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November 2007

30 November 2007

Cardboard Oven

Tinfoil Put aluminum foil everywhere inside a carboard box that is 2 foot square along inside walls cut a hole at the bottom of box. Get charcoal nice and white then place about 6 of them in the middle of the hole this will get the inside the box around 350 degrees. I always use a meat thermometer so I can control the temperature. I cooked frozen pizzas this way i even baked cakes this way while camping primitive. It freaks people out when you can bake a cake or roast when the thermometer temperature stays around 350 degrees when it starts dropping temperature add couple coals to bring it back up.

Submitted By: Lloyd Zaucha

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29 November 2007

Hawaiian Kabobs

Hawaiiankabobb Prep Time: 5-10 minutes
Servings: 10-15

Ingredients:
1 package of turkey / ham
1 can of pineapple chunks
1 jar of maraschino
Salad cherries

Directions:
1. Cut ham into chunks and place ham
2. Put ham, cherries and pineapples on skewers.
3. Glaze them with sweet and sour sauce or a jar of ham glaze if you want.
4. Grill them over a fire or on your grill.

Submitted By: Melissa Doody

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28 November 2007

Decorate with Light Strands

Decoratestrandslightb It's easy to create a little ambience for an outdoor supper party or an evening storytelling hour. Just turn off the floodlights and plug in a strand or two of holiday lights. CRAFT MATERIALS:
Miniature low-heat outdoor holiday lights
Zip ties or plastic gutter clips

Time needed: Under 1 Hour
1. Wrap the lights around a porch or fence railing, drape them over the shrubs, or string them between trees.

2. To secure them in place, use zip ties or plastic gutter clips. You can even put the lights on a timer so they automatically shut off at bedtime.

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27 November 2007

Messy Activities

Messyactiv Wyatt and I spent a week at Earth Teach Forest Park in Oregon. This has been the best camping experience to date for either of us. In addition to learning skills such as "fox-walking," making our own debris shelters and bow-drill fire-making, one of the many highlights was a new version of capture the flag. First we camouflaged ourselves by slopping on mud, then rolling around in forest duff (dirt, leaves, twigs, pine needles, etc.). Then the parents hid in the forest to guard the "flag" (the prize being COOKIES and other treats). It was the kids’ job to stalk silently into camp while instructors created hilarious hillbilly distractions for us all. By far the messiest activity of the week, it was certainly the most exciting as well! This photo of Dad after the game gives an idea of how crazy it can get!
Submitted By: Jack Nicklaw

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26 November 2007

Coleman FireLight Propane Torch

Torchb Try this new Coleman product perfect for entertaining outdoors and while on your camping adventures!

  • Nostalgic FireLight™ flame burns up to 8 inches high in height and helps create a relaxing lighting atmosphere.
  • Three-section shock-corded pole with an independent anchor stake for increased stability
  • Simple-to-use, no-mess propane-powered lighting
  • NO mess, NO oil, NO wicks
  • Flame withstands up to 10-mph wind
  • Protects burner element during storage
  • Easy on-and-off dial and match lighting
  • Removable, disposable FireLight™ citronella cartridge (included) helps repel insects
  • Operates up to 10 hours on one 16.4-ounce propane cylinder (fuel sold separately)
  • Assembled height 60 inches

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23 November 2007

Outdoor Paper Towel Holder

Hangerpaper Use a large plastic hanger, the traditional triangular shape, cut through center at bottom, spring open and insert paper towel roll. Hang from tree limb or other readily available place near table and cooking area. Convenient, inexpensive and not apt to hit the ground. Want to leave it hang for the trips duration, simple take a plastic grocery bag and run the hanger top throuogh a small hole in the bottom of the bag and when you are done using it for the day, pull the bag down over the towel to keep it clean and dry.(may want to put a piece of tape around the hole to keep it small and leak proof.) Instead of one, buy two of the rectangular plastic table clothes for the park service picnic tables, lay them back to back and put four grommets down each side. Use short bungee cords from one side to the other and no more blowing table cloth and double the life by reversing it regularly.

Submitted By: Sandy Dodson

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22 November 2007

Hobo Potato

Fix this for each person in your campsite and they will have their own hobo potato.

Prep Time: 5 minute
Servings: 1

Ingredients:
1 medium potato
1 small onion
½ stick of butter
Salt
Pepper
½ green pepper (optional)

Directions:

  1. Slice a medium potato
  2. Slice a small onion and a half stick of butter. 
  3. Put in heavy duty tinfoil wrap with salt and pepper. 
  4. Add green peppers and anything else you would like
  5. Put on grill and cook until done.

Fix this for each person in your campsite.  They will have their own individual hobo potatoes.

Submitted By: Carol Wood

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21 November 2007

Splatter Shirts

Splattershirtsb With a little inspiration from abstract expressionist Jackson Pollock, kids can splatter paint all over their T-shirts and brush up on their art history at the same time.
This free-form technique is especially appropriate for young artists: With a flick of the wrist, they'll have a wearable masterpiece.

