Seasoned campers know all too well the importance of having the right tools, cooking equipment, spices, work space, and everything else that is needed to be a successful camp cook.  When you are in the middle of preparing a meal and out in the middle of nowhere, it isn't a good time to realize that you should have brought certain items along to make the job easier.  Just think about all of the things you use at home when cooking.  It's no different in the woods, except for one thing….your kitchen cupboard could be a hundred miles away, and the nearest store might be too far to be worth the trip. Being prepared ahead of time takes the hassle out of camp cooking and ensures that everyone will enjoy great meals.

The first thing you should do is put together a "Chuck Box" (also known as a grub box or patrol box) where you store all of your camp kitchen equipment.  The only requirement for a chuck box is that it contains the items you need for your camp kitchen.  This saves you from scrounging around your home kitchen for place settings, cooking and eating utensils, spices, and everything else you'll need every time you want to go camping.  In the strictest sense a sturdy cardboard box could be used as a chuck box.  However, since cardboard is not water or rodent proof you are well advised to use inexpensive plastic containers that seal and are easy to stack. 

If you do much camping, you soon learn that it's not enough just to have the small things.  You also need work surfaces for cooking, cleaning and food preparation.  Camping table space is at a premium when you are doing outdoor cooking so some hard-core campers prefer to build a chuck box from wood that can provide an actual portable kitchen with many features found in the home kitchen including work surfaces. 

What all this really means is that once you have a well outfitted chuck box, whether it is a simple box full of utensils, spices, & other necessities, or a more elaborate design, your once lengthy camping checklist turns into only a few items with the chuck box being one of those items.  Now the hassle of getting ready to go camping is gone forever and you won't forget the key items because they are always in your grub box just waiting for your next adventure. 

When preparing your camp kitchen, there are many things you'll want to include.  As you become more familiar with cooking in camp, you'll be able to adjust your gear to your personal needs.  At first, you'll probably take along things that you'll never use, and forget things you wish you would have brought along.  Have a pen and paper handy to jot down the items you don't use and those items you needed, and make your adjustments accordingly.  Following is a checklist of items that most camp chefs will nearly always need:

Lighter or Matches
Campfire Kindling
Long Tongs for Hot Charcoal
Lid Hook/Lifter
Wisk Broom
Oven Mitts
Hot Coal/Ash Shovel
Hot Coal/Ash Bucket (fire proof)
Cookware (Pots, Pans, Pie Irons, Dutch Oven, etc.)
Wooden Stirring Paddles
Long Handled Solid Spoon
Long Handled Slotted Spoon
Long Handled Meat Fork
Long Tongs
Ladle
Long Handled Spatula
Wire Whip
Meat Thermometer
Can Opener (Manual, Not Electric!)
Vegetable Peeler
Paring Knife
Large Butcher Knife
Basting Brush
Cutting Board
Measuring Cups
Measuring Spoons
Aluminum Foil
Metal or plastic mixing bowls
Coffee Pot or Kettle
Plastic Dutch Oven Scraper
Paper Towels
Vegetable Oil
Dish Pan
Dish Detergent
Dish Rag
Nylon Scrubbing Pads
Dish Towels
Garbage Bags
Wash Basin
Fresh Water Container
Hand Soap
Wash Rag
Hand Towels
Fresh Water Container
Tableware
Plates
Bowls
Cups or Glasses
Eating Utensils
Table Cloth
Napkins

Tags: camp kitchen, camping equipment

When you need to cook or simply want to relax around a campfire, knowing what kind of wood to use can eliminate frustration.  There are two basic kinds of wood for campfires; hardwood and softwood

Campfire Wood
Hard Wood burns longer, here are some examples of hardwoods:
Oak
Eucalyptus
Citrus
Cedar
Almond
Mesquite
Ash
Beech
Hawthorn
Holly

Soft Wood burns fast & splits easier, here are some examples of softwoods:
Avocado
Pine
Pinyon
Birch
Fir
Hazel
 Larch
 

The Burning Properties of Wood

Wood from an evergreen tree, called "softwood," burns quickly, lets off lots of heat and dies leaving no coals.  It makes a colorful bonfire, but you will need lots of it for a whole evening.  Deciduous or "hardwood" takes longer to ignite, burns slowly and turns to glowing coals.  It is perfect for a cooking fire.

Remember that good firewood is always dry while rotten, crumbly, wet or green wood will make a smoky fire and Poplar can smoke even when it is dry.  Avoid softwood with balls of tree gum attached, as this will cause a fire to spit.

For a great fire starter, use "fatwood" or dry wood from an evergreen tree that is streaked with resins.  Pine needles and Birch Bark (never peel from a live tree) also work well if they are very dry.   Don't try to start a fire with other kinds of bark though, since bark does not burn well.

