The Camping Club

Paper Animals

Your child can create a whimsical paper pet Dr. Seuss would be proud of.

CRAFT MATERIALS:
Card stock
Scissors
Glue
Googly eyes

Time needed: Under 1 Hour
1. Fold a piece of card stock in half. Draw an animal onto the paper so that some part of the top of it (head and tail, or back) is along the fold. Cut through both layers of paper, being careful to keep some of the fold intact. Attach the googly eyes using glue if they don't have adhesive backing. Now stand the animal up. If it splays apart, glue together the front and back of the head and tail, leaving the legs unglued (or in the case of an octopus, glue just the left and right arms and leave the bottom ones unglued).

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Tubing War

We recently returned from a camping trip at DeGray Lake south of Hot Springs Arkansas.  The group consisted of three bumper pull campers with 8 adults and my 10 month old grandson.  We enjoyed horseback riding, swimming, site seeing, go cart riding, fishing, and of course camping, but our favorite activity by far was the day we spend out on the lake.  We rented a party barge and a giant inner tube and literally spent the entire day in the water.  We took turns pulling everyone on the tube and when we started pulling two at a time, that’s when the craziness started.  Of course the younger men (16 & 17) were a little rough, the father and son pair ups were hilarious, but when the married couple started, a battle of the sexes began.  As you can see from the photo Derrill may have won this battle, but Peggy finally got her revenge. 
Submitted By: Tammy Lemaire

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Nightstar Flashlight

NightStar is the brightest, most rugged, most reliable, no-battery flashlight for all your outdoor adventures.  This is the light you include in your tackle box or backpack and forget about until you need it ... it will never let you down! With no batteries to worry about, and completely sealed against water penetration, NightStar gives you peace of mind knowing that you will have light when you need it … guaranteed!

By Deborah Bartlett of Scituate, MA

Q: How many times have you used your NightStar Flashlight during the test period?
A: I used the NightStar Flashlight about 30 times during the test period. 

Q: Do you normally bring a flashlight with you on a camping trip?
A: Yes, it’s one of the essentials. We never forget to pack our flashlight. 

Q: How convenient was this flashlight?
A: It was so convenient! It was easy to store and just as simple to use. 

Q: How long did you have to shake the flashlight before you had enough light?
A: The first time I used it, I shook it for about 5 minutes. I did this to see just how powerful the light was. It gave off a lot of light! Then I realized 30 seconds was all I needed to get enough light. 

Q: Did the flashlight give off enough light?
A: Absolutely! It gives off just as much light as a battery powered flashlight would. 

Q: How long did light last in the flashlight?
A: It never ran out of light while I used it. I used it for about 20 minutes and I never had to shake it again to recharge. 

Q: Did you find this flashlight to be a good size?
A: It was a very good size for me. It’s the same size as any regular flashlight. 

Q: Do you think this is an essential piece of equipment to take with you on a camping / outdoor trip?
A: Yes. You don’t have to worry about batteries! All you have to do is shake the flashlight and start using it. Also, the Glow Wall Mount is a great accessory. If you mount your flashlight on it, it’s easy to find every time you need it. 

Q: Would you recommend this product to fellow campers?
A: Yes I would. This is the flashlight to bring with you on a camping trip!

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Corn Chips Taco Salad

Add jalapenos and anything else that the gang will agree on!

Servings: 4-6
Prep Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients
1 head of lettuce - shredded
2 cans red beans
1 can of diced black olives
2 fresh tomatoes - diced
1 1b bag of shredded cheddar cheese
1 bottle Catalina style dressing
1 lb. ground beef
1 large bag of Corn chips

Directions

1. Fry the beef and drain the fat.
2. Toss all the ingredients together in a bowl and serve over Corn Chips 

Submitted By: Dave Nunn

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Meal Checklist

On a camping trip in the past I noticed that we were missing an ingredient needed for a meal and then we noticed that we didn't have another for another meal the next day. I used MS Excel when we returned to make a check list with check boxes that has some of our favorite camp meals.

All we need to do is select the meals that we want to eat in advance and add them to the list. We print the list and make sure we have all the ingredients needed. If not we can use the list to speed up shopping. Lists can be done for some of your gear, clothing or anything else that you might want to take along with you.

The best part of using excel, for example, is that you can save the lists for future camping trips and have to only make minor adjustments.

