Items For A Wilderness Survival Kit
April 1, 2008
Wilderness survival is dependent upon planning. Knowing key elements to bring enhances the chances of survival. Wilderness survival is difficult, if not impossible, without proper equipment. The first column below lists the contents of a comprehensive survival kit for the prepared. Read more
Boondocking Safety Advice For RVers
March 31, 2008
Canoe Camping: A Unique Wilderness Experience
March 27, 2008
Today you'll find urban adventurers seeking solace from cubicle life by taking float trips into seemingly uncharted territories. Canoe camping has advantages over a hike camp in a few different ways that make the outdoor experience somewhat different. Basically with a canoe you can carry a good deal more than you can tromping through the woods with just a backpack. The amount of food that can be stored can have you lasting weeks longer. In addition, you can reach some of the most rugged territory that is off the trail and see some of the most wildlife you've ever seen. A French fur trader, if alive today, can attest to the value of the canoe as an indispensable tool in the wilds of Canada; the canoe trip was a daily way of life.
The following information will go over some preparatory criteria you will want to look into before going on a canoe trip, as well as some suggestions for destinations.
Planning a Canoe Trip
Although a nice meandering stream in a balmy afternoon looks pretty harmless from the bow of a boat, with a slight weather change, things can quickly get hairy. So, before you embark on the first canoe voyage, try picking a short stretch of river on a predictably nice day.
Timing in the weather is essential. A river or stream after rainfall can swell and completely change conditions of the float. A river section that would normally be safe enough to take the babies out in their water wings can, after a heavy rainfall or sudden ice melt, swell and accelerate to scary speeds that an expert wouldn't tackle. As a side note, remember that mountain weather can change in the blink of an eye, so for instance if you were taking a Canada canoe trip, even in the middle of summer you can get caught in a frigid, nearly freezing session of hail or arctic blast from the north.
To avoid a poor experience, planning can prevent you from a variety of pitfalls. By mapping, charting the course and finding a camp site, you can avoid such regrets as: getting lost, missing cool attractions or side hikes, going when the mosquitoes are really out for blood, and possibly avoiding a search and rescue incident.
Meet the Kayak
The kayak is basically a smaller, one-man version of the canoe that typically has a spraydeck to keep the rider dry. It's not functional for carrying much gear but it did provide a fast means of maneuvering and hunting. The concept came from native peoples from the arctic to make such chores as seal hunting much more effective. It's common to be used in all of the inlets and ice weaves that normally wouldn't be easily maneuvered by regular boats.
Today it is used for some of the most extreme white water sporting challenges ever. From surfing ocean waves, to playing in washing machine-like river eddies, the amount of fun had by outdoorists and athletes garners its own summer Olympic event. For the outdoor enthusiast it's worthy for a day of fun as opposed to a canoe journey.
Alaska and Canada kayak trips are just as popular as they were 1,000 years ago among natives. Now adventurers can watch icebergs and glaciers calve off while practically sitting in the water. Further south, in the tropical waters of Mexico, a Baja Kayaking trip brings adventurers closer to coral or schools of light-strobing cuttlefish within oar's reach.
About the Author
Black Feather (http://www.blackfeather.com/kayak.htm) plans and outfits outrageously fun outdoor adventuring trips such as a sun drenched Baja Kayaking trip or a rush inducing Canada canoe trip. Their record brings 70 percent of clientele back for more. The author, Art Gib, is a freelance writer.
Article Source: Content for Reprint
Overnight Summer Camp - How To Choose The Best Weight Loss Camp For Your Child
March 27, 2008
Today things are a lot less extreme than they were in those days - approximately 39 percent of the campers are boys, the kids usually need to lose between 21 and 41 pounds, the menus offer a much broader range of food, and the exercise is a lot of fun, with activities that include fun sports like tennis and kayaking. The weight loss camps today emphasize very healthy lifestyles and long-lasting skills that the kids can take home with them and actually put into use.
To summarize, these so-called "fat camps" usually resemble regular overnight summer camps and just happen to specialize in teaching excellent decision-making techniques as they relates to food.
Now according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 16 percent or so of children from ages 6-19 are overweight or obese and this number that has tripled since 1981.
The number of overnight or sleepaway weight loss camps has remained about the same. There are about 16 to 20 of these camps out of 10,000 sleep away camps in the United States alone with some of these having offshoots in other locations. There are many other weight loss camps in other countries.
In most of the overnight summer camps the children will be between the ages of 7 and 12. This age group tends to be most successful because parents have more to say about the child's eating and exercise habits. Usually bad eating habits are less instilled in the younger children.