Note: Never collect wood near Poison Ivy or Poison Oak.  The smoke from burning any part of the plants can cause an allergic rash and can be even more dangerous if inhaled.

A natural result of tree recognition is to learn the burning properties of their woods. Below is a listing of the most common woods for burning and their burning properties.  There are more, but this is a good list to start.  If you are unsure of the wood, the best and safest bet is not to burn it and it is worth remembering that ALL wood will burn better if split. 

Alder:  Poor in heat and does not last, to be seen growing beside ponds.
Apple:  Splendid – It burns slowly and steadily when dry, with little flame, but good heat.  The scent is pleasing.
Ash:  Best burning wood; has both flame and heat, and will burn when green, though naturally not as well as when dry.
Beech:  A rival to ash, though not a close one, and only fair when green.  If it has a fault, it is apt to shoot embers a long way.
Birch:  The heat is good but it burns quickly.  The smell is pleasant.
Cedar:  Good when dry.   Full of crackle and snap.  It gives little flame but much heat, and the scent is beautiful.
Cherry:  Burns slowly, with good heat.  Another wood with the advantage of scent.
Chestnut:  Mediocre.  Apt to shoot embers.  Small flame and heating power.
Douglas Fir:  Poor.  Little flame or heat.
Elder:   Mediocre. Very smoky.  Quick burner, with not much heat.
Elm:  Commonly offered for sale.  To burn well it needs to be kept for two years. Even then it will smoke.  
Hazel:  Good.
Holly:  Good, will burn when green, but best when kept a season.
Hornbeam:  Almost as good as beech.
Laburnum:  Totally poisonous tree, acrid smoke, taints food and best never used.
Larch:  Crackly, scented, and fairly good for heat.
Laurel:  Has brilliant flame.
Lime:  Poor.  Burns with dull flame.
Maple:  Good.
Oak:  The novelist's 'blazing fire of oaken logs' is fanciful as Oak is sparse in flame and the smoke is acrid, but dry old oak is excellent for heat, burning slowly and steadily until whole log collapses into cigar-like ash.
Pear:  A good heat and a good scent.
Pine:  Burns with a splendid flame, but apt to spit.  The resinous Weymouth pine has a lovely scent and a cheerful blue flame.
Plane:  Burns pleasantly, but is apt to throw sparks if very dry.
Plum:  Good heat and aromatic.
Poplar:  Truly awful.
Rhododendron:  The thick old stems, being very tough, burn well.
Robinia (Acacia):  Burns slowly, with good heat, but with acrid smoke.
Spruce:  Burns too quickly and with too many sparks.
Sycamore:  Burns with a good flame, with moderate heat.  Useless green.
Thorn:  One of the best woods.  Burns slowly, with great heat and little smoke.
Walnut:  Good, and so is the scent.  Aromatic wood.
Willow:  Poor.  It must be dry to use, and then it burns slowly, with little flame. Apt to spark.
Yew:  Last but among the best.  Burns slowly, with fierce heat, and the scent is pleasant.
 

Tags: camping basics, camping needs

A one pot meal is a camper’s delight as the meal only takes one pot, as suggested in the title, is quick and filling, and if the pot is large enough can feed a crowd.  Cleanup is also a bonus. 

A good One-Pot Meal recipe should be:
Quick: The recipe should take less than 30 minutes to prepare and need only 30-45 minutes to cook.
Easy:  Even novice cooks should be able to make a successful One-Pot Meals.
Healthy:  A One-Pot Meal is low in fat and high in nutrition.
Tasty:  A One-Pot Meal should taste good and be filling.
Convenient:  A One-Pot Meal should be able to use fresh, frozen, dried and canned foods for the ultimate in convenience.

What is a True "One-Pot" Meal?
A true "one-pot" meal contains protein, starch and vegetables all in the same pot.  Any recipe that directs the cook to, "Prepare pasta separately." or "Serve with bread." is not a true "one-pot" meal.

What Do You Use to Cook One-Pot Meals?
A 2-quart cast iron Dutch oven is great, feeds 2 adults and may be used on the camp stove or a campfire.  However any type of cooking pot may be used and the size is easy to determine if you remember the one-quart-per-person rule.  To feed four, use at least a 4-quart Dutch oven or other pot and be aware that larger pots will probably increase the baking time.  Your Dutch oven need not be enameled cast iron, but it does make for easier clean up, storage and lighter weight when the pot is full of food.

