Howto Do Things You Want To Do » camping http://howto-you.com Articles and Commentary from Howto Books You can Use Tue, 06 Jul 2010 03:38:34 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0 2008 bill@howto-you.com (Bill Millikin) bill@howto-you.com (Bill Millikin) Education 1440 howto, knowledge, training, tips and ideas, skills Articles and Commentary from Howto Books You can Use Articles and Commentary from Howto Books You can Use Bill Millikin Bill Millikin bill@howto-you.com No clean http://howto-you.com/wp-content/plugins/podpress/images/powered_by_podpress.jpg Howto Do Things You Want To Do http://howto-you.com 144 144 Episode 20 – Tips for Planning a Multi-Family Camping Trip http://howto-you.com/http:/howto-you.com/family/episode-20-tips-for-planning-a-multi-family-camping-trip http://howto-you.com/http:/howto-you.com/family/episode-20-tips-for-planning-a-multi-family-camping-trip#comments Wed, 06 Aug 2008 21:36:42 +0000 Bill http://howto-you.com/?p=53 Many families have members of various ages; they could range from tots to teens. There could be grandparents, aunts and uncles nieces and nephews too. Everyone needs to have fun on a holiday, but with such a diverse age range how can . . . → Read More: Episode 20 – Tips for Planning a Multi-Family Camping Trip]]>

Many families have members of various ages; they could range from tots to teens. There could be grandparents, aunts and uncles nieces and nephews too. Everyone needs to have fun on a holiday, but with such a diverse age range how can you be sure the activities will suit everyone?


Not every activity will be suitable for all age groups so it is wise to include a variety. You can have high-energy games for the younger members and low-energy games for the oldest. Nan can’t be expected to join in a game of soccer or beach cricket; nor can your toddler. There needs to be simpler games and activities for the very young. Things to do that will absorb their interest without wearing them out too much.

Bring an assortment of easy games. These need not take up a lot of room in the car. You can have board or card games. Some board games come in special travellers packs that are smaller than usual and have a magnetic board. This helps to keep pieces on the board if played whilst travelling. They are ideal for camping too, where pieces can fall off and be lost amongst long grass or sand. Nan or Pop may like the opportunity to teach the younger members some of their card games. This will give them quality time together and make the older members feel more important.

Make sure that grandparents don’t just become baby-sitters for your toddler. Both will need time to rest, so it’s easy to think that they may as well do it together. But each will need some time with you and/or to pursue their own particular activity. Pop might want to spend time fishing; Nan may want to catch up on her reading.

Encourage the children to rest occasionally by adding some coloring books, pencils and reading materials. This will keep them occupied on the trip, as well.

If you do take older members on a camping trip, they may need a comfy chair to rest on. Remember
that old bones can’t get up off the ground like younger ones, so throw in a couple of folding chairs. Get the ones that are firmly upright, or they may still have trouble getting out of them. Bedding is another thing to consider. Can Gran actually get up off the floor? If she cannot, then a camp stretcher may be on your next shopping list.

If your toddler is at that squirming, wriggling age, you might find that a portable high chair is a boon to keep him still during mealtimes. Freedom is a wonderful concept, but you don’t want to get home more tired out than when you left.

That’s it for our Family Camping article series.

If you’d like more of these tips – visit our website at:

http://familycamping.howto-you.com

where you can purchase our book on family camping, and subscribe to our mailing list for a series of additional tips and ideas.

