CAMPING 101
So now you are an Adventure Guide, what next?
If you are new to camping, it might seem overwhelming to actually pull off a night without a roof over your head. No worries, there are lots of folks to ask for advice. Here are a few pointers to get you started, but feel free to ask any of the Longhouse for help.
Tent: The size and style of tent you choose are completely dependent on what type of camper you are. Down and dirty former backpackers are good with a little, lightweight single wall version; but since you are bringing your car - and chances are that if you don't enjoy the first night, you won't try it again - consider a larger tent with a big door that you able to (mostly) stand-up in. Tent-size is rated in "man" and refers to how many adult sleeping bags could fit on the floor of the tent. A 4-man tent will technically sleep four people but it will be tight, especially if your child tends to migrate in the night. The general rule is to subtract a man or two from the tent rating.
Sleeping bag: Since AG tent campouts are in summer and fall, almost any bag will suit; even sheets and a blanket as long as you have a ground barrier. Please be aware that bags have temperature ratings. These ratings are not "comfort" temperatures. Generally, it is best to add 10 to 20 degrees for a comfort rating (a 40F-bag is suitable for overnight weather in the 50s).
Pillow: Comfort factor . . . You don't need it but you will want it. You can buy light weight, compressible, washable pillows but most people will just bring their pillow from home. If you forget yours, stuff spare clothes inside a clean t-shirt.
Sleeping pad/air mattress/cot: Your perceived level of comfort comes into play again! The name of the game here is the get your body off the ground. Sleeping pads come in all sorts and sizes, from a roll of foam to a self-inflating cushion and can cost from $5-$100. An air mattress (usually inflated with a battery powered pump) will give you more cushion, but make sure your tent is big enough to accommodate it. Also, if your sleeping companion moves a lot, sleeping on an air mattress can make you think you're on board a boat. Cot - what else is there to say? Big and bulky, but the most like home.
Flashlight/headlamp: Essential! The tree roots amplify at night! Just kidding; but really, you'll need some way to navigate in the dark, whether its flashlight tag for the kids or finding the bathroom in the middle of the night. A headlamp (think miner) will leave you hands free to do all sorts of tasks from unzipping the tent to sharpening a stick (see below).
Camp chair: Every AG campout includes a roaring campfire and lots of marshmallow roasting. Bring a chair to relax!
Clothes: Chances are, your child will get muddy and that's part of being a kid, right? Remember to pack lots of clothes options including rainwear and warmer clothes for nighttime. Don't forget an extra pair of shoes! Generally, for camping & hiking, layers are best (add or remove, not replace).
Toiletries/First Aid kit/Medications
Sunscreen/bug repellent
Food and drink: Find foods that pack and travel well. It might not be three square meals; that's okay, just pack lots of hardy snacks that the kids can grab and go with. Be aware though camping involves interaction with wild animals, especially raccoons. Lock or bungee your coolers or food bins, or stow in the car.
Entertainment: Bring games to share! Football, soccer, corn hole, etc. for outside and quiet things like card games, books, etc for settling into the tent. Please leave all electronics and weapon type toys at home.
If you are new to camping, it might seem overwhelming to actually pull off a night without a roof over your head. No worries, there are lots of folks to ask for advice. Here are a few pointers to get you started, but feel free to ask any of the Longhouse for help.
Tent: The size and style of tent you choose are completely dependent on what type of camper you are. Down and dirty former backpackers are good with a little, lightweight single wall version; but since you are bringing your car - and chances are that if you don't enjoy the first night, you won't try it again - consider a larger tent with a big door that you able to (mostly) stand-up in. Tent-size is rated in "man" and refers to how many adult sleeping bags could fit on the floor of the tent. A 4-man tent will technically sleep four people but it will be tight, especially if your child tends to migrate in the night. The general rule is to subtract a man or two from the tent rating.
Sleeping bag: Since AG tent campouts are in summer and fall, almost any bag will suit; even sheets and a blanket as long as you have a ground barrier. Please be aware that bags have temperature ratings. These ratings are not "comfort" temperatures. Generally, it is best to add 10 to 20 degrees for a comfort rating (a 40F-bag is suitable for overnight weather in the 50s).
Pillow: Comfort factor . . . You don't need it but you will want it. You can buy light weight, compressible, washable pillows but most people will just bring their pillow from home. If you forget yours, stuff spare clothes inside a clean t-shirt.
Sleeping pad/air mattress/cot: Your perceived level of comfort comes into play again! The name of the game here is the get your body off the ground. Sleeping pads come in all sorts and sizes, from a roll of foam to a self-inflating cushion and can cost from $5-$100. An air mattress (usually inflated with a battery powered pump) will give you more cushion, but make sure your tent is big enough to accommodate it. Also, if your sleeping companion moves a lot, sleeping on an air mattress can make you think you're on board a boat. Cot - what else is there to say? Big and bulky, but the most like home.
Flashlight/headlamp: Essential! The tree roots amplify at night! Just kidding; but really, you'll need some way to navigate in the dark, whether its flashlight tag for the kids or finding the bathroom in the middle of the night. A headlamp (think miner) will leave you hands free to do all sorts of tasks from unzipping the tent to sharpening a stick (see below).
Camp chair: Every AG campout includes a roaring campfire and lots of marshmallow roasting. Bring a chair to relax!
Clothes: Chances are, your child will get muddy and that's part of being a kid, right? Remember to pack lots of clothes options including rainwear and warmer clothes for nighttime. Don't forget an extra pair of shoes! Generally, for camping & hiking, layers are best (add or remove, not replace).
Toiletries/First Aid kit/Medications
Sunscreen/bug repellent
Food and drink: Find foods that pack and travel well. It might not be three square meals; that's okay, just pack lots of hardy snacks that the kids can grab and go with. Be aware though camping involves interaction with wild animals, especially raccoons. Lock or bungee your coolers or food bins, or stow in the car.
Entertainment: Bring games to share! Football, soccer, corn hole, etc. for outside and quiet things like card games, books, etc for settling into the tent. Please leave all electronics and weapon type toys at home.
Where to shop? Local discounters like WalMart, Dicks Sporting Goods, or Target can outfit you inexpensively for the type of camping we do in Adventure Guides; but for more durability consider consulting a local expert at Geiger's in Lakewood, The Backpacker Shop in Sheffield Village, the REI Co-op in Beechwood. Online sites to research include rei.com, ems.com or campmor.com.
Another great resource is Hikers Direct. This organization is the Alps Mountaineering (and affiliates) clearance site and offers some remarkable deals. They ship quickly and their inventory changes regularly. Hikers Direct is reserved exclusively for scouting groups of which Adventure Guides is accepted. You will need to register an email with them to shop & buy.
Packing lists: REI's Camping Checklist & REI's Backpacking Checklist
Another great resource is Hikers Direct. This organization is the Alps Mountaineering (and affiliates) clearance site and offers some remarkable deals. They ship quickly and their inventory changes regularly. Hikers Direct is reserved exclusively for scouting groups of which Adventure Guides is accepted. You will need to register an email with them to shop & buy.
Packing lists: REI's Camping Checklist & REI's Backpacking Checklist