All sleepaway fat loss camps work at building good habits, not just dealing out quick fixes. You will find these camps have classes on good nutrition, proper portion control, emotional eating, handling situations like pizza parties, birthday parties and ice cream parties.
You'll find they teach by example. In the old days weight loss camps offered 1,250 to 1,350 calories each day. Today they're more realistic, usually about 1,800 to 2,000 calories daily. On the menu along with healthier foods you'll also find there are hamburgers, pita pizzas, baked potato chips and low-fat baked goods.
It's long been a misconception that overnight weight loss camps don't offer enough food and they overwork the kids. It's actually the opposite. The right amount of food is served and they provide workouts for the kids at the right level. Campers never find they are hungry.
Changing the camper's behavior is the key to sustaining weight loss. Many campers learn to cook, shop for groceries, order out at restaurants, and work with camp psychologists on managing stress, frustration tolerance, and identifying emotional eating.
Generally the campers want to be there. Years ago when their parents made them go they didn't want to. Kids are happier that they're making a change and develop confidence and independence as a result of the experience. They learn to make healthier choices also. Kids learn to feel better, breathe better, run faster and become more active as a result.
Some overnight weight loss camps can cost about $1,000 a week. Many of the camps offer scholarships and that's worth exploring. Your health insurance may cover some of it because of the weight loss therapy. And some churches run free weight loss camps, but may be harder to find.
Choosing the right summer camp for your child may mean doing a lot of research and checking out reviews of weight loss camps. Talking to parents who have sent their kids to those camps would give you some idea as to the successful experience the child has had. Ask the director of the camp you're considering if they will give you some names of previous campers' parents so you can contact them. Cost may be a factor too. There is a wide range when it comes to cost and be sure to compare weight loss summer camp ratings online and offline. Check the public library for Consumer Reports magazine's ratings.
Any overnight summer camp is great because it will force the child to have structured time in the summer and even traditional overnight camps focus on kid's fitness and health, serve healthier food and encourage a lot of exercise. If you can't find or afford a weight loss camp, you should choose a camp anyway even if it's a special camp like arts or science that has some activity. The important thing is to keep overweight kids active in the summer.
About the Author
For more information on choosing the best overnight summer camp or finding the best sleepaway or weight loss summer camp online and offline go to http://www.OvernightSummerCamp.biz a nurse's website specializing in overnight summer camp tips, help, facts, free tuition resources, including information on overnight summer camp reviews
Article Source: Content for Reprint
Caring For Your Camping Lantern
March 24, 2008
Maintenance Kits
Gas lanterns should be cleaned occasionally to make sure none of the tubes are blocked. Most gas lantern companies sell affordably priced maintenance kits that include specialized pieces to clean out the tubes. They may also include small pieces that wear down quickly. Buying a maintenance kit made specifically for your brand and model of gas lantern can make all the difference in your lantern's performance.
Caring for Mantles
The mantles, made of a thin mesh material, have to be replaced occasionally or the lantern will sputter. A good rule of thumb is to replace mantles once you can see a large hole. Even if you cannot see the hole, a worn mantle is the cause of most sputtering and also of dirty, sooty flames. New mantles can also be found quite cheaply and should be kept on hand at all times.
Caring for Your Gas Lantern's Pump
Your gas lantern's pump will also require periodic maintenance. Once or twice a year, you should apply a small drop of light machine oil to the plunger. This will help the plunger maintain a seal, making it more efficient as well as longer lasting.
Caring for your Gas Lantern's Sparker
The sparker is the mechanism that actually ignites the fuel. It is important to check on this piece periodically because the lantern cannot be safely used without it. Because the sparker cannot be repaired, you should keep an extra with you at all times.
Properly Storing Your Gas Lantern
Because most gas lanterns spend the majority of their lifetime in storage, proper storage can be the key to a long and productive product life. First, empty all fuel from the tank. This will keep the fuel from clogging any lines as it become sticky over time. Second, take apart the lantern and wash with warm water and a small amount of mild soap. Once you have rinsed and dried it thoroughly, store it in pieces in a clean, airtight container. This will keep dust, debris, and insects from getting into the tubes.
Fuel Quality Gas Lanterns
Because dirty fuel and/or debris are the most common causes of wear-and-tear in gas lanterns, it is important to check all fuel to make sure it is clean. When pouring fuel into the gas tank, use a screen or a coffee filter to ensure your fuel is unpolluted.
