Family Radio CHRI

These Are the Days of Summer

Camping Hacks from a Scout Leader

Camping Hacks

We’re blessed to live in a country filled with natural beauty and protected park lands. In Ontario alone, over 6.6 million campsite nights were reserved in 2021 across 100 visitor-friendly provincial campgrounds. The next time you venture out for a day or weekend to experience the glory of God’s creation, here are some hacks to improve your stay.

 

Campsite

Camp

  • Bring leather work gloves or old metal tongs for managing a campfire
  • Use a headlamp for hands-free lighting
  • Put a tarp or ground-sheet under your tent to prevent moisture from seeping in, but don’t extend it past the edges of your tent or it might collect rain.
  • Learn at least 1 basic knot (and bring rope). The Reef Knot will help you suspend a tarp, tie things to the roof of your car, keep your boat from floating away, tie a clothesline, etc.
  • Create a hand wash station by filling a spouted jug with pre-mixed water and dish soap.
  • Stay warm at night by filling a water bottle with hot water and placing inside your sleeping bag
  • Turn off the interior lights on your car so the batteries don’t run out

 

Roading SquaresFood

  • Try toasting Rice Krispy squares as an alternative to S’mores
  • Keep food out of reach of animals by suspending it from a tree, locking it in your car at night, or weighing it down under a picnic table.
  • Prepare food in advance: pre-cut veggies and store in bags, marinade and freeze chicken, etc.

 

Scavenger HuntEntertainment

  • Many provincial parks have planned activities and Kids Discovery Kits to borrow. Ask the front desk when you check in!
  • Give your kids a nature scavenger hunt to keep them busy and exploring
  • Pack rainy day or nighttime activities, like a book, board games, colouring
  • Have quiet activities ready in the tent for your kids if they wake up before you

 

Games at CampMaintenance

  • Your sleeping bags will last longer if you stuff them instead of rolling. This keeps them from developing creases and reducing their effectiveness.
  • Air out your tents and sleeping bags after camp to prevent mildew

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