Camping Adventures

By Daphne Kanellopoulos

Camping means different things to different people. Some prefer to hike two miles to their campsite, while others only want to hike two feet to their campsite. You have to consider what your preference is before you set out for your adventure. You will want to find out what a campsite's policy is on reservations and cancellations. You will also want to check the checkout time for each campsite. Find out if the water is drinkable or if you need to bring your own. Most, if not all, campsites have quiet hours that you must observe. When you consider what to bring when you do go camping, you have to think about what you will need. If you're idea of "roughing it" means driving to the nearest fast food chain, then that will eliminate the need for cooking gear. If you want to bring a pet, find out the campsite's regulations.

Don't go alone. You will need food, water, shelter, first aid and heat (if you plan to cook). Don't go alone. If you have an allergy to bee stings or mosquito bites, make sure you have the medication you need should you encounter them. Don't go alone. It is a good idea to have a mess kit with a deep enough pan to boil water.

When it comes to camping with children, some would argue that it is never to early to start them. Parents have to use their own discretion with that. One can set up a campsite to get young children comfortable with the idea of camping. If the day gets extended into the evenings on later trips and the children are having a good time, they may want to spend the night outdoors. You could also start camping out in your backyard if you have enough space to do so.

There are certain things to consider if you like camping in cold weather or high elevations. It is safest to have clothing, a sleeping bag and techniques that would make it unnecessary to have a heater. It isn't safe to have a heat source going while sleeping. Don't wear day clothing to bed. Put on a complete set of dry clothing. Don't wear cotton. It will absorb moisture and retain it, causing your body heat to be transferred away from your body. Use a thin synthetic garment next to your skin. Then next layer can be wool or a high-tech fabric that isn't cotton.It is critical to get a good night's sleep in the mountains or cold weather to prepare your body for the day ahead.

Here are some camping suggestions from recreation.gov:

• Don't litter... take along a trash bag or other receptacle for collecting your trash so that you can deposit it in the proper trash receptacle.
• Make sure that you are using the correct type of camping equipment permitted in that area. Check with your destination ahead of time for campstove restrictions that may be in place.
• Don't camp in areas where you are not permitted. These areas have been declared "off-limits" to campers to protect wildlife, vegetation, or for your safety.
• Check with local park, forest, or public lands agents to see what precautions need to be taken in regards to storing food away from wildlife.
• Take precautions against camping in an area that may be dangerous in the case of sudden flash floods. Check with local rangers to find a safe and legal camping area.
• Remember to take along non-perishable food that wont make you ill if it spoils.
• Be courteous and remember that you are sharing public lands with other campers and recreationists.
• Do not camp on unauthorized areas.
• Bring along extra safety items such as water, flashlights, maps, and a cell phone or radio.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warns consumers that each year there are about 30 deaths and 450 injuries because of carbon monoxide poisoning from the use of portable camping heaters, lanterns, or stoves inside tents, campers, and vehicles. Follow these guidelines coming from the organizations website, www.cspc.gov, to prevent this colorless, odorless gas from poisoning you and your family:

• Do not use portable heaters or lanterns while sleeping in enclosed areas such as tents, campers, and other vehicles. This is especially important at high altitudes, where the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning is increased.
• Know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning: headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, sleepiness, and confusion. Carbon monoxide reduces the blood's ability to carry oxygen. Low blood oxygen levels can result in loss of consciousness and death.
• See a doctor if you or a member of your family develops flu-like symptoms while camping. Carbon monoxide poisoning, which can easily be mistaken for a cold or flu, is often detected too late.
• Alcohol consumption and drug use increase the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Carbon monoxide is especially toxic to mother and child during pregnancy, infants, the elderly, smokers, and people with blood or circulatory system problems, such as anemia, or heart disease.
• CPSC is working with the camping equipment industry to limit the amount of carbon monoxide produced by portable heaters, lanterns, and stoves. Labels warning campers about carbon monoxide poisoning are being developed for these products.

The National Park Service (NPS) offers the following tips on their website, nps.gov:

• Do not trench around your tent. It destroys roots and soil networks.
• Do not damage vegetation or feed or harass wild animals. You are sharing their habitat.
• Camp at least 200 feet from any source of water and at least 100 feet from a trail.
• Purify all water taken from natural sources.
• Be prepared for sudden weather changes.
• Tell a responsible friend or family member know where you are and when you will return.
• Keep wildlife wild! Do not feed wildlife, including birds. Feeding them is dangerous for you and unhealthy for them.
• Pack out all trash and burned refuse. Leave nothing but footprints.
• Never trench around your tents. Choose a dry campsite and protect the soils you sleep on.

NPS urges taking these steps when hiking:

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