Another practice that can harm your gas lantern is using mixed fuels. Some, such as gasoline, do not burn as clean. Others may burn too hot, damaging the metal in the lantern. It is important that gas lanterns run solely on the type of gas recommended by the manufacturer. In addition to potentially ruining a very expensive piece of equipment, using mixed fuels also produces a lower quality light.
Troubleshooting
When your lantern stops working, your first step should be to determine what part is malfunctioning. Sometimes the problem can be solved by simply waiting for the lantern to cool, then disassembling, cleaning, and reassembling it.
Other problems are not so simple to fix. A broken or worn pump will be obvious because the lantern will not keep pressure even after repeated pumping. If it doesn't light despite being pumped, or if it lights but quickly dims and goes out, there is probably debris in the generator or one of the fuel lines. Another common problem is sputtering. If the mantles are not worn, sputtering may be caused by a clog. Instead of replacing a part, this may be fixed by keeping the fuel lines wide open. Last, if the light seems yellow and murky, the problem is most likely with air supply.
Once you have pinpointed the problem area, the next step is to contact the manufacturer to see if replacement parts can be purchased. Because a high quality gas lantern is expensive, purchasing a completely new one should be done only as a last resort.
Most white gas lanterns can be used indefinitely with appropriate use, careful storage, and the regular repair and replacement of key parts. If you follow the instructions given here and by the manufacturer, your lantern will be a steady and dependable source of light for many camping trips to come.
About the Author
William "Cole" Doggett is the owner of Knife Supply Company, LLC at http://www.KnifeSupplyCompany.com. Stop by for all of your Discount Camping Supplies and Camping Lanterns. Check out the massive selection!
Article Source: Content for Reprint
Backyard Campouts: The Perfect Nighttime Activity
March 23, 2008
Each year, millions of Americans head out to their local campgrounds. Camping in the great outdoors is any camper’s dream Read more
The Best Camping Sites Are Free
March 23, 2008
Best Camping Sites Are Free!I have learned that the best campsites are the free ones, including the ones managed by National Forests. Read more
Make Your Own Homemade Firestarters
March 23, 2008
Homemade Fire Starters
Use these homemade fire starters the next time you want to make a campfire. Read more
Camping Lanterns - You Don’t Want to be Alone in the Dark
March 11, 2008
Kerosene Lanterns
Also called a hurricane lantern, the kerosene lantern has been in use since the nineteenth century. It is a simply but resiliently designed lantern, and generally consists of a glass globe with metal handles and chimney. The shape and design allow for good air flow, which makes for a bright, uninterrupted light. The drawbacks are a considerable risk of fire and, when used in an enclosed area, possible carbon monoxide poisoning.
White Gas Lanterns
Most famously made by the Coleman Company, manually pressurized white gas lanterns have replaced kerosene lanterns because they have less danger of fire and emit a much brighter light. Because white gas is still highly flammable and may cause carbon monoxide poisoning, these lanterns are not recommended for small, enclosed spaces such as tents and cabins. Despite this, they are very convenient and very popular with campers because they light a very large area with a clear, steady light. Many campers and outdoors enthusiasts attach a degree of nostalgia to white gas lanterns because they have been a popular choice in camp lighting for several generations.
Fluorescent Lanterns
Fluorescent lanterns, powered by batteries, are beginning to replace fuel burning lanterns because they are so much safer. Although they produce a dimmer and slightly yellowed light, they are much easier to use and can even be worked by children. Because they do not get their light from combustion, they can be used inside tents.
LED Lanterns
Also battery powered, LED lanterns produce a much brighter, whiter light than fluorescent lanterns and use far less energy. As with fluorescent lighting, LED light is safe, durable, and easy to use. Although LED lanterns were originally more expensive than the other choices, the average price has dropped sharply in the last few years. They are currently in the same approximate price range as fluorescent lanterns.
Choosing a Lantern
When choosing a camping lantern, there are several factors to be considered. First, in what area do you want to use this lantern? If you need an indoor light, fluorescent or LED lanterns are the safest choices. If you are planning to light an outside area, any type will suffice. Second, how available are the three different fuel sources where you plan to camp? Batteries are readily available throughout the United States, as is white gas lantern fuel. Kerosene, while easier to find in third world countries than the other two types of lantern power, is growing scarce in some areas of the United States. Last, you should consider overall cost. Although all four types of lantern can be found in almost any price range, LED lanterns will cost the least to operate over their lifetime because they use only a fraction of the power of any other type of lantern and do not usually require replacement parts.
