Be Prepared

To be prepared allows you to be calm in any emergency and to make the right decisions.
How do I prepare for Hiking and Camping?
1. Plan.
Where are we going? How long will we be camping? What is the weather forecast (look for flooding, thunderstorms, etc.)? What is the phase of the moon? Get maps of the area. Do you need permssion from the property owner to camp? Do you need a state park camping permit? Where can you get park camping permit? Where can you get water on your trip? What are the known dangers on your trip? Where can I get help if you have a problem? Make sure you have the right shoes for the trip (blisters and sprains will ruin your fun). Make sure Mom and Dad know where you are going, who you are with and when you will be back.

Now you can pack for your trip! Chris discussed the essentials to pack for a six day camp in the wild. What do I need?
Shoes: Hightop hiking shoes and sandals for crossing streams so you keep your hiking shoes dry.
Water: Each gallon of water weighs 7 lbs try to limit what you carry to one gallon. To refill your canteen you need to boil water, chlorine tablets or a water purifier.
Food: Dried foods are the lightest to carry (but you need water to make them)
Cooking Utensils: Mess kit (skillet, plate, pot, fork, knife and spoon); cook stove; gas for the stove
Clothing: Rain coat (poncho), two pair of hiking socks, long pants, shorts, light shirt, heavy shirt, sweater, heavy coat, change of underwear, thermal underwear, hat, gloves, stocking hat, sewing kit.
First aid: First aid kit, mosquito repellent, head net, suntain lotion SPF 30, sunburn ointment, butterfly closures/steri strips.
Personal hygiene: Tooth brush, tooth paste, dental floss, biodegradable soap (for cooking and hand washing); 2 pair of sunglasses, eye glasses straps (without them you'll lose your glasses), toilet paper.
Camping Gear: Back pack, back pack rain cover, tent, sleeping bag & sleeping pad, water purifier, canteens/water containers, flash lights and batteries, compass, altimeter, waterproof watch, mirror, ax, utility knife, letterman (all purpose tool), belt clips, ropes, towels, trash bags(you always carry your trash, they can also be used as a rain coat), zip lock bags (to keep things dry), waterproof disposbale camera (always ask mom before taking her good camera).