Submitted By: Jacob Rashford

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Stay Fit with your Kids

Playing with your kids will keep you both fit!

My teenage kids often admonish me to "get a life," but like countless mothers who juggle the demands of children, work, home, husband, parents, community service, etc., etc., I know this is much easier said than done.
That's why I laughed out loud when I read what a recent study revealed:

"Parenthood resulted in reduced leisure-time physical activities in women."

Stop the presses!

This conclusion seems so obvious it's natural to wonder why it took a 10-year study of more than 3,000 young adult men and women to reach it. As my children would say, "Well, duh!"

Even the report's lead author acknowledges what she calls "the duh factor" in her findings. "Half the population reading this, the females, will say 'Did we really need a study to establish this?'" admits Kathryn Schmitz, a University of Minnesota epidemiologist who presented her research at a meeting of the American Heart Association (AHA).

"But in order for there to be any change, we have to get the realities down on paper."

By: Carol Krucoff

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Camping with Friends

The summer of 2006, a bunch of friends and I went camping at Stony Brook, NY. We headed out on a Friday evening and got to the campsite just before dark. We were nervous that we wouldn't have everything set up in time as we heard the thunder rolling in. Sure enough, as soon as we pitched the tents and set up the canopy it started to rain. It continued to rain through the night, which provided soothing sounds as we slept, and miraculously stopped before the morning came. The next day was beautiful. We spent the day splashing around in the creek, hiking through the woods and taking naps. The next night we sat by the campfire making s'mores and enjoying nature. Ending our weekend we played into the wee hours of the night a very addicting game of Blokus.
Submitted By: Cathy Reitz Rochester, NY

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Tree Huggerz Campsite Organizer

Tree Huggerz campsite organizer straps around most size trees to provide you a convenient location to place all your personal items and outdoor gear. It has 6 hooks, 2 pockets and 5 slots. You can hang your keys, lotions, pots/pans, fishing poles, flashlights and so much more.

Reviewed By: Lisa Morales of Pembroke Pines, FL

Q: How many times have you used your Tree Huggerz Campsite Organizer during the test period?
A: I used it one time

Q: Was your Tree Huggerz Campsite Organizer easy to set up?
A: Yes! It was very easy. It was up in seconds. 

Q: What types of items did you hang on your Tree Huggerz Campsite Organizer?
A: We hung everything you would need for your typical camping trip. We hung insect repellant, kitchen utensils, chore charts, mess kits, etc. 

Q: Did you find that the Organizer helped reduce clutter at your campsite?
A: Yes, we used it for items that normally get lost during our camping trip like fire starters. 

Q:   Were you able to hang heavy gear from your Organizer? Did it hold up properly?
A: Yes, the Organizer held up well and we never had to adjust it. 

Q: Would you use more than one Organizer while camping? What else would you use it for?
A: Yes, I would use one for each one of our Scouts, so they can use it to hang personal gear, like wet clothing, rain coats, flashlights, etc. 

Q: What was the best feature on the Organizer?
A: That it was easy to set up! It was up in seconds and the hooks held everything! 

Q: Did you find the Organizer useful?
A: Yes, it was very useful. I’m happy that something like this exists. 

Q: Would you pay the suggested $21.99 for the Tree Huggerz Campsite Organizer?
A: Yes, it would be worth every penny. 

Q: Do you think this is an essential piece of equipment to take with you while camping?
      A: Yes, it keeps everything organized and you don’t lose anything. This is great for campers of all ages, but especially young campers. 

Q: Would you recommend this product to fellow campers? Why?
A: Yes, because this would help to keep all scouts organized especially at Summer camp. 

Additional Comments
A: This is a great product! I highly recommend it.

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Healthy Potato and Onion

Turn the package over every few minutes until it puffs up!

Servings: 1
Prep Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

1 med. red potato per person
1 lg. Sweet onion
2 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive oil (EVOO)
Salt, pepper and Louisiana seasoning (to taste).
1 Sheet aluminum foil (heavy duty)

Directions:
1. Place foil on flat surface bend up 1/3 on each side.
2. Pour half EVOO on foil and spread.
3. Wash and slice potatoes and onions.
4. Place half the potatoes on oiled foil next the onion and top with rest of the potatoes.
5. Sprinkle salt, pepper and Louisiana seasoning over the potatoes.
6. Sprinkle rest of the EVOO over the entire mount.
7. Pull sides of foil together and seal tightly.
8. Place over hot coals. Turn when you hear sizzling sound.
9. Turn every few minutes until package puffs up. About 20 min for 3 potatoes

Submitted By: Carolyn Dietle

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Keep the Tent Clean

We put one of those woven grass mats in front of the tent entrance, when we go in most of the dirt stays out side plus we use the tarp on the tent floor on the inside and out.