Below is a classic one pot recipe:

Chicken and Dumplings
serves 6 | 30 minutes active time | 45 minutes total time

This old-fashioned winter dish is the soup equivalent of a hot toddy.  Use a wide pot so the dumplings don't stick together.
Ingredients for the soup
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1  3-pound chicken, cut into pieces
* 1/4 cup flour, seasoned with salt and pepper to taste
* 1 medium yellow onion, peeled and cut into large chunks
* 2 carrots, peeled and cut into large chunks
* 2 stalks celery, cut into large chunks
* 1 bay leaf
* 1 sprig thyme
* 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
* Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
* 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
* Fresh parsley
Ingredients for the dumplings
* 1 1/2 cups flour
* 2 teaspoons baking powder
* 1/2 cup coarsely ground cornmeal
* 1 tablespoon sugar
* 1 teaspoon kosher salt
* 1 3/4 cups heavy cream
1. In a wide, heavy pot with a tight-fitting lid, heat the olive oil.
2. Dredge the chicken pieces in the seasoned flour, then brown them in the oil over medium heat, about 2 minutes a side.  Remove and set aside.
3. Add the onion to the pot and cook for 2 minutes.
4. Add the carrots, celery, bay leaf, thyme, turmeric, salt, and pepper and cook for 1 minute more.
5. Stir in the broth.
6. Return the chicken to the pot, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
7. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the first five dumpling ingredients.
8. Add the cream and mix until just combined.
9. Drop about 12 heaping tablespoons of the dumpling mixture into the pot.
10. Cover and simmer for 12 minutes more.
11. To serve, scoop the dumplings and chicken into bowls, then cover with broth.
12. Garnish with the parsley.
Tip:  For quicker dumplings, mix 1 egg with 1/2 cup milk, then add the mixture to 1 1/2 cups Bisquick and stir to combine.

Tags: dutch oven, dutch oven cooking

An energy bar is the outdoor equivalent of throwing softwood on the fire.  They are designed to provide quick energy when it is needed while camping or participating in other outdoor activities.  They are easy to carry, last in heat and cold and easy to eat.  The only downside is that commercial energy bars can be expensive and some leave a great deal to be desired in terms of taste.  Some would even leave one to believe that the main ingredient is sawdust.  The solution to these problems is to make you own.  Below are a couple of recipes for doing just that.

This energy-packed recipe is so easy to make, and requires no baking!  Whether you decide to wrap the bars in individual wrappings and take them on a hike or just keep them in the fridge for a post-workout boost, these bars are a delicious way to keep you going throughout your busy day.

I prefer to use a basic organic crispy rice cereal from the bulk section of my local health food store, but any crispy (not "puffed") rice cereal that is dairy-free will do.

Makes 16 to 20 bars
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:
5 cups dairy-free crispy rice cereal (see Head Note)
¾ cup rolled oats
1/3 cup sesame seeds
1/3 cup sunflower seeds
1 1/3 cup finely chopped dates
¾ cups dark, dairy-free chocolate chips, divided into ½ cup and ¼ cup groups.
¼ t. salt
2/3 cups soymilk powder
¾ cup honey or agave nectar
1/3 cup light brown sugar
¾ cups tahini
1 t. vanilla extract

Preparation:
1.  Lightly grease a 9” x 13” baking dish with dairy-free soy margarine or oil or you’re your baking dish with parchment paper.  In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the crispy rice cereal, rolled oats, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, dates, ¼ cup of the dairy-free chocolate chips and salt.  Set aside.
2.  Place the soymilk powder in a small heat-proof bowl and set aside.
3.  In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey, brown sugar, tahini, vanilla and the remaining chocolate chips.  Stirring constantly, cook until the chocolate chips have just melted, the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is combined, about 1-2 minutes. (Alternatively, you can simply place a heatproof bowl in the microwave and microwave the mixture until just melted.) Gradually mix the tahini-chocolate mixture into the soymilk powder, stirring vigorously to avoid clumping.
4.  Pour the tahini-chocolate mixture into the rice cereal mixture, mixing well until evenly distributed.  Using your hands or a wooden spoon, press the mixture into the prepared dish.  Cut the mixture into bars while still in the pan and still warm.  Allow the bars to cool completely on a wire cooling rack before removing from the pan with a spatula. Serve at room temperature or cold.  Bars will keep for 3 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator or at room temperature.

Ingredients:
4 ripe organic bananas
3 cups organic rolled oats, not quick
2 teaspoons aluminum free baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice
1/2 cup coconut flakes or shredded
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/3 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Coconut oil

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F

Preparation:
Mash the bananas well in a mixer then add all other ingredients and blend well.
Place dough on a 12×16 inch jellyroll pan that’s been greased generously with coconut oil.  Pat out the dough into a rectangle about 1/3" thick.
Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 18 ? 20 minutes.  Cool on wire rack for 15 minutes before cutting the bars.  Store in an air-tight container and refrigerate.
Note:  Before or after baking you may brush or drizzle a generous amount of melted coconut oil on top of the bars for an extra energy boost.

