Reprinted from: Camping Survival

Kids camping gear is actually quite different from the kind of gear that you usually need because a kid’s gear is going to be more about having fun. You don’t really need to give your kids any big responsibilities while they are out in the wild, but you do need to make sure that your kids have fun while they are out there.

The best way to make sure that your children have a wonderful time camping is to give them everything that they are going to need on their trip.

The first thing that any child is going to want before they go camping is some kind of tent with crazy designs on the outside. Once you have a tent, the kid isn’t really going to care about anything else you get them.

For this reason, you just need to make sure that they have sleeping bags and comfortable sleeping arrangements for their time out in the woods.

There are also plenty of different activities that children can benefit from out in the wild, and this is the category that will have more kids camping gear than anything else. If your child is going to have fun while you are on your camping trip then you need to make sure they have plenty of activities to do out there. Your child will have fun in the tent at night, but they still need something to fill their time during the day.
Where do you get your kids camping gear?

There are plenty of stores that will sell kids camping gear because most businesses know that plenty of children like the idea of going camping. The best part about a kid wanting to go camping is that they can sleep outside in their own backyard. It doesn’t take much for a kid to get excited about something, so camping in the backyard is usually a great first step towards something bigger.

If you are just going to be camping in the backyard then you don’t really need to worry about getting a lot of equipment for your young ones. You will only be a few feet away from everything that you need in your home, so pillows and blankets are really all you are going to need to bring in that tent. You will be able to go back into the house to use the bathroom or get something to eat whenever you’d like, so there is really no reason to worry about stuff like that.
Let your child pick some equipment out

You should let your child decide what kind of kids camping gear they would like to get, and perhaps you could even get your child some camping gear for Christmas or their birthday. These are usually the perfect time to give your child some camping gear because they will be surprised by the prospect of going camping with their mom and dad in the near future.

Technorati Tags: camp, Child, Christmas, Gear, Outdoor, shopping, sleeping bag, Tent

Reprinted from: Nurturing Spaces Feng Shui

By: Linda Varone, Publisher in Nurturing Spaces Feng Shui

Summer time: time for outdoor fun and Feng Shui.

When the warm weather comes we do maintenance on our homes and cars, we switch to our summer wardrobe, and pull out the grilling and sports equipment. But in the excitement of summer finally being here do we take the time to look at what stuff from previous summers we have stashed away?  

What is your favorite way to enjoy nature?

As part of my  Feng Shui seasonal de-cluttering I am donating a set of cross-country skis and a pair of rollerblades I haven’t used in years.

In that pile of sneakers and boots by the back door, how many are out–of-season and need to be stored until fall? How many pairs of sneakers have simply died and need to be thrown out?

Do you have:

• sporting equipment that is broken, out-of-date, or unused because you are no longer interested?
• camping equipment that hasn’t been used in donkey’s years?
• summer supplies that are inherited and unused?
• unused suitcases and travel accessories taking up space in the closet, attic or basement?
• grilling gizmos that looked good at the time, but never worked out?

Are your summers stuck in the past? If so, that means less energy for the present and future.

Unused things become clutter. Clutter is an energy drain.  Now is the time to clear these things out. Repair what you will genuinely use, donate and make someone else’s summer more fun, and trash what is too broken to repair or donate. Give yourself the gift of room and energy for this summer’s fun.

Note: check with your designated charity regarding what items they can and can’t accept.

Now I have the space and energy for my new bike!  What do you want to have the energy for this summer?

Technorati Tags: Bedroom, Business and Economy, Color scheme, Energy, Feng Shui, technology, Wine tasting descriptors, Wu Xing

Reprinted from: Blue Barn Software

The simplest way to enjoy the outdoors stay would be to make certain you bring the fundamental caravan accessories and gear you’ll need. The accessories really should not be significantly but it will nevertheless rely on simply how much comfort and ease you willing to leave behind during their visit. However, the electric, toilet and also water essentials are essential tto bring.

The essentials to take should include mains extension connect plus an adaptor, additives for your transportable toilet and also toilet rolls, transportable water carrier, waste carrier and also water purifying tablets.