Submitted By: Mary Gessner

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Backyard Camp-out

You don't have to haul out the suitcases load up the car worry about traffic or answer the infamous inquiry "Are we there yet?" This vacation begins the moment you reach your own backyard.

Pick a night when the whole family can take a break from the usual routine. Turn the answering machine on and declare the house off-limits. Then pitch a tent in your yard or drape a tarp over a clothesline for shelter and pile sleeping bags or blankets inside. You can even build a safe campfire in a portable grill or hibachi for roasting marshmallows (see More than S'mores for campfire tips and 16 recipes).

When everyone's had his fill strike up a round of campfire songs or storytelling. And don't forget to help your kids search the sky for the Big Dipper Little Bear and other favorite constellations.

Although stargazing is best on dark moonless nights you might consider camping out under a full moon-- when nature's own night-light can take some of the spookiness out of the enterprise.

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Not so Brave!

We planned a Camping trip for the whole family at Kendall Campground here in KY.  We also invited another couple and their children to come with us. We laughed and relaxed all weekend long.  It was nice to have all of us and our children together.  We watched the kids try to scare each other.  We had a skunk come up into our campsite.  I yelled out Skunk, and you should have seen them run.  I threw my coke into the air.  Nikki jumped clear over the picnic table.  Then we all laughed for hours about the whole ordeal.  The men always want to stay up later then the children and wives.  My husband stayed out a while relaxing in the lawn chair.  All was quite inside the camper and then here he comes.  "You will never believe what just happened.  I was sitting here in my chair, when around the camper comes the skunk.  It looks at me, I look at him."  And next thing, I know he is in the camper.  Oh, so much for the strong and brave.  I will never let him live that down.
We had a very nice weekend.
Submitted By: Rhonda Roberts Columbia, KY

Eureka Lightening Bug Sleeping Bag

This sleeping bag has a single layer quilt and a ThermaShield™ Premium fill, making it very warm for children.

The comfortable sleeping bag has a Wicking 190T polyester taffeta liner, is rectangular shape for a roomy inside and has inside stash pocket for storing essentials. Its durable 190T polyester taffeta shell, #5 two-way, non-locking, self repairing coil zipper makes it perfect for kids.

The sleeping bag also comes with a coated nylon stuff sack.

Reviewed By: Lisa Clark from Evans, GA

Q: How many times have you used the Lightning Bug Sleeping Bag during the test period?
A: We have used the Lightning Bug two times during the test period.

Q: Was the sleeping bag comfortable to sleep in?
A: This sleeping bag is extremely comfortable for my kids. There is a lot of room to move around in and enough padding inside the bag to have a relaxing and comfortable sleep

Q: What was your favorite feature of the sleeping bag?
A: The best feature was just how soft the sleeping bag was. Especially when choosing a sleeping bag for kids, this is such an important factor. You have to be sure the sleeping bag doesn’t have any rough edges, there is nothing sticking out and that the bag is soft enough for the kids to sleep well during the entire night. But even though it’s soft, you can tell that it’s a very durable product.

Q: Did you find that this sleeping bag was heavier or lighter in weight than other sleeping bags? Is it easy for young children to carry themselves?
A: It was very light, making it very easy for my kids to carry! It’s perfect for camping, especially if the kids want to help unload the car. Normally camping equipment can get pretty heavy, and small children can’t really help out. With this bag, it’s so easy for them to help their parents unload the car when they get to the site.

Q: Was it easy to pack the sleeping bag away in the stuff sack?
A: Yes. It was extremely simple to pack this away. My kids had no trouble at all.

Q: Would you recommend this sleeping bag to parents who plan on taking their children camping?
A: Yes! This sleeping bag is perfect for children. It’s comfortable, warm and easy for the children to load and pack away. It is a great sleeping bag for kids.