If you are not into cooking and experimenting then try this.  There is a website,
http://www.elementbars.com  this allows you to design your own energy bar.  Though more expensive it may be fun and will make great gifts for your outdoor friends.
 

Tags: camping recipe

Camping trips with babies rarely go perfect the first time but you can avoid a lot of serious complications with a bit of practice and planning.  In the long run, camping with babies can be a blast as they are generally adaptable and sleep more than toddlers. 

The Practice Trip
The wise parent will make the first camping trip with a baby a short two night adventure near your home.  This allows your baby the chance to become comfortable with the outdoors without over-doing it.

A longer trip can become disorienting for the baby as the little one has to adapt to the longer car ride.  This takes training and patience and you probably don't want to start off your first camping trip with a screaming baby.  Another word of advice is to pick a spot without extreme temperatures.  Even tiny babies can put up with almost anything you might expose them to, but you will have to work harder to keep them comfortable.

Heat seems to be the extreme to avoid.  You can keep a baby warm on snowy nights but it's hard to cool an unhappy baby in 95 degrees Fahrenheit and infants under 6 months of age should not wear sun screen unless your pediatrician recommends it.  Even a baby kept in the shade can be exposed to a great deal of reflected sunlight.

Remember, babies require a great deal of equipment and supplies.  If you forget something dire or realize that something you left home would really be handy you can always go home and get it if your first camping trip is close to home rather than 200 miles away. 

Camping with a baby is always entertaining, but it may be quite a bit different than the trips you are used to taking.  Give yourself a chance to get used to the changes.  Plan to arrive at your campsite long before dark as even babies need time to acclimate to their new surroundings.  You will also need time in the daylight to set up your tent and get situated.  Even if you have set up your tent 100 times you may find it more difficult with your new addition.  It is wise to have a tent that one person can set up alone if it becomes necessary.  A leisurely evening in your campsite will allow your baby to feel comfortable and secure.

When packing for your practice trip go overboard.  Pack more clothes than you think you will need.  More formula or baby food, more diapers, more wipes, etc.  You can never have too many diapers or wet wipes.  If you haven't already discovered how handy having wipes can be, you'll find out on a camping trip.  Disposable diapers aren't environmentally sound, so PLEASE throw them into a trash can or dumpster WITH a lid.  

This is your chance to see what you'll really need.  Worry about packing space on your next trip.  It is recommended that you pack lots of clothes but not too many items that are really heavy or bulky.  It is better to layer lighter clothing.
Temperatures will fluctuate throughout each day and it is easier to add a layer or remove a layer of clothing when the climate changes than to re-dress your baby five times a day.  Snap-crotch garments for your little one are a real plus here as it is difficult to change the diaper of a camping baby without them and they will stay warmer on cold nights if they don’t need to be stripped down for every diaper change.

When thinking of feeding your baby, think safety first.  Pre made formula is expensive but sterile.  Powders are convenient but can be hard to mix at campground faucets and some campgrounds have questionable water sources.  The biggest concern is keeping prepared formula cold.  If you are in an RV with refrigeration it's no problem, however, tent campers, please be careful!
Keeping bottles clean can present another problem.  I suggest a bottle with a disposable liner.  If you use regular bottles don't forget a bottle brush!

So you have had a successful first camping trip with your baby, taken notes, made adjustments and are now ready for the real thing.  For your first real camping trip away from home it is recommended to choose a campground where you have camped before.  This way you will know what facilities the park offers and there won’t be any surprises.  Plan your trip with plenty of time to spare.   Just getting to your camping spot will usually take a lot longer than you may anticipate.  With a baby diaper changes and an occasional stretch are a requirement.  The best thing about camping with a baby is watching your child's reactions to the elements.  A tree, a cloud or a flower can keep a baby happy for hours and provide great photo opts for mom and dad.  So don't plan a day full of activities and hikes, just relax and enjoy, take lots of pictures, go to sleep early and be prepared to get up at dawn.  No matter how late you put your baby to bed, they will always get up at sunrise when you camp!

Even though you try, you can't always control your baby’s moods and other campers simply don't want to listen to a screaming baby.  Do your best to be a good neighbor and try to figure out what your little one is trying to communicate.  PLEASE DO NOT let your baby cry and cry and cry.  Keep your cool and don’t get frustrated.  Sometimes the baby’s portable bassinet or car seat that they are already used to is a good and secure sleeping place for your baby and both fit nicely in the tent.

