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All articles by My Camp Kitchen – Page 2

How to Choose the Best Tent to Buy This Season

Posted by My Camp Kitchen //
 June 6, 2014
Tent Buying Tips

The right tent can enhance your camping experience and make it more enjoyable for all. Before you make a decision, consider how you will be using your tent and what you want your shelter to provide. These four considerations will help you narrow down your option so you can make a practical decision.

1. Seasonal use

Do you only camp in the summer, or are you a four-season camper? If summer is your preferred season, you can select a tent designed to protect you from rain, heat, and insects. On the other hand, four-season tents are available if you like to camp throughout the entire year. These will offer additional protection against the cold and snow when needed.

2. Size

Consider the average number of people occupying the tent on each trip. If you mostly go on family camping trips, select a tent big enough for everyone to sleep comfortably in. Remember to account for any gear you may want to store in the tent.

3. Weight

If you load your vehicle with camping gear and drive to the campsite, weight isn’t much of an issue. If you’re a backpacking camper and take your gear with you, opt for a lightweight option that will be easy to carry.

4. Special features

There are a variety of special features some tents offer that you may wish to consider. For example, some tents have reflective strips for better visibility at night. Others have fabric zippers to prevent noise when it’s windy. Consider the various features available and decide what’s most convenient for you.

Buying a tent can be a big investment, so make sure your decision best reflects your needs. With the right tent, you can feel more comfortable on your trip and enjoy the experience more fully.

5 Summer Music Festivals That Offer the Perfect Camping Getaway

Posted by My Camp Kitchen //
 May 30, 2014
Summer Music Festivals

The music festival scene continues to grow in popularity, which is no surprise as it combines the exciting experience of listening to live music with one of summer’s best activities: camping. Join in on the fun by camping out at one of these five summer music festivals and experience a trip unlike any other!

1. Bonnaroo

June

Manchester, Tennessee

If you’re looking for musical variety, Bonnaroo is for you. It’s one of America’s largest music festivals and offers a wide range of music styles, including jazz, country, indie rock, and pop. Bring a tent or drive your RV to the festival. The camping area can get crowded, but you’ll make plenty of new friends!

2. Summer Set Music Festival

August

Somerset, Wisconsin

If you prefer a more low-key festival and camping experience, spend some time enjoying Wisconsin’s Summer Set Music Festival. Music ranges from indie to hip-hop. When you’re ready to take a break from the live shows, you can spend some time relaxing and tubing down the Apple River.

3. Countryfest

June

Cadott, Wisconsin

Put on a cowboy hat and get ready to rock out to some of your favorite country tunes. Countryfest puts together an impressive lineup featuring some of country’s biggest artists ranging from Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley. You can choose to camp on-site or find a campground nearby.

4. High Sierra

July

Quincy, California

Bring your whole family to the High Sierra music festival. Besides a varied selection of music genres that includes jazz and bluegrass, this festival offers fun activities for both kids and adults. There are plenty of places to camp on- or off-site, and you can also camp in a tent or RV.

5. Firefly

June

Dover, Delaware

Many nationally known artists perform at the Firefly music festival each year, and this summer is no exception. Guests can set up camp near their cars, and they also have the option to purchase a “glamping” package, which provides air-conditioned tents and cots with blankets and pillows.

Bring your friends or family together for a weekend of music and camping. Don’t wait too long before buying your tickets, though—they go fast!

Practice These Low-Impact Camping Tips on Your Next Trip

Posted by My Camp Kitchen //
 May 23, 2014
Forest River

Camping is a time to experience and enjoy the wonderful beauty of nature. It’s hard to appreciate its wonder, however, when human activity has altered an environment’s natural state. Do your part to protect the natural environment you camp in by following these low-impact camping tips.

1. Choose a durable campsite

Grounds fewer than 200 feet away from rivers or lakes tend to be soft and can’t withstand camping wear and tear as well as firm and dry dirt can. You should also avoid setting up camp in an area heavily populated with flora. Walking on plant life too much could eventually cause them to die.

2. Protect the water

Soap pollutes waterways and can cause harm to animals who drink from them. Set up your own washing station away from the waterway and use biodegradable soap as well as naturally based cleansing products.

3. Be cautious with fire

Most campers don’t realize how their fires impact the environment. If possible, use a stove for cooking. If fires are allowed where you’re camping, be sure to use the fire rings or pans to keep it contained.

4. Respect wildlife and plants

While you can enjoy the wildlife and plants surrounding you, be respectful and don’t touch. When hiking, leave any rocks or plants exactly as you found them and don’t follow animals or feed them.