Convenience is another factor. Batteries cannot evaporate, as kerosene or white gas does, and they do not require the special storage that liquid fuel would. They are also easier to transport and therefore an obvious choice for backpackers. Although kerosene and white gas lanterns are not difficult to light, the battery powered variety is the easiest to start, requiring only the push of a button.
Last, safety is an important concern. Although many outdoor enthusiasts prefer the nostalgia and tradition of old-fashioned kerosene or white gas flame lighting, using these types of lanterns requires tolerating a great deal of danger. If camping with children, either type of battery powered lantern is an appropriate choice. A child will be able to take an LED or fluorescent lantern into their tent, light it with no help, and use it without any danger.
People who enjoy the nostalgia of a traditional fuel lantern but need a safe choice for indoor areas may want to consider having several different types of lanterns. A white gas lantern can safely illuminate the outdoors, while an LED lantern provides safe indoor lighting.
Although choosing a lantern seems like a small decision, it can have a huge impact on your camping trip. Concerns like safety, cost, convenience, and usability affect the day-to-day rituals of an outdoorsman. As with every other camping purchase, it is important to evaluate your needs and choose wisely.
About the Author
William "Cole" Doggett is a knife expert and owns an Internet knife shop, Knife Supply Company, LLC at http://www.KnifeSupplyCompany.com. Check it out for a huge selection of Camping Lanterns to keep your campsite perfectly lit. Also, take a look through the huge selection of Camping Supplies for great deals!
Article Source: Content for Reprint
Beginning Camping Tips
March 11, 2008
Safety and Situational Awareness
Safety and situational awareness are one two of the most important elements of any outdoor activity. I'm sure we've all heard the horror stories of what can happen if they aren't given enough consideration. Yet despite those warnings uneducated people still keep falling into the same situations. Even now, after the popular "Survival Guy's" and "Safety Expert" documentaries have appeared on countless travel and educational channels, we still go out unprepared. Now I don't at all claim to be any kind of expert in how to keep yourself safe... I've had my share of injuries... However I can share with you some clear common sense items:
Map out your camp site before you arrive, identify roads, landmarks and Ranger Stations and be aware of fire danger levels if you are in heavily forested areas. In winter time, if you are snowshoeing, be aware of avalanche areas.
Cooking and campfire: Keep your cooking and campfire away from your tent.
Children: Be certain to teach children to respect fire, sharp instruments, wildlife and to stay nearby.
Let friends and family know where you will be camping and when you expect to return.
Never sleep with portable heaters running over night in your tent. Carbon monoxide poisoning can be lethal, or at the very least, seriously uncomfortable. Plus, plastic melts!
Wildlife: Respect their habitat - you are in their home -- and always keep your food out of reach, especially in bear country.
Water: Never drink directly from rivers or mountain streams, trust me this can have baaaad consequences. Use a well-rated water purifier/pump.
Sleeping Bags: This is where I hear the "That's a plug", well give me a little credit, at least there's good info here ;-) Make sure your sleeping bag is rated for a sufficient temperature. i.e. don't go out winter camping with a %2B50 degree rated sleeping bag.
Poison Ivy Relief: If exposed wash the exposed area immediately with soap and cool water. Bring ointments that can help relieve any discomfort. Some people think vodka helps, but Mythbusters shot that down like five episodes ago.
Snake Bite Kits: If you are camping in an area, or during a time of year, in which you could encounter poisonous snakes, be certain to have a snake bite kit, and then don't leave it in your tent when you go out for a hike...doh!
Bee and Wasp Sting Kits: Not everyone is allergic to bee or wasp stings but some people are highly allergic. Be aware if anyone in your group is. Also, don't quote me on this, but I heard somewhere that jumping into a lake helps you escape, however, you could very well be facing a whole new set of issues if you do that so....
Bear Repellant: If you will be in bear country, bring bear repellant. Know what to do ahead of time upon encounter with a bear. I know for a fact, without a shadow of a doubt, kicking the bear if the repellant doesn't work.
Ticks: Be aware if you are in an area where Lyme disease is possible and know the proper way to remove ticks - with tweezers as near to your body as possible and never squeeze the tick as you remove it. See American Lyme Disease Foundation.
Bugs and Insects in general:
Avoid wet and grassy areas.
Avoid scented products, such as perfume or cologne.
Wear colored and long sleeved pants and shirts when possible. The light colored cloth allows you to see any little critters.
In areas with heavy populations of mosquitoes or flies, a head net can be a welcome relief while hiking. It also can be a great fashion idea when you stumble across a random mountain town.