Let the little ones age 6 months – 3 years sit in their stroller around the campfire.  This will allow them be a part of the activity and also keeps them safe and in a familiar environment as long as you ensure the sparks and smoke from the fire are not blowing in their direction.  Do not let youngsters get over tired while camping.  To the best of your ability, keep them on their home routine of taking naps, eating regular meals and observing regular bedtimes.  This will help reduce the crankiness that can result in the crying/noise for those around you.

Make the camping experience fun by allowing the baby to get dirty and messy.  It is hard on everyone if everything is off limits and someone is always saying don't touch that, don't get dirty, don't, don't, don't.  Enjoy your kids when they are small, they don't stay that way long.
 

Tags: Camping, camping basics, camping with kids

ISN'T CAMPING DANGEROUS?

The things most people worry about when camping with children are wolves, bears, and the possibility of drowning.  These worries should actually be much less than the higher risk injuries such as sprained ankles on river portages, lacerations playing “Junior Woodsman”, burns caused by the campfire and so on.  The same dangers that can happen doing regular activities at home!  Try to and allay the child’s fears, and yours, with knowledge, and by all means avoid the scary stories.

WHAT ABOUT BUGS?

Yes, there are bugs in the outdoors.  Try and be calm when you explain about biting insects and remember in most cases, although uncomfortable, they won’t kill you.  Always carry bug repellant that you are sure you and your child are not allergic to.  Even if it doesn’t work it makes the child feel better.  Set a good example for your child by dealing with the bugs yourself in an adult manner and your child will probably mirror your behavior and not have a problem.

THE SCAREST THING IN THE OUTDOORS – THE BATHROOM!!

Many children will have questions and issues with where and how to go the bathroom when camping.  Toilets may be quite scary to a child.  A pit toilet may seem like a perfectly normal thing to you, but your toddler may not agree.  These toilets can smell pretty bad and it's easy to see why some children are afraid of falling in.  When you tell your child about camping, be sure to include information about the bathrooms.  Some of the flush toilets can be loud and are not like the potty at home.  If your child will still use a potty chair you may want to bring one along – just in case.  Camping trips can also be a real chance for a breakthrough in the area of potty training as there are no “accidents” on your rug or your furniture and a potty chair can be set up anywhere in your camp site so your child won't feel isolated.  You will have more time with your child when camping, and this can be the most help of all.

From your child’s point of view the toilet paper may seem yucky.  Most camp bathrooms have industrial quality (sand paper) toilet paper.  Your young bath roomer may refuse to use this stuff.  Some camps provide little squares of paper.  A parent may be able to use this stuff but a young child might have some problems.  Additionally, many of the toilet paper dispensers make it quite difficult and sometimes impossible for a small child to get the paper off of the roll.  This is actually intentional.  The harder to obtain the less paper is used.  Many former park employees think this is the silliest thing they have ever seen as the bathrooms always end up with bits of paper all over the floor and people break these irritating dispensers all the time.  Your child may not even be able to get the paper off of these rolls.  The biggest problem of all is an empty dispenser.  You will find this every busy weekend you camp.  The easy solution to the toilet paper problem is to bring your own.   

Bathing and showering can also be scary for children.  Camp showers can be a test of your patience.  The temperature may be hard to adjust (or impossible) and the water may run cold for some time before getting warm.  Most camp showers require quarters to operate – and some campers complain of running out of money in the middle of shampooing their hair.  Children who normally take baths at home will not appreciate a camp shower.  Many camp grounds do not offer bathing facilities at all.  If you plan on camping for any length of time you will have to adapt and teach your children to do the same.  Some ways to adapt are Sun Showers (a large black bag with a shower head) are great for camping.  You can use them at home a few times to allow your children to become used to the idea.  Just set up the sun shower in your back yard and let the kids try it out with bathing suits.  Most kids just think of it as an interesting sprinkler and a sponge bath can work quite well, especially if you are camping in cold weather.

Enjoy camping fun and exciting times with your children and make a life time of memories. 
 

Tags: Camping, camping basics, camping with kids

Getting your campfire started can be one of the most frustrating outdoor activities, especially when the kids are waiting for their Smores with roasting sticks in hand.  Following is a summary of various types of home-made Fire Starters.  You will find a little thought and preparation goes a long way when getting your campfire started.

Use pine cones covered with wax**

Place a piece of charcoal in each section of a paper egg carton and cover with melted wax. ** Tear apart and use as needed.  You can also use sawdust, dryer lint or Pistachio shells instead of the charcoal.

Take 100% cotton balls and thoroughly rub Vaseline into them.   Keep in a zip lock bag and use as needed.

Use newspaper cut into strips (3"-4" wide).  Roll up and tie with string and cover with melted wax. **

Use lint from your dryer as a fire starter.