5. Leave without a trace

Overall, your goal in camping is to leave the campsite exactly as you found it. Bring all of your trash with you when you leave. Bury human/animal waste and food scraps under the ground.

These low-impact camping trips will allow you to enjoy the great outdoors without completely altering its appearance.

5 Best Places to Camp with Your Dog

Posted by My Camp Kitchen //
 May 20, 2014
Camping with Your Dog

Your beloved dog is not just a pet. He’s your best friend and part of the family. So why not take him camping, too? These five campgrounds are dog-friendly, so you’ll never have to leave your furry friend at home while enjoying the great outdoors.

1. Shenandoah National Park

Out of 500 miles of scenic trails, there are only 20 miles that do not allow dogs. That leaves plenty of territory for you and your pet to explore! On a long hike, enjoy seeing the beautiful waterfalls or spend some time bird-watching.

2. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

As long as your dog is on a leash no longer than 6 feet, he can go almost everywhere you can, including the campgrounds, picnic area, and the Gatlinburg Trail and Oconaluftee River Trail.

3. First Landing State Park

For a small fee of five dollars a night, you can bring your pooch with you camping in any of First Landing State Park’s 200 campgrounds. The park offers a wide variety of activities for you and your furry friend to enjoy, such as swimming, hiking, or picnicking.

4. Normandy Farms Family Camping Resort

Take your whole family, including your dog, with you camping in Massachusetts. From hiking to sports to swimming, this beautiful camping resort offers plenty of activities for everyone to enjoy.

5. Grand Canyon National Park

Experience one of top places to visit in the US with your doggie. This incredible site is even better when you’re in good company! As long as your dog’s on a leash, she can go on any of the trails above the rim and in the developed areas.

Don’t let your beloved pets sit at home bored this summer. Bring them on your next adventure and enjoy camping together! To find more campgrounds that are pet-friendly, search by state at Pet-Friendly Travel.

10 Camping Tricks to Make Your Life Easier

Posted by My Camp Kitchen //
 May 9, 2014
Camping Tips and Tricks

In the summer, there’s no better way to spend your time than to go camping. Still, little inconveniences can sometimes diminish the experience. Enjoy your trip even more this summer by following these 10 camping tips.

1. Protect your matches

Cardboard does little to prevent your matches from getting wet. Use a small plastic container instead.

2. Make your own lantern

When you need ambient lighting to fill your whole tent, attach a head lamp to an old milk jug. This simple trick will light up your space in an instant!

3. Use sage to keep the insects away

If you prefer a natural insect repellent, simply burn a bundle of sage to keep the bugs away.

4. Add flavor with spices

There’s no reason why you can’t eat delicious, gourmet meals while camping. Pack a variety of spices in your portable kitchen to keep meals from tasting bland.

5. Brew coffee like tea

Don’t have a coffee maker? No problem! Simply place ground coffee in a tea bag, close it with dental floss, and then let it soak in hot water.

6. Switch out your marinade for rosemary coals

When smoking meat or vegetables, place rosemary right on the coals to enhance the flavor.

7. Pack extra undergarments

There’s nothing more uncomfortable than wearing old or wet undergarments, so be sure to pack extra!

8. Make cooking easier with foil

Almost any meal you want to create can be made using a foil packet. Don’t forget to pack this useful item on your next trip.

9. Prevent sunburn with shade

Along with wearing protection like sunscreen and hats, take some time to relax in the shade now and then so you don’t wake up in pain the next morning.

10. Plan meals ahead of time

If you plan meals ahead of time, you can make sure you have all of the necessary ingredients for your trip and won’t be forced to eat hot dogs every day.

There’s no reason for camping to be difficult! These 10 tricks will help make your camping experience easier and more enjoyable overall.

5 Fun Outdoor Activities for Kids

Posted by My Camp Kitchen //
 May 2, 2014
Family Bird Watching

In our last few blogs, we’ve discussed the dangers of nature deficit disorder and the benefits of spending more time in nature. Now it’s time to start combating the disorder and strategize about ways to get kids outside. That’s why I’ve compiled a list of fun outdoor activities for kids! Whether you’re on a family camping trip or at the local park, these outdoor activities are a great way to pry kids away from their video games and tablets so they can spend more time connecting with nature.

1. Bird-watching

Birds are incredible creatures, and quietly appreciating them can make for a profound experience. Before you head to a local nature preserve or hiking trail with the kids, stop by the nearest library to find a book about different kinds of birds. Then grab your binoculars and sunscreen and enjoy a relaxing afternoon of bird-watching in the park.