Entertainment
Now if you aren't running for the nearest Hyatt, let's move on to the fun stuff. In the outdoors, there should never be a time where there isn't something to do, whether it be hiking, swimming, climbing a tree, or well...climbing a tree higher! However, if you do find yourself without anything to do, and relaxing and reading a book isn't appealing, here are a couple other ideas.
Story-telling: Since the dawn of human kind, campfires and night and story-telling have gone hand-in-hand. With children, let them talk about what they want - the stories will follow. What did they see in nature during the day that most excited or pleased them? If there aren't any children, you can still always make something up and pretend it really happened...lol, but be warned, I think that leaves open the possibility of you being dubbed a liar!
Musical Instruments and songs: Like good story-telling, songs and campfires have always gone hand-in-hand. If you or your children play instruments, bring them if you can. Bring along some songs, as well. Even if you don't know how to play, again, you can always pick one up and make something up; at the very least you'll get some laughs.
Cards: For many, cards are a must to any campsite.
Look up!: For many, the stars overhead are pure wonderment. You might want to bring a star map. I like to give random stars a name, then try to find them the next night. So far, I'm 0-100.
Cooking
For those who love to cook, cooking over a campfire is a great challenge, harking back to where the art of cooking began. The web offers many free recipes for campfire cooking. One thing to keep in mind: Don't go grabbing random plants and throwing them in your stew... now you'd think that would be just flat out logic, but apparently, based on some statistic I recently read... it's not.
Calculate the number of meals you will prepare, measure out the ingredients you'll need and pack them, neatly labeled, in Ziplock bags. These are the times where, as a writer, you wish Ziplock paid for product placement.
For quick "on the go meals," prepare chili, stews and soups before your trip, freeze them, keep them in a cooler to reheat.
Bring heavy duty aluminum foil and your favorite plastic wrap. This could also be categorized under the entertainment section ; )
Bring liquid biodegradable dishwashing soap.
Freeze foods, such as meats and cans of juice, before putting them in your cooler. They will keep longer and serve to cool other foods. Crafty! In the woods, you need to be crafty; otherwise you're just...well, normal!
Cover pots and pans when cooking. Food cooks faster and you use less fuel. Pack everything in a cooler in watertight plastic bags. Wait! I might be repeating myself, well, it's good advice anyhow.
Store food high and out of reach to discourage animals, including bears. Consider hanging it high from a tree branch, this is where the climbing a tree practice we talked about earlier comes in handy... 2 for 1 entertainment and no bears! (You'll need to remember to bring rope.)
While you're eating, place a pan of water over your fire, to help clean up when you've finished eating, or for a warm liquid to wash the taste out of your mouth
Fuel source: Will you be using charcoal or propane to cook? Be sure you bring plenty of what you will need. Surprisingly enough the whole "rubbing two sticks together" is harder than it looks.
Clean up quickly after eating so food doesn't harden. Yes, unfortunately hardening food is a big problem these days. Once I forgot to clean up after making some chicken soup and man oh man, I broke a tooth later that day.
If you'll be cooking over a wood fire, wipe dish soap on the outside of your pots and pans to make soot removal a breeze.
Search the web for great campsite cooking recipes and come prepared to dazzle your family! Or if you're eating alone that night, you can conveniently forget you got the recipe online and say to yourself "I've always been an incredible cook".... definitely comforting.
Campsite and Campsite Etiquette
Picking your campsite is kind of like shopping for a house, minus the realtors, escrow and whatnot:
Find a shaded spot that is large enough for your needs.
Pitch your tent away from low ground, where rain water can gather.
Be certain your campsite will have good drainage, in case it rains.
Be certain restroom and bathing facilities are within easy walking distance.
Be certain drinking water is nearby.
Pack it in- Pack it Out: Leave your campsite as clean (or cleaner) than you found it. We all hate it when we get to a campsite and there's a freeze dried haggis wrapper sitting there.
Keep an orderly campsite: Keep your campsite orderly and safe. Don't leave dangerous or sharp tools exposed. Keep food stored safely out of reach of animals, so you do not draw them in. If you looked hard enough, I bet you could find a maid service online that could help with the orderliness, with the technologies these days who knows!
Make sure your campfire is cold: When you leave be absolutely certain that your campfire is cold. No jokes, this is important!
Treat neighboring campers as you would want to be treated. Don't be loud and bothersome in close camping quarters.
Don't pee near camp, it can attract wild animals and is just flat out a bad idea. *A rule for the guys.
By: D. Sturgeon