Bundle about 10-12  Diamond brand "strike-anywhere" wooden kitchen matches together with waxed dental floss.  The heads of the matches should all be pointing in the same direction.  Generously soak the bundle of matches (except heads) in melted paraffin wax** to waterproof and to provide a long burn time.  Dip the match heads, lightly only, into the wax to waterproof them.  Simply strike on a flat rock to ignite.

Cut a cotton cord into 1" lengths and soak in melted wax. ** Let dry and store in empty film container or zip lock bag.

These are called candy kisses. Use the small 6" emergency candles and wrap them in waxed paper.  Tie/twist both ends of the waxed paper to seal in the candle (looks like a salt water taffy candy).  Light an end when you are ready to start your fire.

Cut waxed milk cartons into strips to be used as kindling for your campfire.

Stuff paper towel or toilet paper rolls with paper.

Newspaper crumbled into a ball.   Don’t ball the paper too tight and use several pieces and be sure it is very dry.

Use dried pine needles.

Soak a piece of charcoal in lighter fluid and coat with wax. **

Use small condiment or "sample-size" cups.  Add a long wick to each cup and fill with melted wax. ** You can also fill them with sawdust.

Use stacks of small pieces of cardboard covered in wax**

Waterproof your matches by dipping them in wax** or coating them with clear nail polish.

Use cotton string about 3-4" long, put in a wax paper bathroom cup with about an inch hanging over the edge.  Fill the cup nearly to the top with saw dust and pour melted wax into the cup.  The saw dust will compact and become waterproof.  The extra string length is a wick to start burning the starter, but can also be tied to another starter string through a pack loop to carry outside your pack.

*Never use liquid igniters such as gasoline or lighter fluid on your campfire

** When melting wax, only use a double broiler set up consisting of two pots, one which sits on top of the other.  The bottom pot containing boiling water, the top pot contains the wax.  You can improvise a double boiler by placing the items to be cooked in a metal bowl, which is placed over a pot of boiling water.

Melted wax can easily ignite so always have a fire extinguisher handy in cause of emergency.

Tags: camping basics, camping equipment

How do you get a child to be excited about the outdoors when the competition is the television and video games?  How do you prove to a child that the same success that comes from the persistence, spirit and logic put into video games and pushing buttons can also come from the outdoors?  The following tips may be helpful and will go a long way in creating a positive lasting relationship with your child. 

Camping trips with children should be to places where there is a guarantee of action. A good example is camping in a park where large numbers of wildlife can be viewed, such as squirrels, chipmunks, deer and even bears.  Other good choices are fishing, canoeing, swimming, etc.  Children want action, not solitude

Remember that enthusiasm is contagious.  If you aren't excited about an adventure, you can't expect a child to be.  Show a genuine zest for life in the outdoors, and point out everything as if it is the first time you have ever seen it.

Always, always, always be seated when talking to someone small.  Not only does this allow you to see eye to eye with the child it allows you to visually see the world from the child’s prospective.  Fishing in a small boat is a perfect leveling activity for adults and children.  No one likes others to look down at them. 

Children learn behavior patterns and outdoor skills by watching adults, even when the adults are not aware they are being watched.  Therefore, whether it is gathering sticks for a campfire, cleaning a trout or tying a knot be sure you are following a safe and proper procedure.  When possible, never tell, but always show.  A button usually clicks to "off" when a child receives a lecture. 

A good rule is to let kids be kids!  Let the adventure happen, rather than trying to force it within some preconceived plan.  If the child gets sidetracked chasing butterflies or sneaking up on chipmunks, let them be.  Many times a youngster can have more fun turning over rocks and looking at different kinds of bugs than sitting in one spot waiting for a fish to bite.

Expect a child’s attention spans to be short.  Instead of getting frustrated, use it to your advantage.  How?  Try bringing along a bag of candy and snacks.  When there is a lull in the camp activity, out comes the bag.  Don't let them know what goodies await, so each one becomes a surprise.

Make absolutely certain the child's sleeping bag is clean, dry and warm.  Nothing is worse than discomfort when trying to sleep and every parent knows that a refreshing sleep makes for a positive attitude the next day.  In addition, kids can become quite frightened of animals that go bump in the night.  The parent should not wait for any signs of this, but always play the part of the outdoor guardian, the one who will "take care of everything."

Provide each child with a flashlight.  To prevent any arguments, make sure each child one has their own.  Children love to play with the flashlights, and having one also makes them more at ease after dark.  Flashlights are also handy when making trips to the restroom, for making shadow puppets on tent walls, and for reading before bed.  Remember to bring enough batteries.