]]> http://howto-you.com/http:/howto-you.com/family/episode-20-tips-for-planning-a-multi-family-camping-trip/feed 0 3:28 Many families have members of various ages; they could range from tots to teens. There could be grandparents, aunts and uncles nieces and nephews too. ... Many families have members of various ages; they could range from tots to teens. There could be grandparents, aunts and uncles nieces and nephews too. Everyone needs to have fun on a holiday, but with such a diverse age range how can you be sure the activities will suit everyone? Not every activity will be suitable for all age groups so it is wise to include a variety. You can have high-energy games for the younger members and low-energy games for the oldest. Nan canrsquo;t be expected to join in a game of soccer or beach cricket; nor can your toddler. There needs to be simpler games and activities for the very young. Things to do that will absorb their interest without wearing them out too much. Bring an assortment of easy games. These need not take up a lot of room in the car. You can have board or card games. Some board games come in special travellers packs that are smaller than usual and have a magnetic board. This helps to keep pieces on the board if played whilst travelling. They are ideal for camping too, where pieces can fall off and be lost amongst long grass or sand. Nan or Pop may like the opportunity to teach the younger members some of their card games. This will give them quality time together and make the older members feel more important. Make sure that grandparents donrsquo;t just become baby-sitters for your toddler. Both will need time to rest, so itrsquo;s easy to think that they may as well do it together. But each will need some time with you and/or to pursue their own particular activity. Pop might want to spend time fishing; Nan may want to catch up on her reading. Encourage the children to rest occasionally by adding some coloring books, pencils and reading materials. This will keep them occupied on the trip, as well. If you do take older members on a camping trip, they may need a comfy chair to rest on. Remember that old bones canrsquo;t get up off the ground like younger ones, so throw in a couple of folding chairs. Get the ones that are firmly upright, or they may still have trouble getting out of them. Bedding is another thing to consider. Can Gran actually get up off the floor? If she cannot, then a camp stretcher may be on your next shopping list. If your toddler is at that squirming, wriggling age, you might find that a portable high chair is a boon to keep him still during mealtimes. Freedom is a wonderful concept, but you donrsquo;t want to get home more tired out than when you left. That's it for our Family Camping article series. If you'd like more of these tips - visit our website at: http://familycamping.howto-you.com where you can purchase our book on family camping, and subscribe to our mailing list for a series of additional tips and ideas. Family,,Home Bill Millikin clean No Episode 19 – Tent or Trailer – What Suits Your Family Best? http://howto-you.com/http:/howto-you.com/family/episode-19-tent-or-trailer-what-suits-your-family-best http://howto-you.com/http:/howto-you.com/family/episode-19-tent-or-trailer-what-suits-your-family-best#comments Mon, 04 Aug 2008 21:00:16 +0000 Bill http://howto-you.com/?p=52 Each family has different needs and differing tastes. Whether you decide to camp in a tent or a trailer depends on what suits you and your family best. A lot can depend on the ages of the family. If you have toddlers, . . . → Read More: Episode 19 – Tent or Trailer – What Suits Your Family Best?]]>

Each family has different needs and differing tastes. Whether you decide to camp in a tent or a trailer depends on what suits you and your family best. A lot can depend on the ages of the family. If you have toddlers, you might find a trailer is more suited to your needs. The bedding is more comfortable and up off the hard ground. You may feel that the youngsters will be safer enclosed in a trailer while they sleep.


If you are likely to run into bad weather, a trailer will give more protection than a tent. You can get quick and easy access to hot water and meals with a trailer, an important consideration with little ones. You may find it easier to shower or bath them in a trailer. For the comfort of home, you can’t go past a trailer.

A motor home or campervan is another option if you don’t want to tow a trailer. Basically, the camping area is all part of the main vehicle, and is usually entered from the rear. While there is not as much room in a campervan as a trailer, you still have a snug place to camp right behind you and it’s all ready as soon as you stop. All but the lowest price range will give you a shower and toilet facility, microwave cooking and air-conditioning.  It’s a home away from home.

The top of the range would have to be the campervan made from a bus. This is luxury plus, but you would not be able to get very far off the beaten track with it. If you stick with an off-road vehicle and tent, at least you can get away from the crowd. But you can still find fun places to camp with just the family car and tent

If you prefer to do the ‘real’ thing and use a tent, there are still several options. You can have one large family tent – even a tent with different rooms in it. This could be what you will need it you have toddlers or even children under twelve. They may be nervous of sleeping alone. If they are in the family tent they will feel safer and you can keep an eye on them.

Older children might prefer their own personal tent and be able to take responsibility for carrying and setting it up. This will make your camping tasks easier. It will be up to them whether they share a tent or keep their own personal space free.

That’s it for our Family Camping article about camping in a tent or a trailer.

If you’d like more of these tips – visit our website at:

http://familycamping.howto-you.com

where you can purchase our book on family camping, and subscribe to our mailing list for a series of additional tips and ideas.

