Mari Ber camping

Camping � a definition
camp (1), noun, verb.noun 1. a group of tents, huts, or other shelters where people live for a time. Ex. A marching army usually makes camp every night�. 5. an outdoor life with very simple shelter; camping.


Camping

"Nature teaches beast to know their friends�

- William Shakespeare

Camping is a popular form of outdoor recreation. Various types of camping provide opportunities throughout the year for people to share low-cost outdoor experiences in a natural environment. Camping trips range from spending the night in a tent in one's backyard to passing several weeks in the wilderness. Campers may visit forests, deserts, lakes, or mountains.

Some campers remain at one campsite for their entire trip. From this site they visit tourist attractions, participate in water sports, or just relax. They may also spend time in such popular outdoor activities as bird watching, fishing, rock collecting, photography, and hiking.

Many campers prefer to move from place to place each day in motor vehicles. They usually start early in the morning and select a new campsite by early afternoon. Such campers often tour state or provincial parks, national parks, national monuments, and historic sites.

Some campers prefer to "travel light," carrying all their equipment in backpacks, in canoes, or on bicycles. Usually these campers travel fewer miles than other campers, but enjoy a closer relationship with areas they visit. Most of their activities consist of getting from place to place, enjoying the area, and preparing meals.


Types of camping

�Nature is trying very hard to make us succeed but nature does not depend on us. We are not the only experiment.�

- R. Buckminster Fuller

Tent camping is the most popular type of camping and also one of the least expensive. Tents come in many sizes, shapes, and colors. Some tents can hold only one person while several people can live comfortably in a large tent. Modern tents are made of lightweight materials and are easy to erect, even by beginning campers. The light weight of many modern tents allows campers to carry them almost anywhere.

Recreational vehicle camping. A recreational vehicle (RV) is a motor vehicle that provides living quarters for campers. RV's range from small, collapsible trailers to large motor homes with most of the conveniences of permanent homes. For example, many recreational vehicles provide refrigerators and stoves for easy food preparation, showers, and restroom facilities. Most RV's also contain storage tanks for wastewater and sewage.

Numerous North American campgrounds provide electricity and water hookups to serve RV's. Many campers use their RV as a base camp while they explore the countryside by foot, bicycle, motorcycle, or automobile. They return to the RV for meals and to sleep.


Planning a camping trip

�To accomplish great things, you must not only act, but dream; not only plan, but believe.�

- anonymous

Campers should plan trips far enough in advance to research campgrounds and make reservations if necessary. Bookstores and sporting goods stores sell guides that list campgrounds, and reference sources in libraries contain information about places to camp. State and provincial tourism bureaus and local chambers of commerce provide maps and other camping information. Local park and recreation agencies usually have information about nearby campgrounds.

At campgrounds that operate on a first-come, first-served basis, it is best to arrive in the morning. But many campgrounds require reservations, especially during the vacation season. Most campgrounds charge a small fee for the use of the site. There are additional charges for sites with extra facilities such as electrical hookups and showers. Permits are required to camp in remote parts of national parks or wilderness areas. Campers can obtain permits from the area's ranger.

The information in the following sections refers to tent camping, but it generally applies to most other types of camping.


Camping equipment and food

�Eat to live, and not live to eat�

- Benjamin Franklin

There is a broad range of equipment available, but people need not take a large amount of gear to have an enjoyable camping trip. Beginners often make the mistake of taking more equipment than they need. New campers should start out with a few essential items of high quality. They will learn from experience which additional items would be useful.

Tents today are usually made of canvas, nylon, or cotton. These fabrics supply strength, fireproofing, waterproofing, and adequate ventilation. Modern tents come in different styles designed to serve specific purposes. For example, backpackers need a small and lightweight single-person tent. Such tents may weigh as little as 2.5 pounds (1.1 kilograms). For family camping, tents must be roomy enough to provide comfortable shelter for a group. Some large tents include dining areas and have storage pockets in the walls. This kind of tent is heavier and more difficult to set up.

Before buying a tent, ask for a demonstration to make sure it is easy to erect. Also make sure the tent is well-constructed, and that all the parts are included.

