Check In To... The Outdoor Hotel!

Living outdoors in a tent for a few days, roasting marshmallows over a campfire and telling scary stories by firelight, is just too much fun to resist.

Camping is living outdoors without all of the conveniences of home. It can be a lot of fun, and while you’re camping, you’ll learn skills that will prepare you to handle emergencies. Camping will also help you appreciate the conveniences you have at home.

Camping is easy if you plan ahead. Your family probably already has some equipment useful for camping. You can buy more specialized items later when you know exactly what you want and need.

First you’ll need a tent. If you don’t have one, ask around. Somebody will probably lend you one.

A plastic tarp can make a very good beginner tent. Suspend it across a rope tied between crosspoles or two trees. Stake the sides down and stretch them tight, in the shape of an inverted V. This shape is very good at shedding rain. Pull the ends around to form a rear wall and front doors. A second tarp can make a ground cover under your tent. This will help keep your bedding dry.

To make it difficult for wind or rain water to get into your tent, position the door away from the wind, preferably facing downhill.

Before pitching your tent, pick a campsite that is mostly level and on high ground. In developed campgrounds, it’s a good idea to pick a place away from noisy showers, bathrooms and other hightraffic areas.

For some, the ground is too hard for comfortable sleeping. You can use a foam ground pad or air mattress to cushion your bedroll. Besides a sleeping bag or bedding appropriate to the weather, don’t forget a pillow. This can make all the difference between a good night’s sleep and a miserable night of tossing and turning. In hot weather, consider packing a light sheet to use instead of a sleeping bag.

Arrange your campsite to have separate areas for sleeping, cooking and cleaning up after meals.

Cooking requires everybody to pitch in and help. A small propane camp stove is great for family camping. Open campfires are unreliable and can be difficult to cook over. Besides, they’re not permitted in all areas.

Don’t ever start a fire without permission from Mom or Dad. Ask for their help.

Some campgrounds have charcoal grills for campers. It’s nice to know what’s available before you leave home so you can bring the right supplies.

If you do have an open fire, keep a bucket of water handy to help control it. Use the water to thoroughly douse the campfire before you leave or go to sleep.

Camp food can be fancy or simple. Hotdogs are easy and fun to grill over an open fire. Marshmallows seem to have been made for toasting over a campfire. It’s better to try to fix simple food at first. After you’ve gained some experience, you can prepare more complete meals.

Practice cooking when your family is backyard grilling. Even if you goof a little, the food is usually still edible.

It’s a good idea to bring along some freeze-dried meals and energy snacks, just in case your meal burns up or doesn’t turn out well.

For cleanup, put a pot of water on the stove or fire while you’re eating. After dessert, wash your plates and utensils in soapy hot water and follow with a very hot rinse. Dump your “gray” wash water in approved drains or away from your camp. Don’t dump waste water in streams or on plants.

Pack up unused food and your cooking utensils and store them where they will stay clean and dry and won’t attract wildlife. Also, keep your campsite clean. Every camper’s motto should be “Leave No Trace.” Th at means don’t leave anything behind. Use trash bags and pack out everything you carry into the camp.

Always keep a rainsuit or poncho handy, and a dry change of clothes in case you get soaked by a sudden shower.

Beginners can get a good start by camping in their own back yards. You can sleep outdoors with the safety and convenience of the house a few feet away. Practice setting up your tent and bedding. You can even try cooking outdoors before you make a trip away from home.

First-time campers should choose developed campgrounds that have drinking water, toilets, showers, picnic tables and grills or fire rings.

When you have more experience, you can try the more primitive camping areas on Missouri’s Conservation Areas. Once you hone your camping skills, you may want to try backcountry, hike-in camping in large wilderness areas. It’s a great way to see the world.

Fortunately, you can learn camping skills no matter where you camp. You’ll need to know how to pitch a tent, make your bed, tie basic knots and practice safety and good personal hygiene outdoors.

You’ll find it’s helpful to make checklists so you don’t forget any equipment. It’s also important to keep an eye on the weather. It’s not fun sitting out a day of rain in a tent, especially if the tent leaks.

Camping is one of the best ways to enjoy other outdoor interests. Fishing, birdwatching, hiking, stargazing, canoeing, fishing and even hunting are lots of fun while camping. If you can camp, you’ll always have a hotel in the great outdoors.

Parent’s Camping Checklist

Tell a family member or neighbor where you are going and when you expect to return.

Don’t hike into unfamiliar areas without a map and compass, and know how to use them.

Know the location and phone number of the nearest hospital, and your doctor’s phone number.

Carry a first-aid kit and know how to use it.

Use sunscreen liberally, even on days when the sun isn’t bright.

Use bug spray that contains DEET.

Avoid venomous snake.

Check in with campground, park or area managers when you arrive and leave.

Check the weather before you leave, and bring a small portable radio and flashlights with plenty of extra batteries.