting the jungle-gym like structure together. By nightfall we had flopped the heavy canvas tent over the frame, connected the electricity to outlets on the deck and installed the wood stove.

Living Simple and Happy, Outdoors

For the next three-and-a-half years, I chopped wood and carried water. In the winter, my domicile was warmer than my neighbor’s house and in the summer, looking up at the stars, without the roof and listening to a chorus of coyotes was a highlight of my life.  I taught myself how to build a fire that would keep me warm and thaw out my bed in record time and discovered it wasn’t a good idea to have the compost pile too close to the cotton tent because of all the local bears.

Eventually I saved enough for a down payment on a house, but I know that the sound of whistling wind, baaing sheep and amplified raindrops is what life is all about. I will greatly miss camping as a lifestyle, I recommend living in a tent for anyone who wants to access the healing power of nature.

If you enjoyed reading this then you might enjoy reading our other articles on the site. Sign up to our newsletter on the right hand side of the screen to receive all the latest and greatest on camping and the outdoors. We promise we will not share your details or bombard your e-mail inbox.

Author: Nancy Bolam

Edited By: CampTrip.com

Camping is Affordable

Who says you cannot enjoy a camping adventure with only a small budget? Camping is not an expensive affair; anyone can enjoy and have fun by investing a little money wisely. Camping may actually be the most inexpensive way to enjoy a family vacation. By following a few steps you can boast about the best camping experience that anyone else could have had.

Tips for Budget Camping:

• Plan your camping site and the duration of stay (shop around to find the best price and location).
• Although unreliable, check the weather conditions for the time you plan on camping  and prepare your clothing and bedding (always bring a lot of layers so you can either add or remove depending on the weather).
• Make a Camping Checklist, this will help you pack everything you need (by not having to buy supplies on the road it will help cut down costs).
• Plan what you will be eating while camping (pack extra food as everyone gets hungry while in the outdoors).
• Take your own supplies and grocery to stay within the limits of your budget (avoid takeaways and fuel stations as you can easily end up spending lots of money).
• You can cut down the cost on camping materials by borrowing or buying used/pre-loved camping gear (just ensure everything is working before you go).
• Pick up a few essentials such as garbage bags, tarpaulin sheets, a pack of cards (or any indoor games), an emergency light and a torch.

Budget Camping For Everyone! Follow these simple steps that can convert an ordinary camp trip into an enjoyable and memorable lifetime experience. Last, but not least, anything and everything can be done within your budget if you plan accordingly and implementation is successful. Now that you are geared with these useful budget camping tips you are prepared for a successful camping trip!

Author: Uma Kulkarni

Edited By: CampTrip.com

Keep it Cool, Cook it Simple

Firstly, the key to camping is packing a good cooler. In preparing for your vegetarian camping trip you should first find several clean containers that can be used to freeze water. These gallons of frozen water will protect vegetables that need to be kept chilled such as mushrooms, spinach, tomatoes, broccoli, most fruits and berries, etc. Keep in mind that many vegetables do not need to be chilled so you can bring as many potatoes, zucchini, onions, turnips and garlic cloves as you like. Aside from the normal cookware one brings camping you’d probably be wise to bring along a small steaming basket. Bring along olive oil and cooking vinegar. The goal of vegetarian camping is a return to naturalism by eating food the way nature created it. Don’t assume the natural flavors of a campfire and cast iron aren’t enough to turn normal vegetables, very lightly seasoned, into exactly what your stomach craves after a day of activity.

Enjoy Fatty Snacks to Keep Your Body Full of Energy

Second, don’t forget to bring along some fatty foods. While it may be tempting to leave home with a bunch of greens and good intentions, it’s wiser to bring along familiar flavors and textures that your body will appreciate to fight hunger. Don’t hesitate to bring along the ingredients for pancakes, cornbread and other fireside favorites. Also, unless you are a regularly practicing vegetarian it’s probably best that you not attempt veganism over your vegetarian camping trip. Vegans do not eat any animal products, but your stomach will probably thank you for not cutting it off from things like milk, cheese and other sources of fiber and soluble fats. Don’t turn vegetarian camping into an endurance test; appreciate the experience of relying more closely on nature and its simpler pleasures. Go out and find berries that your phone can confirm are safe. If you have a mature knowledge of mushrooms you should definitely see what you can find after a light rain shower. If you are not knowledgeable as to which berries or mushrooms are safe to eat it is best to avoid them all together. You don’t want to have to be rushed to the hospital on your camping trip.

Natural and Fresh is the Best Way to Go

Lastly, to actually cook the majority of vegetables you need nothing more than a skillet, a bit of oil and ten minutes. The general rule of skillet cooking vegetables is to maintain crispness by using only a small amount of oil and salt on freshly cut vegetables. If you elect to use bags of frozen vegetables then you should increase the amount of oil used and cook vegetables to a point of firm, savory springiness. Your vegetables shouldn’t become too mushy or overly firm. Onions should be translucent, potatoes shouldn’t be cooked to an unnatural darkness and other vegetables should generally be crunchy and not soggy. Pre-cooked rice in the cooler leads to easy stir fry and pre-cooked pasta makes for an easy lunch or dinner with the appropriate vegetable additions.

