Camping Essentials: Great Resources for Campers

Great American Backyard CampoutWith NWF’s Great American Backyard Campout right around the corner, (JUNE 28th 2008) I thought it would be great to post about great resources campers can use while on their own personal outdoor adventures. So to begin I’ll start with the necessary items (like first aid and packing lists) and I’ll finish up with some campfire activities everyone can enjoy!

Camping Essentials:

#1. Know What You’re Packin’:
First things first, it helps to have a thorough packing list for a camping trip. Don’t forget to include items like your sun glasses, sunscreen and bug spray!(If you are a beginning camper..check out this pdf that tells you everything you’ll need.)

#2. Always Remember First Aid!
Safety is always important, and so is making sure you have a handy first aid kit ! Once you create a first aid kit that includes all the essentials, you can take it with you and hopefully never use it.

#3 Be Extra Safe With These Camping and Campfire Tips.
Don’t forget to read over some great tips on how to best prepare you and your friends or family for camping! Here are some safe campfire and camping tips to keep in mind.

#4 Camping-Friendly Recipes: Everything From Sloppy Joes to Cornbread.
Just because you may be far away from a traditional stove doesn’t mean you have to miss out on delicious food. Here are some great camping recipes that also include some awesome pie iron tips! If you’ve got camping recipes to share, be sure to visit and share them on the forum! Check them out and don’t forget to pack them when the time comes…

#5 Use Wildlife Resources To Observe Your “Neighbors”
NWF encourages people to learn about their natural surroundings and that includes in your backyard or nearby park. Using great sites like Wildlife Watch and Night Watch, you can observe wildlife in a number of ways! Download wildlife lists and keep an eye, ear and nose out for fun things to spot.

#6 Camping Games and Activities:
If you are between the ages of 6-113 then you should check out these games and crafts. I’m all for crafts, and while I know that is a little unusual for a girl in her twenties, I have to admit that i’m excited to check out campfire games. And I’ve definitely made my share of terrariums in my day! Also, don’t forget to sing along to these fine camping songs!( I personally don’t subject people to my singing, but be my guest!)

For those of you who do take the time to do Campout on June 28th and would like to commemorate the night, feel free to check out our selection of t-shirts. But we encourage people to camp through out the summer and in doing so connect to our wonderful surroundings. There are some awesome resources to find the right answers to your camping questions! You can even find a campsite with ReserveAmerica and continue the adventure while learning more about wildlife.

What’s the buzz around campout? Check out these awesome blogs and what they have to say…

Tree Hugger
Georgia Outdoors

Great Wild Outdoors
Life as A Mom
Newswise
Tampa Bay Newspaper