Camping Brings out Love for Nature and Family

Camping in the Philippines is not very popular. We only get to experience it during primary school days with our Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts troop. Then after that, if we get lucky, at the beach during outings. That's as far as we can go.

One reason why people are not so into camping is comfort. We have this idea that if you go outdoors, you'd be beating yourself hard as you sleep on badly set up hammocks while mosquitoes feast on you. Nowadays though, there are air beds you can bring, lightweight electric fans, very comfortable sleeping bags and lots of gadgets and tools you can camp with.

Best Camping Trip Tips states it plainly: "With today’s amenities there is no need to “rough it” on a camping trip. Even folks that insist they don’t like to camp may enjoy modern day camping that can have much of the comforts of home."

Here are basic things to keep in mind when introducing camping to your family or friends:

• Bonfire

What is camping without it? Roasts some marshmallows or hot dogs while exchanging stories, playing games or singing. Make sure though you put out the fire once finished.

In my husband's side of the family, bonfire lighting has been a tradition whenever we are in Batangas during Holy Week. All the kids, even teens would gather the firewood from the shore or the nearby mountain and when it comes nighttime, all would huddle together for some jokes and drinks.

• Bring as much as you can

Actually, this could get tricky. My experience has always been that after all the great packing, there would always be something we'd forget. I suggest you pack days prior to camping so you will not rush. Go through your closet, even the whole household to check things you could bring that would make the experience better, like camera, batteries, flashlights, compass, lighters/matches, first aid kits, cards or other games.

CampingExpert.co.uk suggests this list. If you are going with a big group, you can agree who brings what so you don't bring the whole house with you.


1. Sleeping Quarters
2. Tent including pegs/stakes, guy ropes
3. Groundsheet
4. Flysheet
5. Mallet
6. Sleeping bags/blankets
7. Air bed/lilo
8. Roll mats/pads to lie on
9. Pillows
10. Cooking Equipment
11. Cooker, stove, barbecue kit
12. Bottled gas or other form of fire igniting material – wood or charcoal, for example
13. Matches/lighter
14. Cooling box
15. Pans, pots, plates, cutlery, cups, glasses
16. Cooking utensils, e.g. large spoon, fork, ladle, tongs
17. Tin opener, bottle opener, corkscrew
18. Sharp knife for food preparation
19. Food storage containers
20. Thermos flask
21. Bin bags
22. Kitchen foil, kitchen tissue, napkins
23. Washing up bowl and liquid
24. Dishcloths and tea towels
25. Food and drink supplies
26. Personal Hygiene
27. Soap and shampoo
28. Toothbrush and toothpaste
29. Deodorant
30. Towels
31. Toilet paper
32. Sanitary towels
33. Wet wipes
34. Warm clothes
35. Cool clothes
36. Waterproofs
37. Boots/walking shoes and any other appropriate footwear
38. Beachwear
39. Sun hat
40. Woollen hat
41. First aid kit
42. Insect repellent
43. Sun cream
44. Antihistamines
45. Antiseptic
46. Plasters/bandages
47. Paracetamol or some other kind of pain relief
48. Torch
49. Mobile phone
50. Camera, binoculars
51. Toys, books, games, cds/dvds and cd/dvd players, radio
52. Spare batteries
53. Backpack
54. Outdoor ‘furniture’ e.g. foldaway chairs/tables
55. Miscellaneous tools, e.g. screwdriver, scissors, tweezers
56. Pen and paper
57. Safety pins, sewing kit
58. Duct tape
59. Trowel
60. Spare rope, spare tarp
61. Map and compass

Choose good company

Make sure you go with the right people. Any trip is most enjoyable with the best buddies along. Also, be in a fun, adventurous mood yourself. Be the one to set the attitude.

No trash, please

The whole point of going outdoors is to experience nature firsthand - the twinkling night sky, the fresh breeze, the melodious forest animal chorus, the bright morning sun. Don't leave your marks by leaving your trash. Bury them if you must!

Don't interact with wild animals

You shouldn’t try and feed any animals you see – remember, they’re called wildlife for a reason. If you have a dog with you, keep it under close control so it doesn’t worry any farm or wild animals, advises CampingExpert.co.uk.

Bring your family out there and explore the wonders of nature. Experience a thrill of a life time taking a dip into the cool stream waters, picking fruits along the trail. Be on the look out for lessons to teach the kids, or stay quiet and just let them explore. Enjoy the outdoors!

Camping Resource:
http://www.allpaddedup.com/best-camping-trip-tips.html
CampingExpertCo.uk

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