First, hang one or more prewashed white T-shirts outside on a clothesline with clothespins (be sure the clothesline is far away from unintended targets). If the day is windy, it's a good idea to slip a rectangular piece of cardboard inside each shirt to keep it rigid.

Next, pour nontoxic fabric paints into disposable containers, such as aluminum pie plates or plastic lids, and let your children (dressed in smocks or old bathing suits ) dip paintbrushes into the paint and flick it onto the shirts. Don't worry about giving much artistic direction for this part. The flicking will come easily to children and will no doubt be accompanied by other imaginative techniques--dribbling, splattering, smearing or long-distance slings--just stay clear.

When the shirts are covered with dots, blots and lines, leave them on the clothesline to dry for about six hours. If you don't want the paint to run even more, take them down and allow them to dry flat. Wait at least three days before machine washing. For best results, refer to the fabric-paint package for specific washing directions.

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20 November 2007

What Camping is all About!

Whatcampisabout The 5 grandkids spent time on the river and at the ocean playing together. The adults had a ball playing, cooking and swimming with them. It’s what camping is all about. Family!

Submitted By: Cliff Cray

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19 November 2007

Supreme Green Toss Ins

SupremegbThis new product controls odor and liquefies waste with a formaldehyde-free formula. This easy to use formula is fast dissolving. Just drop a 1 oz. packet into the holding tank to breakdown waste and tissue fast, with no spills or messes. Zipper- Closure bag holds 12 packets. This product is 100% biodegradable.

Not only does it control odor but it liquifies waste safely! Try it for yourself and you be the judge!

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16 November 2007

Organic Bug Spray

Forget poisonous sprays that bring on Asthma attacks and worse! Brew up a batch of this every few weeks and put it in a spray bottle. you can get it in your eyes and breathe it and spray it on the dog or little ones with reckless abandon!
-1 cup fresh/dried Feverfew
-1 cup fresh/dried Catnip
-1 cup fresh/dried Wormwood
Bring 8 cups water to full rolling boil & pour over herbs. Allow to steep for 30 minutes. Press, strain & repeat in same container. Enjoy.

Submitted By: Chris Vogel

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15 November 2007

Sweet Potato

Sweetpotatob This is a very simple idea that is delicious!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 2-4 people

Ingredients:
Sweet Potato
Butter

Directions:
This is a very simple idea that is delicious!

  1. Take your sweet potatoes
  2. Wrap them in tin foil
  3. Throw them on the grill for about 45 minutes or so. 
  4. Add some butter and mix. 

They taste amazing!

Submitted By: Paula Bennett

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14 November 2007

Star Gazing

Stargazingb Stargazing Heavenly lights have guided voyagers, inspired philosophers and entranced children for centuries. With some orientation, the mysterious pictures in the night canopy become easier to see. The best viewing conditions are on clear, moonless evenings. Pack a star chart (available at science stores), a flashlight (covering the lens with red cellophane will let you read the chart, yet keep your eyes adjusted to the dark) and a blanket.

For more detailed celestial information, another good star-tracking tool is a planisphere, a circular map of the night sky that rotates to show where the constellations are at a given day and time. (One source for these is The Nature Company, 800-607-7888.) Since star charts and planispheres are oriented to the north, lie on your back (head pointing north), give your eyes a few minutes to adjust, and let the wishing begin. The following are a few basic skylights even beginning stargazers can search out.

The Big Dipper is probably the best-recognized constellation. American children think of it as a ladle. (It's said that wishes made on it in summer won't fall out because the bowl is facing up.) Kids in other countries see different shapes: Polynesians call it the Rat; Poles call it the Wagon; English folks call it the Plow; and Hindus call it the Seven Wise Men. The Big Dipper is part of a larger constellation called the Great Bearits handle forms the bear's tail. The middle star on the handle has a tiny, faint companion star that was used by the ancient Arabs to test people's vision.

If you look at the bowl of the Big Dipper, you'll find two pointer stars that aim straight at Polaris, the North Star, which in turn forms the tip of the Little Dipper's handle. As any Girl Scout knows, if you can locate the North Star, you don't need a compass. In Pawnee creation myths, it's known as The Star That Does Not Move.

In addition to seeking out the 3,000 or so stars that are visible to the naked eye, stargazers can also search for planets by looking for starlike objects that do not twinkle. Satellites, too, are a rewarding quarry. They move steadily and slowly across the sky, which makes them easy to spot. If your group is lucky enough to spy shooting stars, you can explain that they are not actually stars but chunks of metal and stone called meteors.

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13 November 2007

Why we Love Camping

Whywelovecamping I love going camping with my family! It’s great! We slept in a tent outside! We hiked up a big hill, walked through a river and went fishing! Austen caught his first fish. We saw a turtle! I helped Daddy cook meat outside. It was awesome! I can't wait to go again.
Submitted By: Jordyn, Austen and Debbi Dietz

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12 November 2007

RV Leveling Blocks

Blocksb Are you experiencing problems leveling your RV? Look no further these specially designed rugged leveling blocks will solve them!

