Camping For Fun

 by: Ranger Bob

Camping for fun is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and relax. But before going camping you will need to purchase camping equipment one of the better places to get the gear you need is at camping world.

To go camping does not have to cost a arm and a leg. With the basics found in your home you could go today. Lets see first you will need some type of shelter a plastic trap 8 by 10 will make a good tent some rope 50 ft will be lots the ¼ inch nylon rope will work. Tie the rope between two trees and place the tarp over the rope. Stake down each side of the tarp with screw driver numbers need 6 to 8 I buy them at flea markets and garage sales. If you have a second tarp place it on the ground under the tarp tent be sure not to place the ground tarp outside the tent if you do any rain water may flow in on the ground tarp and you may get wet.

Ok we have a shelter now we need bedding you have blankets and pillow on you bed at home so use them they will wash up. If you have no air mattress then use two folded blanket placed on the tarp them make up you bed on top of them. Sleeping is now taken care.

We have some place to sleep now what about cooking. You have pots and pans in the kitchen. Us the fry pan , small 1 qt pot 3 qt pot and the biggest pot you have great for heating up water. If you have a tea kettle made of metal take it. Most campsite have a fire pit with a steel grill to set the pots on. If there is a campfire ban in place you can use a portable barbecue. Take the utensils from the kitchen if you have bbq tools take them.

Not doing to bad we have a place to cook and to sleep. If you have kids you will need a few more tarps and make them up a tent beside yours. Take you deck chair to sit on if you have no chairs then when you get to the camp site look for log blocks they make great chairs can be found at the wood pile.

Your chuck box can be a cardboard box with a lid or folding flaps. Put you dry goods in to this box salt ,pepper, cereal, potatoes, and What ever else you remove from the kitchen cupboard. Can goods beans, canned fruits, Kraft dinner you get the idea.

Your cooler can be another cardboard box but this one you will line with a trash bag. Place the bag in the box and position it in the corner with the excess fold over the top of the box on the outside. You will need ice to keep the frozen foods cool. Save up you milk containers plastic works best wash out and fill ¾ full of water an place in the freezer. When you have a few frozen containers you now have the ice that will keep your food cold.

Place at least two in the bottom of you ice box then place the frozen meats, milk, juice into the box. You should place vegetables on top if there is room place a third frozen milk jug at the top of the box. You will need a lid for the ice box take another box and fold the flaps inside and slide the box over the top of you food box. Remember to keep this ice box out of the sun and you will find the ice will last about 4 to 5 days.

Other things to bring candles will work if you do not have a flash light but be very careful as a candle can start you tent bedding on fire and will cause a forest fire so never leave a candle un attended. A roll of tin foil will be needed the thicker the better. works very well for cooking in .Bring a plastic pail to carry water in. A plastic basin will work to do dishes and wash up little dirty faces and hands.

There are many things you have in the house that will make the camping trip fun use you imagination. An get out and explore the parks and lakes in your area