subject: Does Packing For Camping Get You Down? [print this page] A friend invites you and your family to go camping with them. While you would love to, you could certainly use a break, and the kids would love it, the thought of packing everything from salt and pepper to preshaving cream is quite a deterrent!
Camping is equal to one week getting ready, two days enjoying nature, friends and family and two days doing laundry and cleaning when you get home. Are there ways to simplify this process? Yes. If you are a regular camper, invest in a couple of storage tubs to keep separate camping gear from regular kitchen equipment. There is nothing worse than making beautiful pancakes after the morning hike only to realize you forgot the pancake turner and oil. Make lists. Consider the details.
If, for instance, you are planning on pancakes for breakfast, visualize yourself making them, what you do you need? A bowl for mixing, a spoon, a spatula, a griddle, pancake mix and ingredients, plates, forks, syrup and butter. Fresh fruit or yogurt is great on pancakes also. Visualize everything you will need and make a list. Start as early as possible. Don't stress just keep writing things down.
Next stop - a charity shop. Here you can buy all the camping gear for cooking at pennies on the dollar and not take your good stuff to the woods. Buy a used pan for boiling water, one for frying fish, one for hamburgers etc. Think simply. You don't want to overdo the camping gear. Part of the reason you are going in the first place it to relax and enjoy nature. If you drag your house along, you will spend the weekend cooking and cleaning just like at home. While at the thrift shop buy a couple of outfits for each child. That way when camping is over; you wash the clothes and put them back in the tubs for next time.
Camping gear gets to be overwhelming, sleeping bags, foam pads, tents, fishing supplies, hiking gear, rain gear, etc. Again, simplify when possible and have a separate place for all your camping needs. Don't forget hygiene and in sundries. Keep a plastic shoebox container packed with sunscreen, contact solution, and cases, toothbrushes for everyone, floss, pre shaving and shaving cream as the outdoors can be hard on a beard. Think of all the things you will use and only pack them once!
Enjoy camping; it is American's favorite pastime. Pay the dues to organize yourself once and you will enjoy camping all season. Use the same menus each time you go to simplify. No one gets tired of tin foil and Dutch oven dinners. When your friend calls, respond with enthusiasm, "We'd love to go"!