Sleeping bags are warmer and easier to carry than blankets. A sleeping bag provides efficient insulation to keep campers warm. Goose or duck down (soft feathers) is an effective, lightweight insulating material that compresses easily. Several synthetic fabrics insulate nearly as well as down. They also cost less and last longer. In addition, synthetic insulation is easier to clean, and it dries faster than down. The insulation is enclosed in outside coverings made of strong, lightweight fabrics.

Sleeping bags come in three shapes: (1) mummy, which hugs the body and becomes narrow at the bottom, (2) tapered, which is similar to the mummy shape but wider, and (3) rectangular. Mummy bags furnish the most warmth, but they limit movement. This lightweight type, often insulated with down, is probably best for backpacking. Mummy bags are also popular for winter camping, and camping at high elevations. Tapered bags are designed mainly for the same uses as mummy bags. Tapered bags usually do not provide enough heat for extremely cold temperatures, but they allow more movement. Rectangular bags do not insulate as effectively as the other two, but they are the most comfortable. A rectangular bag with synthetic insulation is probably the best choice for the average camper.

Regardless of the style or quality of a sleeping bag, a camper needs additional insulation between the bag and the ground. A tarpaulin (piece of canvas or plastic) serves this purpose. Campers also use it as wrap for gear, a windbreak, or a shelter. A foam pad or inflatable air mattress can provide insulation and comfort.

Clothing for camping trips should protect against wind, rain, sun, cold, and insects. The clothing must be sturdy enough to withstand hard wear and weather extremes. The amount needed depends on the length of the trip and whether the clothing will be laundered.

For warm weather, pack at least two pairs of lightweight trousers, as well as comfortable shorts, shirts, and a hat with a wide brim. A warm shirt or jacket should be included for cool evenings, and on visits to high elevations. For colder weather, bring wool shirts and trousers. Wet blue jeans take a long time to dry and do not provide insulation when wet, so avoid wearing them in snowy or rainy weather. A down vest and windproof outer parka provide protection against cold wind without restricting movement. Always carry a hooded, cloak-type raincoat called a poncho.

Hiking boots are recommended for hikes in rough terrain. Lightweight nylon boots have generally replaced heavy leather boots in popularity. Any hiking boot should be worn with two pairs of socks--a thin cotton pair under a heavier pair of wool or a wool and cotton blend. Comfortable sports shoes can be worn for relaxing around the campsite. Bring lightweight work gloves for such activities as cooking and chopping wood.

Food and water. Campers can prepare a great variety of food with the help of portable stoves and ovens and insulated coolers. Each person should bring a complete mess kit, which includes eating utensils. Many campers bring freeze-dried foods, which are prepared with boiling water, for fast cooking. Some plan meals in advance and organize the food in labeled plastic bags.

It is important to select nutritional foods from the basic food groups--dairy products, bread and cereals, meat, and fruit and vegetables. Some good foods for camping include peanut butter, cheese, pancakes, bacon, nuts, and popcorn. Buy canned and freeze-dried foods before the trip. When possible, buy fresh and frozen foods during the trip.

If you are not sure the water will be safe to drink, bring water from home. Additional water should come from an approved source, such as a campground well. Lakes and streams may look, smell, and taste clean, but still be contaminated with disease-causing microscopic organisms. If water must be taken from a questionable source, boil the water for at least five minutes before using it. Carry fresh water in canteens or water bottles.

Other camp supplies are necessary for most camping trips. They include a small ax for splitting firewood and such basic tools as a hammer, screwdriver, pliers, flashlight, spade, hunting knife, rope, paper towels, matches in a waterproof container, and extra batteries. In addition, at least one camper in the group should carry a complete first-aid kit. Maps are also important, especially for the first visit to an area. Carry a compass at all times, no matter how familiar the area. A large backpack is necessary for overnight hikes away from the base camp. For shorter hikes, use a smaller pack to carry such items as food, maps, and a camera. Duffel bags can also hold clothing and other equipment.


The campsite

�Come live with me, and be my love; and we will all the pleasure prove. That hill and valleys, dales and fields, woods or steeply mountains yields.�

- Christopher Marlowe

Selecting a location. Many campgrounds rent reserved campsites. Such campsites normally include a picnic table, charcoal grill or fireplace, and a suitable place for a tent. Some campgrounds have tenting areas with rest rooms and a convenient water supply.

