Are you going on a camping trip for a class at Middle School, or in your backyard with a friend, but not sure what to bring? Are you going camping with only your friends in the backyard? Even if it doesn't seem like a big deal, you know you want to have lots of fun. Here's the how-to way!
Steps
1
Gather your basic supplies. This is where you decide what you'll NEED. Not what you want, or wish you had. Bring the basics like sleeping bags, pillows, deodorant, comb, change of clothes, PJs, your stuffed teddy bear, toothbrush, and toothpaste to name a few. Be sure to include a rope if you're residing in an area where animals seek human food, so you can hang it up by a tree. But, alas, whatever your necessities may be, like your inhaler or sleeping medication, be sure to include it in your sleeping bag.
2
Plan out what you'll be eating. If you're staying with friends, plan TOGETHER on what you want to bring. Simple things like hot dogs or hamburgers (For the experienced, of course.) to vegetarian, dried goods like tofu or a juicy apple can also work. Be sure to bring some dessert as well, like bush pies or marshmallow s'mores.
3
What are your wants / wishes? Make a chart and talk to your parents about what your allowed to bring and what you aren't allowed to bring. Most recommend not bringing technological devices, seeing that it might ruin the 'camping experience' but this is your camping experience, so be the judge on what you think you should bring, and what you think you should leave home. Some things that you might want to bring might be your cell phone in case something happens, a camera to remember the memories, and other items that will serve as a positive experience for you.
4
Pack all of these utensils into a duffel bag or bag. Be sure to leave the food at the top, as you wouldn't want it to be smushed by your sleeping bag or clothes. Put items in specific places for an easier way to find your utensils. Keep your rope at the top of your bag, to quickly tie it to a tree, which would be out of predators reach.
5
Once you arrive, choose a basic camping spot. Be sure to stay at high ground, where if it rains, the rain won't stay around your tent, but will go down via gravity. If you don't have any 'high ground' when tenting, or your staying in your backyard, you can dig a trench around your tent to allow the water to relieve the building water. Be sure to take a look at your weather forecasting and calculate how much water will accumulate.
6
Be sure to know where the Police Station is in your area. If something were to happen, you would know where to go if the case were to happen. Talk with your friends and decide a 'buddy' system. If there is an uneven amount of friends, everyone should be another's buddy for safety reasons.
7
Remember to have fun and stay up late. It's a camping trip, not a school night! Bring some marshmallows and make s'mores, or pack some bread and pie filling and make bush pies. This is your night or nights, for however long your staying at the site.
8
When leaving, be sure to leave the spot as you found it. Rid of all the litter and burnt fire logs if you have a place to deposit them. Be sure to tidy your whole surrounding before you leave. You can leave your trench for future campers, though.