Kids quickly relate to outdoor ethics and they will develop a sense of pride that goes with it if handled in the proper way.  Bring extra plastic garbage bags and make a game out of picking up litter and building a safe campfire.  Children will long remember when they do something right, especially when it is something somebody else has done wrong.

If you want youngsters hooked on the outdoors for life, take a close-up photograph of them holding up fish they have caught, blowing on the campfire or completing other camp tasks.  Young children can forget how much fun they had, but they never forget if they have a picture of it.

Teach children to be safe in the outdoors.  Teach young children to stay within eyesight, and older children within earshot.  Teach all children to stay where they are if they discover they are lost. With young children this may seem vague so instruct them to find a nearby tree and sit down beside it and stay right there without moving until they are found.

Children over the age of four can carry a simple survival kit, or at least a whistle around their neck to call for help when lost.  The standard distress signal is three blows to indicate "I'm lost" or "I need help."

Remember that most children get cold faster than adults.  The key to comfortable camping with children is to dress them in several layers, which can be peeled off as they get warm and added as they cool off.

Bring along a familiar board game.  Playing it outdoors with a lantern or flashlights will add to the fun.

If you just have one child let them to bring along a playmate.  A child generally enjoys camping when there is more than one of them as two or more children will entertain themselves for longer periods of time. 

The least important word you can ever say to a child is "I."  Keep track of how often you are saying "Thank you" and "What do you think?  "If you don't say them very often, you'll lose out.  Finally, the most important words of all are:  "I am proud of you”.

Tags: Camping, camping basics, camping with kids

There are several different types of fire, some are good for keeping you warm, others are better for cooking, however, they all follow the same design principals.  You always start with the smallest material first, and then build to the larger fuel.

Firestarter

It is good to have a firestarter at the base o f your fire.  This can be anything from balled newspaper to a commercial firestarter found in your local camping store.

Tinder

Tinder is the next smallest material.  This would be small, very dry sticks.  Since evergreens are self pruning trees, their lower branches are often very dead and easy to break off and do not hurt the tree.

Place your tinder in a small pile in the middle of the fireplace over your fire starter. Distribute the kindling neatly over the firestarter being sure to leave enough space for air to circulate.

Fuzz Stick

Sometimes there are not enough small twigs and sticks around to start a fire with. You can always make a 'fuzz stick' which, because of their curls of wood, catch fire more easily than a solid stick.  Something for whittling away those spare moments of 'nothing to do'.

Kindling

Kindling is the next size of wood.  These are usually pieces that are the diameter of fingers and about 6” to 12” long Build the kindling around your tinder,making sure that you do not pack it too tight,as the fire will need oxygen to burn well. Stack loose enough to allow air flow but close so it catches fire.  Some people use a tepee form while others will build a “log cabin” shape.  The neater you place your kindling the better the fire will light.

Now light your firestarter (did you remember to leave a space to reach your match to the firestarter?)  Once lit, you may need to blow or fan the flame gently to encourage it to light.

Always make sure that you have plenty of kindling available, so that you can add more as the fire becomes established. Once the kindling starts to burn, gradually add more until it is burning nicely.

Fuel

Fuel is the largest wood for your fire. Fuel may range is size from arm size pieces to major logs.  Just remember to add smaller fuel first and always leave room for air. Gradually add the fuel into the shape that you want. A tepee shape is great for a bonfire whereas building a “log cabin” shape is great for building a bed of coals for cooking. Don't rush this stage and make sure that the wood you are adding is less than twice the size of that which is already burning. Larger sticks & logs should be added as the fire is going well

Never throw wood onto a fire, always place it carefully Remember do not try to compact your base materials because you must leave them loose to allow for proper air passage. Any fire requires oxygen and by leaving materials loose this allows for oxygen to pass through the materials and ensure a good fire.

Once it's going good add more firewood, 2-3 pieces at a time going up in size and towards hardwood such as oak, ash and maple if you have it. They will burn longer. Aspen, birch and poplar are quite common and they make good fires as they burn hot  but fairly fast. Before you know it you will have a campfire. Once a coal bed has been built add the logs in a crisscross pattern and they will catch and burn nicely.

This is all fine and good if you have primo wood to work with.

Unfortunately if you're are relying on buying your wood at the campground store you may very well end up with fairly green (wet, fresh cut) softwood. The softwood part is OK, you'll just go through more. But what do you do about the green part?Start by taking your camp axe and shaving a piece or two to get a mound of chips or shavings. Then split a piece or two into small sticks. You can substitute local twigs and sticks if they are around. Kid's love rounding up that stuff. Finally split a few pieces into a 1 inch size range.
You may find that there are often folks selling firewood near campgrounds. Sometimes they have great dry wood all split and ready for a reasonable price, keep your eyes open when you're near your destination.