]]> http://howto-you.com/http:/howto-you.com/family/episode-19-tent-or-trailer-what-suits-your-family-best/feed 0 2:56 Each family has different needs and differing tastes. Whether you decide to camp in a tent or a trailer depends on what suits you and ... Each family has different needs and differing tastes. Whether you decide to camp in a tent or a trailer depends on what suits you and your family best. A lot can depend on the ages of the family. If you have toddlers, you might find a trailer is more suited to your needs. The bedding is more comfortable and up off the hard ground. You may feel that the youngsters will be safer enclosed in a trailer while they sleep. If you are likely to run into bad weather, a trailer will give more protection than a tent. You can get quick and easy access to hot water and meals with a trailer, an important consideration with little ones. You may find it easier to shower or bath them in a trailer. For the comfort of home, you canrsquo;t go past a trailer. A motor home or campervan is another option if you donrsquo;t want to tow a trailer. Basically, the camping area is all part of the main vehicle, and is usually entered from the rear. While there is not as much room in a campervan as a trailer, you still have a snug place to camp right behind you and itrsquo;s all ready as soon as you stop. All but the lowest price range will give you a shower and toilet facility, microwave cooking and air-conditioning.nbsp; Itrsquo;s a home away from home. The top of the range would have to be the campervan made from a bus. This is luxury plus, but you would not be able to get very far off the beaten track with it. If you stick with an off-road vehicle and tent, at least you can get away from the crowd. But you can still find fun places to camp with just the family car and tent If you prefer to do the lsquo;realrsquo; thing and use a tent, there are still several options. You can have one large family tent - even a tent with different rooms in it. This could be what you will need it you have toddlers or even children under twelve. They may be nervous of sleeping alone. If they are in the family tent they will feel safer and you can keep an eye on them. Older children might prefer their own personal tent and be able to take responsibility for carrying and setting it up. This will make your camping tasks easier. It will be up to them whether they share a tent or keep their own personal space free. That's it for our Family Camping article about camping in a tent or a trailer. If you'd like more of these tips - visit our website at: http://familycamping.howto-you.com where you can purchase our book on family camping, and subscribe to our mailing list for a series of additional tips and ideas. Family,,Leisure Bill Millikin clean No Episode 17 – How to Make Camping Safe for Toddlers http://howto-you.com/http:/howto-you.com/family/episode-17-%ef%bb%bfhow-to-make-camping-safe-for-toddlers http://howto-you.com/http:/howto-you.com/family/episode-17-%ef%bb%bfhow-to-make-camping-safe-for-toddlers#comments Thu, 31 Jul 2008 14:52:30 +0000 Bill http://howto-you.com/?p=49 When camping with toddlers there are many accidents waiting to happen because little ones seem able to get into trouble without even trying. Here are a few tips to save your sanity and help keep your toddler safe.

Well before you leave, get . . . → Read More: Episode 17 – How to Make Camping Safe for Toddlers]]>

When camping with toddlers there are many accidents waiting to happen because little ones seem able to get into trouble without even trying. Here are a few tips to save your sanity and help keep your toddler safe.


Well before you leave, get your toddler used to sleeping in a different place. Buy a portable cot, or try a mattress on the floor – anything to get them used to bedding down in a strange area. Pitch a tent in the back yard and try sleeping out there with them for one night, just to see if they will settle.

Choose a safe spot with lots of level ground and not too close to lakes, rivers or steep gullies. Toddlers love water and can overbalance very quickly. Use a portable play-pen for times when your attention will be distracted from them, like when you are cooking.  Take extra family members to help with watching your toddler. Each person should take it in turns to be with them, so that all can have some time free.

Make sure you pack their favorite toy so they has something familiar to cuddle up to at night. Settle them away from bugs and light, unless they are used to having a nightlight. If this is the case, take a battery-powered light to use, rather than a kerosene lantern that could get knocked over.

Make sure your toddler has plenty of fluids, warm and cool clothing, insect repellent and sunscreen. Take along mild medication like Panadol for emergencies and soothing cream for insect bites. In fact, a special bag for first-aid should be a priority on every camping trip. A sunhat and a warm cap for the evenings will be beneficial. Choose the brightest colored clothing you can find for your toddler to wear. Then if the unthinkable happens and he wanders away, it will be easier to find him.