During the outdoors, you would enjoy having fantastic house cooking. Your camping equipment for great meals might be burners using a grill that works with butane or even propane and also folds to a lightweight the clothes airier. A gas lighter with belt clip is likely to make an excellent cooking tandem with the burner. You might also choose to pick a portable gas cooker with electronic flame key that in no way wants a match.

You have to undoubtedly include amongst your camping equipment a cook set. Bring along a number of saucepans with lids and a fry pan so that you can hold the home-style cooking you do not need to miss. Match the cook set you bring with tableware of melamine materials. You will find plates, mugs, bowls as well as other tableware that you could bring made from these components. This camping equipment is great to take because it will not effortlessly break.

After eating and enjoying, you could settle-back and relax. Your afternoon naps may be comfy although seated on a relaxer, a recliner or inflatable chairs. Do not forget to create smaller sizes for the little ones if you are taking all of them with you.

The nights may be cold out there. The cool breeze from the open air is a lot distinctive from what your air conditioning unit in your own home offers. To bring caravan accessories like windbreaks and heaters might help help you stay warm through the night. Select a windbreak with poles that are made of durable materials. If you prefer to bring much less variety of equipment, select a 2-in-1 stove and also lantern since this can give warmth and light at night.

Other caravan accessories are those you’ll need for any night night sleep. Bring foldable camp beds or airbeds. For this, you will have to bring pillows, blankets and an air pump. If you determine to bring sleeping-bags instead, no longer in regards to the pillows, blankets as well as the pump.

Several campers may require much more camping equipment and accessories to take pleasure from a couple of days from the busy city. However, it will be like remaining in your house. Do not miss the chance to breathe clean air or feel the peaceful night. To enjoy your camping, leave a number of the technological innovations you’ve at home and bring only caravan accessories and equipment that may provide you with the perfect comfort.

If a friend is inviting you for weekend camp, do not fret thinking that everything will be difficult out there. To make sure that life over the weekend will not be too difficult, ask your friend of the caravan accessories and camping equipment that you can bring.

Technorati Tags: Business and Economy, camp, Outdoor, recreation, Recreation and Sports, shopping, sleeping bag, Tent

Reprinted from: Outdoor Living Supplies

However or wherever you like to camp, equipment is always an important component of your holiday. I’ve compiled a list of items that really do make my time with my family more enjoyable. Take a look and feel free to comment and share with me your favorite items.

Living in the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee provides me with a plethora of opportunities to discover the great outdoors. But hands down, my ultimate favorite is camping at TVA Headwater Campground on Douglas Lake in Sevierville, TN. My husband and I enjoy camping here several times a year amongst the panoramic views of the beautiful blue-green waters of Douglas Lake with a mystical backdrop of the Smoky Mountains.

As I sit here outside my camper, nestled on a hill overlooking the calm lake waters, I’m thankful for my extremely comfortable lounge chair. It’s a necessity for me to lay back, listen to the birds sing and fall asleep under the trees wrapped in a warm spring breeze.

On warm sunny days, I’m in the boat fishing with my husband. Douglas Lake always provides us with a mess of fish to clean and fry for supper. I’ve learned by watching him that a good sharp filet knife is one of those tools you can’t leave home without. One time he forgot his knife at home, and there wasn’t anything left to eat after using a dull kitchen knife.

Some afternoons when the kids come to stay, I’ll rally the troops for a quick game of cornhole. Cornhole is a wooden board with a hole in the center where you try to toss bean bags through. It’s really a fun game that’s great for camping when you just want to waste the day away.

No matter how we fill our days here on Douglas Lake, I’d say the nights are the best. Sitting around the campfire, blanketed by a star-filled night sky, in my opinion is as close to heaven as I can get. Since I was never a girl scout, I have to use fire starters to get the fire roaring. I don’t exactly know what fire starters are made of, but they’re a grainy, solid cake that lies amongst the kindling wood and is ignited.

Once the fire’s ablaze, there’s nothing like a steaming cup of coffee to drive the mountain chill away. Since roughing it is the whole idea of camping, electricity is not always available. The best way to brew coffee is over an open fire in a percolating coffee pot under the stars on a chilly night. It’s a must have for a true camper.

