Camping Q and A

lived day-to-day in a situation that resembles camping more than the households — with all of their modern, electrical conveniences — that we enjoy today. Spending some time out in nature can bring us back to our heritage. For some, it might have been as short as a couple of generations ago. For others, it could have been thousands of years since our ancestors lived primarily in the outdoors. But, if you go back far enough, somewhere back there your own ancestors lived and communed with the outdoors every day. It’s time for YOU to commune. Get the camping equipment out of the closet (or go ahead and splurge; get yourself some new gear) and get out of the house! This article will touch on some basic questions about what to expect during your own camping trips.

What type of things should I take with me camping?

Let’s see…you will definitely need to take some extra clothing and depending on the weather will depend greatly on the type of clothing you will need. You will need to bring along the following items no matter where you go camping: sleeping bag, food, water, small hatchet for chopping firewood and matches. Other items that some people pack are: coolers for food, fishing poles, tents and a radio to listen to at night. What you take depends largely on how you want to camp and what you want to carry with you.

Are there expeditions that involve camping?

There are some great expeditions that involve camping. Some try to make it a fun filled activity by including horse back riding, canoeing, rafting or even mountain climbing. You should check into some of the different excursions that are available. One of the most popular in recent years involves being flown out to a small island and then being left there for three days or so. You get to experience what true camping is like by providing for yourself during that time. If you are taking small children or elderly you may want to find a more sedate expedition that is a little safer.

What are the best things to eat during a camping trip?

Any store that sells camping equipment will also have a wide variety of freeze-dried food that is lightweight, pretty easy to cook, and surprisingly tasty. For shorter trips, foods like hot dogs and marshmellows are easy to cook directly over a fire and are always a hit, especially if kids are along. Camping and fishing go hand in hand; many folks love to catch some of their meals and cook them over an open fire. Foods cooked in the outdoors just seems to taste better. Maybe there is something in the air that adds a natural spice.

What are some additional tips for camping?

The best tip when it comes to camping is to have fun. This is your time to relax and commune with nature. It does not matter if it is at a camping ground or you have hiked into the middle of a forest. It is about getting away from the hustle and bustle of work and everyday life and just enjoying the time with your family. Kids love being out camping and it is a great way to show them the beauty of nature.

Bruce Manta