The Four Key Ingredients of Camping Success

 I love to camp, and now is the perfect time of year to camp. The weather has turned to a wonderful temperature for camping, and I’m sure most of you already have some plans for your summer fun. I want to give you just a few simple suggestions that will make your camping trip even more fun because you will be more prepared.
    The first ingredient of successful camping is a good plan. Consider the time, destination, activities and food that is going to be involved in the trip.

Benefits of Being Well-Prepared

      –  Time: All the other preplanning for a trip, of course, depends on the amount of time you have. Will the trip be just for the morning or afternoon? Will it be for overnight, for a weekend or longer? Backpacking trips and long camping trips will take more careful planning than an evening cookout. You may even need to plan far enough in advance to obtain a permit or make a reservation.
    – Destination: Your destination will determine how carefully you plan the trip. As much pertinent information as possible should be gathered about the selected destination so that accurate planning and prep-a-ra-tion can be made.
    Considerations of climate and length of trip dictate the amount and type of clothing to take. You should make careful purchases for locations where shopping is impossible. Drinking water may have to be transported to areas where no water is available.
    – Activities and food: It is important that you organize each day’s activities, then plan the equipment, clothing and meals around them. A long afternoon hike, for example, will allow just enough time for a one-pot meal to simmer on the coals. For an all-day hike, on the other hand, plan a heavy breakfast, a simple sack lunch carried in a day pack or sack around the belt and a snack for energy. If you intend to return to camp late, plan a meal that is quick to prepare or was left to cook while you were away.
    I hope you consider time, destination, activities and food before you go on your next camping trip. Remember, camping is fun, but it is even more fun when you are well prepared.