Technorati Tags: camping gear, camping supplies, camping tips, Outdoor, outdoor gear, Outdoor recreation, recreation

Reprinted from: EzineMark

By: Sasha Pralica, publisher in EzineMark

Whenever we prepare for some good adventures, first thing that we search at would be the location we will be going to stay in. A number of people would love to have other folks camping together with, while others would love to have an special camping destination. However, an important thing people should look at anytime camping is not only the spot but also the camping gear which we carry. Camping have its dangers too, and you will never know it before you are in reality caught up in the incident, this is why simply being well prepared could be the most reliable tool to have when camping.

Technorati Tags: Air mattress, camp, Campsite, Outdoor, recreation, shopping, sleeping bag, Tent

Reprinted from: Destination 360

Denver campgrounds can be found near town on the Front Range or in the nearby Rocky Mountains, where any number of outdoor recreational pursuits can be enjoyed. The best campsites near Denver are arguably those that are found at the nearby mountain parks, though there are also some good ones closer to town for those that want to enjoy all the great Denver attractions. As for the best time to enjoy Denver camping, summer reigns supreme, with spring and fall being worthy of consideration as well. During the winter months, the cold temperatures and the constant threat of heavy snowfall combine to dissuade most Colorado camping notions.

Of all the Denver campgrounds, none is closer to the Denver Airportthan the Barr Lake Campground. As is true of many Colorado campgrounds, Barr Lake is open year round, thanks in part to the fact that it provides excellent amenities for RVs. There are 108 RV sites at Barr Lake, and for those that prefer sleeping in a tent, there are ten tent sites. Full hookups provide water and electricity, and hot showers can be enjoyed regardless of the time of year. As for Barr Lake State Park, it is a wildlife sanctuary that covers nearly 3,000 acres. The reservoir can be used for sailing, fishing, and swimming, while the park’s nine-mile trail is suited for land-based activities such as biking. A mere 25 miles is all that separates Barr Lake State Park from Downtown Denver, so the city will never be far away when some urban exposure is in order.

For those who are looking for Denver campgrounds that are close to the city, two others that can be ideal are the Chatfield State Park Campground and the Cherry Creek State Park Campground. The former is less than twenty miles south of Downtown Denver and covers more than 5,500 acres of prairie land. In the near distance are the rising Rocky Mountains, providing a most picturesque backdrop. Swimming, fishing, and boating figure among the top activities at this park, thanks to the large reservoir, and the almost twenty miles of trails can be used for hiking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, and other activities. You can even go ice fishing here in the winter. As for the campground at Chatfield State Park, there are four distinct camping areas, and together, they offer 197 sites. Picnic tables and barbecue grills are included in the campsite amenities, and group sites that can accommodate up to 36 people are available.

The Cherry Creek State Park offers one of the best campsites near Denver, and it can be found wedged between Aurora and Centennial. The main attraction at the park is the large reservoir, and it’s not uncommon to see people water skiing or enjoying other water sports. Guided walking tours can be arranged for those who are interested, and it’s common to spot eagles, hawks, owls, and other fascinating bird species on a hike around Cherry Creek. For anyone interested Denver camping, this park just outside of town boasts 125 total sites. Some of the sites are deluxe and feature hookups, while others are basic and better suited for campers with tents. Showers and guest laundry facilities figure among the Cherry Creek Campground’s amenities, and as is common at Colorado campgrounds, a dump station is available for trash.

These are the best campsites near Denver, at least in terms of the Front Range area. For those who prefer doing their Denver camping in the mountains, however, destinations such as Genesee Mountain Park, Golden Gate Canyon State Park, and the famed Rocky Mountain National Park will likely be more attractive. Rocky Mountain National Park boasts a handful of drive-in campgrounds, and it is also possible to go backcountry camping. The latter requires a special permit and is best suited for true nature enthusiasts and serious campers that don’t depend on amenities.