Don’t worry about keeping your toddler in clean clothes. He will be crawling around on Mother Earth all day; keeping him clean will be impossible. Check the ground at your campsite as soon as you get there for broken glass, sharp rocks and cigarette butts. Make sure there are no ant or wasp nests, stinging nettles or poison ivy close by.

Never move your vehicle unless you can see where your toddler is. Don’t trust that he will stay away from the wheels long enough for you to move the vehicle.

That’s it for our Family Camping article about camping safety for toddlers.

If you’d like more of these tips – visit our website at:

http://familycamping.howto-you.com

where you can purchase our book on family camping, and subscribe to our mailing list for a series of additional tips and ideas.

]]> http://howto-you.com/http:/howto-you.com/family/episode-17-%ef%bb%bfhow-to-make-camping-safe-for-toddlers/feed 0 3:19 When camping with toddlers there are many accidents waiting to happen because little ones seem able to get into trouble without even trying. Here are ... When camping with toddlers there are many accidents waiting to happen because little ones seem able to get into trouble without even trying. Here are a few tips to save your sanity and help keep your toddler safe. Well before you leave, get your toddler used to sleeping in a different place. Buy a portable cot, or try a mattress on the floor - anything to get them used to bedding down in a strange area. Pitch a tent in the back yard and try sleeping out there with them for one night, just to see if they will settle. Choose a safe spot with lots of level ground and not too close to lakes, rivers or steep gullies. Toddlers love water and can overbalance very quickly. Use a portable play-pen for times when your attention will be distracted from them, like when you are cooking.nbsp; Take extra family members to help with watching your toddler. Each person should take it in turns to be with them, so that all can have some time free. Make sure you pack their favorite toy so they has something familiar to cuddle up to at night. Settle them away from bugs and light, unless they are used to having a nightlight. If this is the case, take a battery-powered light to use, rather than a kerosene lantern that could get knocked over. Make sure your toddler has plenty of fluids, warm and cool clothing, insect repellent and sunscreen. Take along mild medication like Panadol for emergencies and soothing cream for insect bites. In fact, a special bag for first-aid should be a priority on every camping trip. A sunhat and a warm cap for the evenings will be beneficial. Choose the brightest colored clothing you can find for your toddler to wear. Then if the unthinkable happens and he wanders away, it will be easier to find him. Donrsquo;t worry about keeping your toddler in clean clothes. He will be crawling around on Mother Earth all day; keeping him clean will be impossible. Check the ground at your campsite as soon as you get there for broken glass, sharp rocks and cigarette butts. Make sure there are no ant or wasp nests, stinging nettles or poison ivy close by. Never move your vehicle unless you can see where your toddler is. Donrsquo;t trust that he will stay away from the wheels long enough for you to move the vehicle. That's it for our Family Camping article about camping safety for toddlers. If you'd like more of these tips - visit our website at: http://familycamping.howto-you.com where you can purchase our book on family camping, and subscribe to our mailing list for a series of additional tips and ideas. Family,,Leisure Bill Millikin clean No Episode 16 – Basic Guide for Surviving Bad Weather on a Camping Trip http://howto-you.com/http:/howto-you.com/family/episode-16-%ef%bb%bfbasic-guide-for-surviving-bad-weather-on-a-camping-trip http://howto-you.com/http:/howto-you.com/family/episode-16-%ef%bb%bfbasic-guide-for-surviving-bad-weather-on-a-camping-trip#comments Mon, 28 Jul 2008 12:36:10 +0000 Bill http://howto-you.com/?p=48

Episodes 16-20 are a series of ideas and tips for family camping.

No one wants to think their camping trip might be spoiled by bad weather, but it is quite likely that you will run into some eventually. The trick is to be . . . → Read More: Episode 16 – Basic Guide for Surviving Bad Weather on a Camping Trip]]>

Episodes 16-20 are a series of ideas and tips for family camping.

No one wants to think their camping trip might be spoiled by bad weather, but it is quite likely that you will run into some eventually. The trick is to be prepared for it, so you can reduce unpleasant results as much as possible. When you go hiking or on a long walk away from the shelter of the camping site, take an extra jacket in case the weather turns cold. Tie it around your waist if it won’t fit into a backpack.