Other locations, such as wilderness areas and forest preserves, do not have reserved campsites. Campers should follow a number of rules in selecting their own sites. Look for a site on high, level ground that is uncluttered and sheltered from the wind. The campsite should be at least 200 feet (50 meters) from hiking trails, scenic attractions, and water. This helps preserve the beauty of the area and the purity of the water. In addition, land next to water is usually low, damp, and a breeding place for insects. The tent should be pitched in sandy soil that is firm enough to hold the stakes securely but still provide good drainage. Always try to avoid disturbing or damaging plant life. Local rangers can usually suggest locations to set up camp.

Building a campfire. Natural wood supplies are being rapidly used up in many areas, so some campgrounds sell firewood, and some campers bring wood with them. Regulations in some areas prohibit open fires, and other areas require permits to build them.

Before building a fire, make certain it will not harm the surroundings. Make pits large enough to keep a fire from spreading. Avoid building fires on windy days. Keep fires small, regularly removing ashes. Someone should be responsible for watching the fire at all times. A bucket of water and a small shovel should be available to control a fire that threatens to spread.

Three types of materials are needed to build a campfire: (1) tinder, (2) kindling, and (3) firewood. Tinder includes dry twigs, pine needles, leaves, and similar materials that ignite quickly. Kindling consists of larger pieces of wood that burn easily and rapidly. Softwoods such as cedar or pine make effective kindling. Firewood consists of woods that burn slowly and evenly and produce a bed of long-lasting coals. Hickory, oak, and sugar maple are examples of woods suitable for campfires.

There are many effective ways to build fires. The following method can be used to build a fire for cooking, for warmth, or simply for enjoyment.

First, place a small pile of tinder on the ground and arrange kindling around it in the shape of a tepee. Then enclose the tepee with four pieces of firewood that form a square. Soon after lighting the tinder, the kindling will begin to burn. Gradually, add firewood to keep the fire burning.

To start a fire in wet weather, find dry materials. Paper milk cartons and wadded paper can serve as tinder, and dry wood can sometimes be found under logs and trees. Damp logs should be split, because the inside of a log stays dry longer in wet weather.

Make sure a fire is out before leaving the campsite. To extinguish a fire, first spread the coals out until they lose their red glow. Then sprinkle water on the dead coals and dump soil over them. Next, stir the mixture, scatter it on the ground, and cover it with fresh topsoil. In areas without designated fire pits, no trace of the campfire should remain.


Camping safety and courtesy

�May all your journey be safe and all your adventures exciting!�

- Rodney Sherwood

Safety. Common sense can prevent most camping injuries. For example, children should never be allowed to use axes or knives, and anyone who is cooking should use gloves and potholders. However, campers must take special precautions to protect against such hazards as poisonous plants, improper food storage, lightning storms, and hiking emergencies.

Poisonous plants. Because many camping trips take place in the forest, campers should learn to identify poison sumac, poison oak, and poison ivy. If contact occurs, wash the affected skin immediately with soap and water. Then apply a lotion that soothes itching.

Improper food storage. Food poisoning can result from lack of refrigeration. Some campers avoid this danger by carrying only freeze-dried foods. Others store all their food in large coolers. Campers with small coolers often pack nonperishable foods separately in airtight containers. The smell of food can attract animals, so never leave food carelessly out in the open or store it in a tent.

Lightning storms occur more frequently than other types of dangerous weather, and they can take place in any sort of climate or terrain. Immediately seek shelter during a lightning storm. If shelter is not available, sit under trees of similar height. Avoid tall trees in open areas and exposed slopes and hilltops. In addition, get out of water and onto land at the first sign of lightning.

Hiking safety. Before leaving, tell your destination and expected length of a hike to someone who will not be hiking. If the terrain is unfamiliar, do not hike alone. Carry emergency supplies such as waterproof matches. If you get lost, keep calm, remain in one place, and wait for a search party to arrive. At night, build a fire for warmth, protection, and to signal others. Leave the area only as a last resort.

Courtesy. While camping, always try to preserve the natural environment. Besides eliminating campfire remains and leaving wildlife undisturbed, save trash until it can be properly discarded. Bury human waste if no rest rooms are available. Out of respect for animals and neighboring campers, keep as quiet as possible.