Genesee Mountain Park is the largest and oldest of the Denver Mountain Parks, and it is located just twenty miles west of town. The 61 campsites come in the form of RV and tent sites, and guest amenities include hiking trails, horseshoe pits, volleyball courts, a small basketball court, and showers. Wi-Fi is also available on a limited basis, and campers can always consider heading into nearby Golden. The lovely city of Golden is just a short drive away, and among other things, it boasts the Coors Brewery, one of the state’s best golf courses, and some good restaurants.

Over at Golden Gate Canyon State Park, which is also close to Golden and Denver, those who are without an RV or tent can home to stay in one of the cabins or yurts. The yurts are essentially a mix between a cabin and a tent, and they tend to be very basic, providing little more than shelter. As is true of most of the Denver campgrounds that are found in the mountains, Golden Gate Canyon State Park’s Aspen Meadow Campground opens in May and closes in October. Other regional parks also feature cabins for those who want to upgrade from a tent to a more substantial structure on their Denver camping escape.

Technorati Tags: Barr Lake State Park, camp, Campsite, Cherry Creek State Park, Denver, Golden Gate Canyon State Park, Recreational vehicle, Rocky Mountain National Park

Reprinted from: Allstays.com

I love camping in the winter and off seasons but most people get out in the summer season. Whether it’s because of school or holidays or the weather, it just seems to be that way.

Although it’s much easier to prepare for the summer rather than the dead of winter, there are still some things to consider in preparing your food.

The first and most important thing is a given but I still have to say it. Bring plenty of water. If you can’t carry enough water for your whole trip, you need to know where there is safe clean water in the area. And even then, don’t rely on a map or book that tells you about one spring in the middle of nowhere. There is a good chance that it’s not there any longer or dried up when you need it. You don’t want to spend energy looking for water in the summer.

Lighter food sounds better in the summer. And they are easy to prepare and carry. Things like fruits, crackers, cereal bars, and nuts. Fruits bruise easily so finding dried fruits is usually a better choice. Bananas are great for their potassium and energy boost. But remember that foods that can melt or stick together are not good in the summer. If your granola bars have chocolate mixed in them, it’ll be a mess. If do need to take them (and I love things with chocolate so I usually try it anyway) you should store them out of the sun and way from your body heat. This usually means in the middle of a pack. They’ll get squished but not melt as fast. If you do have any ice or cool pack, put them by this.

A hot dog or some kind of meat may sound great over the campfire at night but be careful. You have to keep the food cold and not let it spoil. If you do bring this kind of food, plan on eating it at your first meal. The same goes for salads with mayonnaise (like potato salad), eggs or anything that can spoil easily and make you sick. I try to avoid any food that could turn on you as you just don’t want to have diarrhea or stomach aches out in the wilderness. Another point on meats is that you may not want to attract any more meat eating predators than is necessary. They may or may not like some of your processed snacks but they would love a burger!

don’t bring too many hot dogs

This is a tough one for me but avoid caffeine. Caffeinated drinks only make you urinate more and they don’t really quench a thirst anyway. Okay, nothing is better than a good cup of coffee at the campsite in the morning. I just wouldn’t drink it all day.

What are your favorites at a summer campsite?

Technorati Tags: camp, Cook, Dried fruit, Food, Hot dog, Meat, Potato salad, Water

Reprinted from: Trails.com

Camping is a great way to get some quality family bonding time. No computer, no TV, no distractions—you really get to spend time with your kids. And by planning the right activities, you’ll make it a fun experience that they’ll want to repeat. Don’t let them slip off to the tent to text friends or play PSP—make it an engaging family experience.

Technorati Tags: camp, Campsite, family, Outdoor, recreation, Scavenger hunt, sleeping bag, Tent

Reprinted from: Camping Crap

The camping equipment any camper could need all depends on where they are going. Obviously, if you are going to stay at a camp ground in a camping trailer, there will be lots of things you don’t need to take along. There are definitely different types of camping!