Q: Is there any unique feature that sets it apart from other children’s sleeping bag?
A: It’s one of the first sleeping bags I’ve seen that are specifically designed for young children. It’s a perfect size, weight and all around design.

Q: Are there any improvements you would suggest for the sleeping bag?
A: No. I think this bag is perfect the way it is. Parents couldn’t ask for a better sleeping bag for their kids.

Q: Other than camping, would this be a great item for a child to use for other overnight occasions?
A: Yes. This is a great item to use for slumber parties or if you go camping in the backyard with the kids.. 

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Chili Pie Mexican Style

This delicious meal is simple to make and easy to eat! Servings: 4 Prep Time: 20 minutes Ingredients: 1 can chili Beans - Any brand 2 tomatoes- chopped 1 can green chilies 1 small can sliced olives 1 bag of nacho chips 1 bottle of salsa Sour Cream optional Directions: Chop and heat all ingredients in one pot over campfire.  Spoon chili over nacho chips and top with cheese and salsa Great hot and easy meal with lots of flavor. Submitted By: Angela France Click to Read more

Evening Bath for Kids

Often we go camping with other families and to make the cooking easier we do a sign up sheet before hand for all the meals so everyone doesn't have to cook every day.

For example, we're going camping for a week with three other families so instead of having to cook twice a day for the whole week for just us, we split it up and only have to cook four times for everybody. We also do a cook your own steaks meal on arrival day to avoid cooking a big meal after setting up camp.

The last meal of the trip we usually have a leftover potluck. This system works great for us and frees up a lot of time for everybody!

Submitted By: Kevin Kovars

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Margarine Tub Drum

Your child can sound off with this rhythmic noisemaker.

To make one, you'll need a small margarine tub and lid, colored duct tape, a 3/8-inch dowel cut to an 8-inch length, two 6-inch pieces of string and two wood beads.

First, decorate the tub and lid with shapes cut out of the tape. Use a craft knife (parents only) to cut a 3/8-inch hole through one side of the tub and slide the end of the dowel through it. With the dowel facing down, poke a small hole in each side of the tub. Thread a piece of string through each hole and knot the ends inside the tub. Tie a bead onto the free end of each piece of string. By rolling the dowel back and forth in his hands, your child can make his own one-drum salute.

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Just the Girls!

The best time I had camping was this past June 2007 at Carter Caves in Olive Hill, KY. It rained all the way to the campground and it took us about 3 hours to get there. But once we pulled up the rain stopped. We had an all girls campout with my best friend and youngest daughter. Everyone told us that there was no way we would be able to camp without the help of the men. Boy did we show them we had a blast putting up the tents, cooking over the fire that my daughter started and roasting marshmallows and hotdogs around the campfire at night. We never missed a beat and even told scary stories but the best part was we proved that we are women and that we are strong and had a great time. We bonded like the sisters that we are and the men felt left out when we came home telling what a success our camping trip was.

Submitted By: Carol Pollard, Florence, KY

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Nightstar Flashlight

NightStar is the brightest, most rugged, most reliable, no-battery flashlight for all your outdoor adventures.  This is the light you include in your tackle box or backpack and forget about until you need it ... it will never let you down! With no batteries to worry about, and completely sealed against water penetration, NightStar gives you peace of mind knowing that you will have light when you need it … guaranteed!

Q: How many times have you used your NightStar Flashlight during the test period?
A: I used the NightStar Flashlight multiple times

Q: Do you normally bring a flashlight with you on a camping trip?
A: Yes we normally take one along for our camping trips.

Q: How convenient was this flashlight?
A: It was quite convenient! It is small and very portable.

Q: How long did you have to shake the flashlight before you had enough light?
A: Initially, it took more than the 2 minutes. However, we kept shaking it and after a while it turned on. Thereafter, I’d just shake it a minute and would have light.

Q: Did the flashlight give off enough light?
A: It gave off a fair amount. I would prefer it give off more, but because its so small, it gave off enough for us to see.

Q: How long did light last in the flashlight?
A: I never actually ran it out, and I took it on a few good walks at night.

Q: Did you find this flashlight to be a good size?
A: It was the perfect size.

Q: Do you think this is an essential piece of equipment to take with you on a camping / outdoor trip?
A: Yes. We are getting ready to go on a backpacking trip in the boonies. We will have no source of light except what we take in. My NightStar CS is definitely going in the pack!