When all is said and done, you’ll probably reach for the pop tarts. You will probably cheat and bring bacon. That’s all fine. The goal of vegetarian camping for the non-vegetarian is to create a more mature idea of what it’s like to live off the land. As you fish, hunt or just forage you’ll find additions to these culinary ideas and you should feel free to indulge. The true goal of vegetarian camping is to try something new that makes sense to you but still celebrates your amazing surroundings.

Author: Luke Garcia

Edited By: CampTrip.com

Tips to Help You Focus on the Positive Experiences:

1. Bring a Camera

Taking pictures throughout the trip can help you focus on the things you like instead of the things that bother you. It can also help you remember the best parts of the trip, years later.

2. Go With People You Like

Many awkward or embarrassing experiences can happen while camping, especially if you are new at it. Going with people you know and trust can lighten the mood and help you relax when unexpected things happen.

3. Laugh Often

Inevitably, bad things happen. A bear may steal your food or your tent could flood. Remembering to laugh at the oddities of life can turn a bad experience into a humorous memory.

4. Keep a Journal

Writing down your thoughts throughout the trip can help you relieve your frustrations and express your appreciation for the things you enjoy. It can also help you track your progress as you learn to focus on good experiences.

5. Focus on the Big Picture

People go camping because they like to be inspired, awed, and humbled by the beauty of nature. While everything in nature is not beautiful (mosquitoes) most of it is. Keeping this in mind can help you focus on what you like about nature instead of what you don’t like.

Following these tips and learning what helps you individually to enjoy camping can greatly improve your vacations. Remember that you don’t have to enjoy every experience, but choosing to focus on the good experiences can turn a nightmare trip into fun memories.

Author: Tambre Smith

Edited By: CampTrip.com

Let’s Have S’more Fun

If you have never experienced a S’more, you haven’t lived yet. S’mores are a tasty treat most commonly enjoyed outdoors over an open fire. It seems as though S’mores have existed forever; no one really knows when they were invented or who came up with this genius dessert. From my personal experience I would say that S’mores are best when sitting around a campfire while camping with friends or family. Nothing tastes quite as good as a messy S’more while sitting around the campfire at night with good company. So, if you’ve never had a S’more there are no more excuses, here is how to make a S’more.

Cooking S’mores Over the Campfire

Ingredients Needed:

• Graham Crackers broken into squares (such as Honey Maid Graham Crackers)
• Large Milk Chocolate Hershey bar (or another milk chocolate bar)
• Large Marshmallows ( not the flavoured ones)

Equipment Needed:

• Aluminum cooking sticks or long, thin but sturdy wooden sticks (tree branches)
• Campfire, bonfire, fire pit or open flame BBQ

Instructions:

S’more Preparation

1. Build your Campfire.
2. Get your metal roasting sticks or gather some long, thin and sturdy wood sticks from the forest near you.
3. Remove any bark from wooden sticks and make sure the point is sharp enough.
4. Sterilize the end of the sticks by putting the pointed end of the stick in the campfire flames.
5. Prepare all your ingredients: Break your chocolate up into squares of two and your graham crackers in half along the dotted line to make 2 squares. Take one square of graham cracker and put the two squares of chocolate on it.
6. Put 1 large marshmallow on the tip of your stick and push it on far enough so it wont fall off.

Roasting your Marshmallow

1. Have your marshmallow over the campfire so it gets very hot but does not touch the flames. Or put your marshmallow very close to the burning embers of the wood in the fire.
2. The idea is to roast your marshmallow until it is hot and golden brown the whole way around. You do not want it to touch the flames or it will ignite into a ball of flaming fire.
3. If your marshmallow does catch fire do not swing it around trying to put it out. Slowly bring it in towards your mouth and calmly blow it out. Please be safe when roasting marshmallows, many fire accidents are campfire related.

Get Ready to Enjoy

1. Once your marshmallow is golden brown, lay the hot marshmallow onto your prepared chocolate on the graham cracker square.
2. Pull the marshmallow off the stick using the other square of graham cracker.
3. You should now have a S’more sandwich consisting of  from the bottom: graham cracker, chocolate, hot marshmallow and a graham cracker top. Give it a good squish to smash all the gooey ingredients together.

“Dig your teeth into the crunchy crackers and warm melted gooey marshmallow & chocolate and savor that moment of pure bliss”.

4. Allow your S’more a minute to cool off so you don’t burn your mouth trying to inhale it. (I warn you it will be hard waiting while your S’more cools as they are incredibly tempting).
5. Once your S’more is not piping hot but still warm and the chocolate squares are warm and melting, your s’more is ready to be devoured.
6. Dig your teeth into the crunchy crackers and warm melted gooey marshmallow & chocolate and savor that moment of pure bliss. Be aware that the marshmallow likes to squeeze out the sides and make a mess.

The Aftermath

1. You will need to have either hand wipes or baby wipes on hand to help keep up with the inevitable mess that will be all over your fingers and face.
2. Be quick to get another marshmallow roasting as soon as possible, as the ingredients go extremely fast. If you are making S’mores with others, consider it a race, if you’re too slow you won’t get enough s’mores.

Now you know how to make a S’more and trust me you’ll be glad you do! They are so much fun to make and you’ll always want “some more”.

Enjoy kids!

Author: Kaitlyn
(CampTrip Team)

Edited By: CampTrip.com