If a storm comes up while you are out in the open, don’t shelter under a tree. Trees are often struck by lightning and strong winds can tear a limb off. If you are in the car, don’t park under a tree. Better for the car to get hail damage than you. Shelter from wind in the lee of a large rock, a hill or low bushy growth. Turning your back to wind will reduce its affect on you. Half close your eyes so that dust and debris won’t blow into them.

If there is thunder and lightning and you are out in flat, open ground, crouch down to lessen the chance of lightning seeking you out. If there is a shallow depression in the ground, crouch in that, but never climb down into a gully. If there is a cloudburst upstream, you could find yourself in swirling floodwaters before you know it.

The wind-chill factor is what makes cold wether unbearable, so stay out of freezing winds wherever possible. If winds are searing hot and dusty, dampen a kerchief and tie it around your mouth and nose, gangster style. This can help when it’s cold too, but in the case of cold wind, don’t dampen the cloth.

Much of the body heat is lost from the head and neck; if possible, keep these two body parts covered when in extremely cold conditions. If the worst comes to the worst and you have to stay out overnight, huddling together will help preserve everyone’s body warmth.

It’s wise to take extra provisions with you even if you’ll only be away from the campsite for one day. Children get extra hungry when they are out in the fresh air, and if the weather suddenly turns nasty, extra food – even chocolate bars – can help the body survive its onslaught. In fact, a small tent doesn’t weigh much, so it would be an idea to take one along with you. Then if you get hit with a storm you can at least stay dry.

That’s it for our Family Camping article about surviving bad weather.

If you’d like more of these tips – visit our website at:

http://familycamping.howto-you.com

where you can purchase our book on family camping, and subscribe to our mailing list for a series of additional tips and ideas.

]]> http://howto-you.com/http:/howto-you.com/family/episode-16-%ef%bb%bfbasic-guide-for-surviving-bad-weather-on-a-camping-trip/feed 0 3:09 Episodes 16-20 are a series of ideas and tips for family camping. No one wants to think their camping trip might be spoiled by bad weather, ... Episodes 16-20 are a series of ideas and tips for family camping. No one wants to think their camping trip might be spoiled by bad weather, but it is quite likely that you will run into some eventually. The trick is to be prepared for it, so you can reduce unpleasant results as much as possible. When you go hiking or on a long walk away from the shelter of the camping site, take an extra jacket in case the weather turns cold. Tie it around your waist if it wonrsquo;t fit into a backpack. If a storm comes up while you are out in the open, donrsquo;t shelter under a tree. Trees are often struck by lightning and strong winds can tear a limb off. If you are in the car, donrsquo;t park under a tree. Better for the car to get hail damage than you. Shelter from wind in the lee of a large rock, a hill or low bushy growth. Turning your back to wind will reduce its affect on you. Half close your eyes so that dust and debris wonrsquo;t blow into them. If there is thunder and lightning and you are out in flat, open ground, crouch down to lessen the chance of lightning seeking you out. If there is a shallow depression in the ground, crouch in that, but never climb down into a gully. If there is a cloudburst upstream, you could find yourself in swirling floodwaters before you know it. The wind-chill factor is what makes cold wether unbearable, so stay out of freezing winds wherever possible. If winds are searing hot and dusty, dampen a kerchief and tie it around your mouth and nose, gangster style. This can help when itrsquo;s cold too, but in the case of cold wind, donrsquo;t dampen the cloth. Much of the body heat is lost from the head and neck; if possible, keep these two body parts covered when in extremely cold conditions. If the worst comes to the worst and you have to stay out overnight, huddling together will help preserve everyonersquo;s body warmth. Itrsquo;s wise to take extra provisions with you even if yoursquo;ll only be away from the campsite for one day. Children get extra hungry when they are out in the fresh air, and if the weather suddenly turns nasty, extra food - even chocolate bars - can help the body survive its onslaught. In fact, a small tent doesnrsquo;t weigh much, so it would be an idea to take one along with you. Then if you get hit with a storm you can at least stay dry. That's it for our Family Camping article about surviving bad weather. If you'd like more of these tips - visit our website at: http://familycamping.howto-you.com where you can purchase our book on family camping, and subscribe to our mailing list for a series of additional tips and ideas. Family,,Leisure Bill Millikin clean No