Camping In The Wilderness

Written By: Tyler

Table Of Contents:
I: Planning and Prepping
II: Arrival
III: Fire
IV: Entertainment

So, you've decided to head to the Great Outdoors. Having fun and making the most out of your experience is the best way to learn, so set yourself up before camping.

When camping, the first-most logical thing to do is to find out where you want to camp. There are plenty of options to choose from, ranging from state land to your/ a friend's/ family member's property. In your investigation, you are going to want to have a water source nearby, and obviously trees.

Next, decide who will be joining your crusade. Having friends and/or family can increase how fun your stay will be, and therefore make you enjoy the camping more than sitting in the woods by yourself. Be sure that you don't bring too many people, or you could go the whole trip without talking to a certain person.

Now, you've got to start packing! Obviously you will need food and water. If you are staying for a long period of time, search for non-perishable items to keep your food fresh. If you are staying for a shorter period of time, any food that won't expire in a few days should hold up just fine. You will want to bring at least enough water bottles, or other drinks such as Gatorade or soda, to assume each person in your party will drink to or three per day.

Chapter I: Planning and Preparation

For example, if you and your two best friends are staying for three days, bring a twenty or thirty pack of water just to be safe. Finally, you are going to want shelter. It can range from a sleeping bag or a tent, to a camper or hammock. Make sure you bring enough space for all of your party members and plan accordingly to the weather. You should check with other members in your group to make sure everyone is on the same page for shelter.

For precautionary purposes, you could leave a note with someone you trust to explain when you left and plan to be back, where you went, and who went with you. If something happened to go wrong, this person would know to come looking for you if you aren't home by the suggested time.

Chapter II: Arrival

Great. You have successfully planned and packed for your trip. Now you have arrived at the location, and you need to get to work before sundown. Simply set up a tent, sleeping bag, or whatever type of shelter you brought yourself. Place it somewhere away from hazards such as, but not limited to; Water, old trees, or you fire. When setting up, make sure you locate any exit(s) you could use in case of any emergency, such as is your fire spread (See Chapter III to learn how to avoid this), If someone got sick, or if you get a little surprise from Mr. Voorhees*.

* Jason Voorhees is the main antagonist from the legendary Friday The 13th film series

Wunderbar. The only thing you are missing now is a campfire to hang around, and maybe cook some food. Anything and everything you need can be found on the ground. Find a bunch of rocks, depending on the size of your fire (The more the merrier), and place them in a circle or whatever shape you want your fire to be contained in. This will ensure your fire won't escape the area it is settled in.

Now, find the logs that you brought or chopped, and set them up in a pyramid-like stance, such as the picture on the previous page. Three, four, or five logs should do plenty. Now you will want to find some small sticks on the ground, and place them on, under, and around the logs. Strike your match and set it in the fire pit you've just successfully created. Make sure to tend the fire when it gets dim. Congrats! Camp is officially complete!