Here we will deal with a novice camper that is going to try their luck camping on a lake or maybe a river. If you are camping in a wilderness type setting, it’s always good to have a water source very near your camp site. You may or may not be around other people. There are some rustic campsites you can choose to go to, but they still might not have running water or bathrooms. Bathrooms! That’s one of the luxuries of choosing a nicely set up camp ground. However, for some folks that’s just not real camping.

So, for a rustic camp site where you will be completely on your own, there are essentials you will need to bring with you. How much of and how many essentials will depend on whether you are hiking to a site or if you are going by car. Obviously if you are getting to your campsite in a vehicle, you won’t be carrying things yourself and you should be able to bring everything you need for a weekend, several days, or an entire week.

Here is your list of basic essentials. For some essentials you will have options to choose from.

Appropriate clothing
Toiletries like toothpaste, toothbrush and soap. NEVER forget toilet paper!
Sleeping tent
Sleeping bag, cot, or air mattress
Pans and utensils for cooking
Dishes and utensils to eat with – plastic, metal or paper
Metal grill for a fire or a camping stove with fuel
Lighter and waterproof matches – just to be on the safe side
Lantern
First aid kit
Hatchet or ax
Camp shower bag
Garbage bags for your trash
Clean water, purification tablets, or gravity water filter – preferably at least two of these options.
Food – non perishables are best for wilderness camping
Cooler with ice – at least in the beginning
Whistle

Now, depending on where you are going to camp, you may or may not have a store nearby. This will determine whether you have the ability to get more ice for your cooler and are able to keep perishable foods from spoiling. You should consider this carefully. Some people think that they really want to rough it, but after a couple of days and you can’t get to a store because there is something you forgot, like toothpaste, it can be a little annoying.

You will have to define your particular list according to how many people are going with you, where you will be staying and for how long. If you plan to swim or boat, then you will need other supplies for those activities. If you plan to hike, then bring appropriate hiking shoes.

On your very first camping trip, you might forget a few things, but for the most part, you will be amazed at the stuff you can do without when you can’t get to them easily. Just do make sure you have the things on the list because most of those items are essentials. After you have camped out a few times, you will get the hang of it and know what essentials that you need and want and which ones you don’t!

Technorati Tags: Air mattress, camp, Campsite, hiking, Lighter, sleeping bag, Tent, Water filter

Reprinted from: Camping Tourist

Everyone has his own personal view on what the best camping food happens to be, but basically everyone can agree that it’s important to bring everyone’s favorites along for the ride. It wouldn’t be camping without that special food item that you’ve always eaten when you’ve gone camping, so it’s important to make sure you have packed all the food and water that you are going to need.

Whether you like burgers or soups, you need to make sure you have plenty of food to go around.

The best camping food is going to be different for each person, so there is really no way to determine what the best food is for camping for everyone.

Everyone should really be bringing their own foods to the camping trip, and then everyone can mix and match what they decided to bring along. This means that everyone should focus on bringing one type of food item, but make sure to bring enough of it for everyone who is going on the trip.

You don’t want to be rude when you are out camping in the woods with your friends, so make sure that you bring some things to donate to the group collective. This means that you can bring any type of food that you like to eat when you go camping. If you like to grill hot dogs when you are camping in the foods then make sure that you have the ability to grill while you are out in the woods.

Figuring out your own best camping food

If you are not someone who goes camping very often then you may have some trouble figuring out your own best camping food. You should think about the kind of food items that you like to eat when you don’t have much time to cook because that is what most people like to eat out in the wild. Then again, there are other people who spend their entire time out in the wild by a fire with some kind of meat cooking.

There are plenty of different choices for meals when you are out in the woods as long as you bring the right tools from home. Various portable grills are usually great options to bring along for the ride because you want to make sure you have some way of cooking hot food. If you don’t want to bring any electronics out into the wild then you could always pack sandwiches in a cooler and each them over the course of a day or two.

Try a few different items each time

You should try a few different food items each time you go camping if you really want to know all about thebest camping food. You should eventually come across something you really love to eat and then you can choose to bring that every time you go camping from that moment into the future. The most important thing is to always make sure everyone has enough food while you are out there.

Technorati Tags: camp, Camping food, Cook, Eating, Food, Home, Hot dog, Tourism