 Using of fluids to start a fire:

The use of gasoline or kerosene can be like poking a Bull Moose in the nose with a sharp stick. It is just not smart and could be deadly.

• Gasoline should NEVER be used under any circumstances.
• Kerosene on the other hand has been used to start fires without any problems. But, extreme care must be used.
• Do not use this method if there are flames or hot coals.
• You may get the same effect as if you tossed a lit match into a keg of gunpowder.
• You may be tempted to use charcoal fluid to start fire in desperation but even that can flare up if hot coals or flames exist.
• Make it a habit never to use fluids to start your fires.
• Be safe and learn how to build fires using firestarters and wood.

Tags: Camping, camping basics

Car camping stoves, found anywhere from outdoor stores to the sporting goods sections of your local discount stores, are usually much larger and much heavier than backpacking stoves and are reasonable in price for the job they do.  The tabletop models weigh around 10 pounds without fuel, while the free-standing models can weigh several more pounds.  Car camping stoves usually run on propane or white gas, have multiple burners, and burn hotter than backpacking stoves.  They also burn fuel faster.

Advantage of Propane versus Gasoline
1. With propane there is no pumping/priming necessary.  This saves time and effort, and in general makes the cooking go more smoothly.
 2. Propane provides a constant heat source.  Because the pressure is not user-regulated (yes, the flame is) propane stoves provide a much more constant heat level.  Make sure the propane stove you buy is "regulated," in that it provides constant pressure.
3. Propane fuel is cleaner and easier to refuel.  Instead of adding a liquid gasoline which could overflow onto your hands or something else, with a propane stove you merely change coupling.
4. Can be hooked up to a bulk system. There is no convenient way to do this with a gasoline-fueled stove.
5. With a propane stove, there is never any generator to change; if the generator goes on your gasoline stove you better have a spare, and the tools to change it. (However, generators last a long time.)

Safety and Tips for Using a Propane or Gas Stove
1. Read and follow instructions that come with stove and propane cylinder.
2. All stoves consume oxygen.  Do not use in unventilated areas.
3. Use a stove as a cooking appliance only.  Never alter a stove in any way.  Never use stove as a space heater.  Never leave stove unattended while it is burning.
4. Never allow tents, sleeping bags, clothing, or any flammable material to come close to a stove that is operating.
5. Never install or remove propane cylinder while stove is lit, near flame, pilot lights, or other ignition source or while stove is hot to touch.
6. Never store propane near flame, other ignition sources, or where temperatures exceed 1200F.
7. Keep all connections and fittings clean.
8. Propane is heavier than air and will accumulate in low places.
9. Always let your gas stove cool before refilling.
10. Always test the stove before you leave home to be sure it works and you know how to use it.

When planning a family camping adventure, you may want to consider a two or three burner stove.  The extra burner(s) will come in handy when cooking larger meals.  Also, most multi burner stoves can use (liquid) unleaded fuel, standard Coleman stove fuel, or propane.  Brands like Coleman typically offer a couple versions of each two-burner stove, with the difference being the space for the pots.  The "standard" sizes are adequate for most small families, and with a little creativity and planning, can function well for up to ten persons.

The “standard” size stoves can be a good choice for even larger families if there will be a campfire which could be used to heat some dishes.  Otherwise, you might want to try the extra large size stove, as it will accommodate larger pots and may even put out more heat.

It will be easier for your first few trips if the stove has at least two burners.  This will allow you to use nearly all the same food as at home.  With two burners, you can have a typical two-pot meal, like pasta on one burner and sauce on the other.

The main thing with a family camping stove is that it allows you to cook meals that are like the meals you cook at home.  However, I believe to make it a true camping experience, especially if you are camping with children, some cooking should be done over an open fire.  Even if you are just using the fire to heat water for tea, coffee or hot chocolate use of a fire warms more than just the water, it creates memories! 

Remember, even if it is raining, operate your stove outside, not inside a tent, or anywhere else with poor ventilation which could lead to fire or asphyxiation and don't ever fill the fuel tank to the brim.  Leaving a small air space in the tank will help prevent spills and ensure that the stove holds pressure better.  Place your stove on a stove base made of a square of closed-cell foam wrapped in duct tape or a piece of plywood.  This will improve stability and help conserve fuel.  Once you are sure your stove is stable, check all fuel lines, valves and connections for leaks before lighting.  Other safety tips include lighting your match before you turn on the stove, waiting until any spilled fuel or food dries and is cleaned before lighting and keeping your liquid fuel away from the stove and cooking area.  Also, if you are using a picnic table as a stand for your stove, be extra sure it is stable before anyone sits down at the table, and never have them sit in front of the stove.

Tags: camping equipment