This past Summer (2005), my family and I went on a camping trip. We planned it for sometime, and even bought a new tent for the occasion. We surely thought we had it planned well enough for it to go relatively smoothly for a day or two. We thought sorta wrong, and it made me think of a few things that would be essential to a “camp ground” camping experience.
The best advice may be “Don’t pack on the fly”. When you think about it, there are a quite a few supplies that every camper should have when camping. Ensuring that you have the basic supplies to keep safe and have fun will make your camping experience a pleasurable one.
Making lists to ensure that nothing is forgotten should be added to your planning steps. Check off items as you pack. You should pack as lightly as possible, remembering that you are going camping, not going on an extended trip to the Four Seasons Hotel. You won’t need nearly as much clothing and just enough food and water to keep you and your family nourished during your trip.
Dress appropriately for the season but also prepare for unexpected weather changes, such as rain or a sudden snow storm. Summer clothing should include light colored items and good hiking boots. In winter weather, make sure to dress in layers for maximum warmth. A good thing to remember is that even during the Summer the temperatures can drop dramatically at night. Always have spare clothes available in case clothing gets wet or there is a shift in climate.
Make sure to research the area where you will be camping so you are familiar with where the main roads and emergency facilities are located.
You should always be sure you have enough food and water so you and your family are properly fed and not thirsty, because once you’re thirsty you’re already dehydrated. Choose items that are lightweight, easy to cook and easy to clean up. Canned goods and lightweight items such as soups, canned meats, jerky, and cereals are perfect, maybe even a little Jiffy Pop for the evening campfire..
If you are driving there, you should bring some firewood, purchasing some there, may be more expensive. You should also pack newspaper and small twigs to help start the fire, and water resistant matches to help start a fire even in some of the poorest of conditions. A heavy duty flashlight is also a good idea, waterproof of course, to survive all that your camping trip my throw at you.
You should bring some sort of a “survival kit”. You can make these yourself with some of the items listed below. You can also buy these in a lot of outdoor sporting goods stores.
Here are some common pieces to a survival kit:
Rope
Shelter equipment - blankets, tarps can help you stay warm and protected while awaiting assistance.
Multi-purpose knife - provides many essential tools including a saw and can opener.
Emergency Food Items - protein bars, jerky, etc.
First Aid Kits - these are readily available pre-made in pharmacies and sporting good stores. They should include insect repellent and sunscreen to protect against sunburn and pests. Aspirin and non aspirin pain medication should be included. Bandages and antibiotic ointment will help in mending scrapes and cuts. Iodine tablets will help if a person is dehydrated.
Whistle - to signal for help if you get stuck or trapped.
Cellphone - to reach a nearby emergency station. It is advisable to carry one just in case you will be able to get reception and call for help. It would be a good idea to put place this in a Ziploc bag to keep it dry.
Misc. Items - to pack include: folding chairs; trash bags; pre-moistened wipes (especially handy if your camping area does not have hand-washing facilities in the bathroom area); a dishpan, dish soap, dish cloths, and dish towels for cleaning dishes; paper towels; clothespins to hang swimsuits and towels on the rope you’ve also packed; and pot holders to handle hot food.
While trying to be safe, do not forget to have some fun. Bring games, fishing poles and books to spend some time. Camera to remember your trip and to share with others. Lord knows we love to watch your slides at friendly gatherings.
Remember to have as much fun as you can, because camping is FUN!