Q: Would you recommend this product to fellow campers?
A: Yes, in fact I already have!

By Sharon Cullen of Eagle Point, OR

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Camp Chicken Cordon Blue

When I was a teenager on a family camping trip up the Rogue River in Oregon, my Dad had challenged my sister and I to “who can make the best meal”. Since there is no electricity or running water along the way, we were limited. I wanted to make my favorite Chicken Cordon Blue so I modified a recipe and came up with what is now a tradition for my own families camp outs.

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

4 Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 slices Swiss cheese
4 slices ham, deli style is fine
¾ cup Italian bread crumbs
¼ cup Parmesan cheese
2 eggs
8 pieces of aluminum foil (spray with cooking spray before covering chicken)

Directions:
1. Prepare chicken breasts by cutting a slit along the side, making a “pocket”, do not cut all the way through.
2. In a bowl mix bread crumbs and parmesan cheese.
3. In another bowl beat eggs.
4. Coat chicken breasts with egg, and then coat with bread crumb mixture.
5. Place breaded chicken on greased foil.
6. Stuff “pocket” of chicken with 1 slice of ham and 1 slice of cheese.
7. Cover stuffed chicken with the other piece of foil and crimp sides to seal packet.
8. Place packet over coals or on BBQ until cooked through.
9. Usually about 40 minutes over coals, flipping half way through.

Submitted By: Nicole Scott

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Jug Hand Washer

Use a one gallon jug and a nail. If you are really roughing it, fill a milk jug with water and tie it to a tree by the handle upright. Put a nail in the bottom of the jug. The jug should have a cap on it. When you want to wash your hands, loosen the cap, pull the nail and you have a stream of water. When your done, replace the nail and tighten the cap.

Submitted By: Pete Queen

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Cricket Concert

Move over, Rover. This six-footed pet is absolutely free and fabulously entertaining. With a little determination, you can catch yourself a field cricket and listen to the most famous sound of summertime. In fact, crickets are often kept as pets in Asian countries because their chirping is considered soothing and because they are great burglar alarms. Once a cricket gets used to family members, he'll keep chirping and only stop when a stranger enters. Here's how to keep your temporary houseguest happy.

WHAT ARE THEY?
Field crickets, or Acheta assimilis, are insects that live all over North America. They are brown or black and up to 1 1/4 inches long.

HOW DO I CATCH ONE?
Crickets hide under dead plants, rocks, garbage cans and leaves. To catch one, take a jar to a pile of leaves (or wherever you think your new pet might be hiding). Flip over the leaves until you hit the damp part and spot a cricket. Quickly and gently set the jar down over the cricket and slide a piece of cardboard beneath the mouth of the jar to trap the cricket inside. Cover the jar with a piece of mesh or cheesecloth (something ventilated) and secure it with a rubber band.

DO I HAVE A BOY OR A GIRL?
Female crickets have a long egg-laying "tail" called an ovipositor between their cerci. If you're looking for a musical pet, make sure you get a male (like the one shown). They're the only ones that sing.

WHAT'S HE SINGING?
Sorry, we don't know, but one message you can get from his song is the temperature. Crickets chirp faster in warmer temperatures, so count the number of chirps in 15 seconds and add 40. This will give the approximate temperature in degrees Fahrenheit.

HOW DO I MAKE HIM COMFORTABLE?
In China, crickets are kept in elaborate bamboo houses, but your pet will be just as happy in a ventilated jar or box. Spread sand on the bottom and include a rock or egg carton cup for him to hide under. Add twigs and leaves for aesthetic value and keep him in a cool, shady place.

WHAT WILL HE EAT?
Try small pieces of potato, carrot, apple, lettuce, Cheerios, or a piece of dry dog food soaked in water. Although crickets will get all the water they need from the fruits and vegetables, it's still a good idea to leave a damp cotton ball in the cricket house for extra moisture.

DOES HE NEED A FRIEND?
Probably not. If you put two male crickets together, they get very territorial.The original cricket will chirp loudly, then kick the other one in the face, wrestle him, or even kill him. If you add a female instead, the male will chirp more softly and rock back and forth looking desperate . . . and often the female will just back up and kick the male in the face!

HOW LONG CAN I KEEP HIM?
We recommend that these singing superstars be allowed to move on to their next gig within a day or two.

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