All you have to do is stack the interlocking RV Leveling Blocks to the height you need, then drive onto the blocks to level your RV easily and economically. These rugged leveling blocks are a bright yellow color for easier positioning after dark.

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09 November 2007

Fast, Easy Tent Clean up when Leaving

After many years of Tent camping, we have always put a tarp under the tent to help protect it. However, now we have learned not only to put an older tarp under it, but to keep a nice tarp for the inside of the tent. The one we have is close to the size of the tent. This serves as a protectant for the floor and most importantly is fast to clean when packing up. All of the dirt comes out with it. This means no sweeping (if any)When packing up. It also gives the feeling of wall to wall carpet while camping. Why didn't someone tell me this years ago?

Submitted By: Jeff Gillespie

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08 November 2007

Snish Camp Bobs

Shishcampbobb Try these Shish “Camp” Bobs on your next trip! Simply follow the recipe and voila!

Ingredients:

  • Chicken or Steak
  • Small potatoes
  • Onion
  • Bell Peppers
  • Carrots
  • Cherry Tomatoes
  • Skewers

Directions:

Cut up pieces of chicken or steak and desired vegetables. Take a skewer and alternate chicken or steak and vegetables. Place over campfire or in a grill until cooked. You’ll suddenly have many new friends as the aroma spreads throughout the campground enjoy!

Submitted By: Dennis Whitten

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07 November 2007

Lighthouse in a Bottle

Lighthouseinbottleb Turn a plastic water bottle into a decorative lighthouse -- just the thing to brighten up a rainy summer day.

Watch a step-by-step video demonstration of this craft.

CRAFT MATERIALS:
1.5-liter sport water bottle
Craft knife
Aluminum foil
Red acrylic paint
Black tape
Play-Doh or clay
Flashlight
White craft foam
Clear packing tape

Time needed: Under 1 Hour
1. Use a craft knife (adults only) to cut the bottle in half. Glue aluminum foil inside the cone-shaped portion of the top half (this creates a reflective dome), then use red acrylic paint to coat the outside of the foil-lined section.

2. When the paint is dry, apply 3-inch vertical strips of black tape, spaced evenly, around the unpainted portion of the bottle top.

3. In the bottom half of the bottle, pack a baseball-sized ball of Play-Doh or clay. Stand a flashlight upright in the clay and press down to secure it in place. Cut a notch down from the bottle's edge to allow access to the flashlight's switch, as shown.

4. Next, wrap an 11 1/2- by 10-inch sheet of white craft foam around the bottom half of the bottle (the foam will extend about 4 inches above the bottle) and note approximately where the flashlight switch opening is. Remove the foam and cut out a switch opening. Re-wrap the foam around the bottle and secure the overlapping ends with clear packing tape.

5. Finally, fit the cut edge of the bottle top just inside the foam sleeve and securely tape the foam to the bottle with colored tape.

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06 November 2007

Grand Lake with Dad

Grandlakewithdad My Dad was playing with his Bagpipe band in a Grand Lake Colorado parade. We decided to make it a camping trip too. After the parade we set up camp on the bank of the lake and launched the canoe. We caught our limit and headed to shore. When Dad stood up the canoe tipped and we went in with all our gear I grabbed my father by the back of his belt and kicked off the bottom about 10 feet. We came up gasping for air, but Dad had a firm grip on the creel so we started a fire, stripped to dry our cloths, sat in our underwear and enjoyed a laugh and fresh caught trout dinner.
Submitted By: Patrick Sullivan

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05 November 2007

CW Folding Shovel

Shovelb Try this compact folding shovel on your next trip! It's perfect for digging and moving dirt or debris from your campsite! 

  • Heavy duty shovel
  • Carry Bag
  • Open size 23” x 6”
  • Folded size 9 ½” x 6”

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02 November 2007

Clean Up!

Cleanupb My favorite game is who can clean up after themselves the best. Keep track with points such as 5 points for shaking and hanging or folding their sleeping bags, clothes or personal items. 10 points for not arguing and 5 more for just being nice or going out of the way to help put WITHOUT being asked. Each camp experience is adjusted to the age and such population. Winner(s) get a day to do nothing or choice of restaurant to eat at, or if they really like to camp the winner(s) with most points gets to choose which camp ground they want to explore next. Good Luck to all.

Submitted By: Graciela Ennis Baccera

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01 November 2007

Stuffed Jalapeno Peppers

Stuffedjalapenopeb Great for snacking while the steaks are cooking on the grill.

Ingredients:

  • Large Jalapeno or Bell Peppers
  • Hickory Smoked Tuna
  • Onion
  • Grated Cheese

Directions:

Select large peppers suitable for stuffing. Slice length-wise and remove seeds and veins. Remove seeds with a spoon is the easy way. Depending on number of peppers used take 1 to 2 pouches of Hickory smoked tuna, add small chopped onion and grated cheese. Monterey Jack and Colby work great! Mix tuna, onion and cheese and spoon in pepper halves. Great for snacking while the steaks are cooking on the grill!

Submitted By: Katrina Easterling

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