2. Go on a scavenger hunt

On your next camping trip, start an adventure by creating a scavenger hunt! Have the kids go around in search of natural elements like pinecones, a wildflower, or river rocks. Whoever finds the most wins! This is a great way to get children to open their eyes to what’s around them and identify various types of trees and plants.

3. Hula hoops

Visiting local parks is a great opportunity to spend time in nature. On your next trip, bring hula hoops for your kids and start a contest to see who can go the longest without the hula hoop falling to the ground. This is a fun way for kids to stay active, and it doesn’t even feel like exercise!

4. Go on a hike

Plan a day trip and go on a hike with your kids to enjoy the amazing scenery of various nature trails. Hikes allow you take in everything nature has to offer and to really savor its beauty. Bring a lunch made using your portable kitchen, then enjoy eating while sitting on a rock in the sun without distractions.

5. Take a swim in the lake or ocean

Why go to a pool when there are beautiful lakes and oceans to enjoy? On a really hot day, pack up your beach things and head to your favorite water spot with the kids.

The weather is starting to warm up, so try any of these fun activities with your kids. A simple dose of nature is the best cure for nature deficit disorder and will put everyone in a good mood.

Books That Inspire: Last Child in the Woods and The Nature Principle

Posted by My Camp Kitchen //
 April 25, 2014
Reading a Book Outdoors

Last Child in the Woods

If you’ve never heard the term “nature deficit disorder” or the theory behind the phrase, you might want to read Last Child in the Woods. Written by Richard Louv in 2005, this powerful book sheds light on the physical and emotional effects experienced by children who spend too little time with nature and too much time with technology. Overall, this one of those books that inspire and completely change the way you think about outdoor activities.

Planning outdoor activities like camping isn’t just a good way for kids to stay active (although that’s also a great benefit). It’s also a way to improve both children’s and adult’s overall well-being. Last Child in the Woods presents developing research on this topic, and the book will make you eager to spend more time outdoors with your kids. Now is the perfect time to get outside since the weather is warming up!

The Nature Principle

Richard Louv isn’t just about causing a scare. He’s also about providing hope and solutions. In The Nature Principle—his follow-up book to Last Child in the Woods—Louv calls people to bring about a happier future. Louv inspires us to spend more time with nature by describing the ways it can boost creativity, happiness, and wellness. He also calls us create more sustainable solutions for businesses and communities.

Are you ready to make a change? Think about how you can incorporate nature more into daily life for you and your kids. Learn more about nature deficit disorder by reading these meaningful books.

The Man Behind Nature Deficit Disorder: Richard Louv

Posted by My Camp Kitchen //
 April 18, 2014
Mother and Child with Dandelions

Richard Louv may not be a doctor or a psychologist, but that hasn’t stopped him from influencing the way we think about nature and our well-being. A journalist, Louv has conducted extensive research into our relationship with nature. Featured in his book Last Child in the Woods, the condition he calls “nature deficit disorder” has raised critical issues every parent should consider.

In case you haven’t heard of nature deficit disorder, the term refers to the mental and physical symptoms that can occur when kids don’t spend enough time outdoors. These symptoms include anxiety, depression, obesity, and attention deficit disorder (ADD). As you can probably guess, we at My Camp Kitchen believe in the positive effects of the great outdoors and are interested in Louv’s theories.

Louv’s thesis is more than just a theory, though. His books have started an international movement to bring kids and nature back together, and they have inspired campaigns across North America. He has won prestigious awards for his work, including the Audubon Medal given by the nonprofit environmental organization National Audubon Society. Louv has been featured on national TV shows such as ABC’s Good Morning America. With Louv gaining recognition, more parents are becoming aware of the damaging effects of spending too little time outdoors on their kids. We hope they will be compelled to take action.

So what’s the solution for nature deficit disorder? According to Richard Louv, it’s more time spent outdoors. In his latest book, The Nature Principle, Louv discusses his hopes for the future and challenges readers to rethink their relationship with nature.

Nature Deficit Disorder: Why Spending More Time Outside Is Good for Your Children’s Health

Posted by My Camp Kitchen //
 April 11, 2014
Kids Lying in Autumn Leaves

You might think of camping as just a fun family activity, but it’s far more than that. Camping provides a reason for your kids to break away from technology and spend quality time outdoors, which is extremely beneficial to a child both physically and mentally, according to the nature deficit disorder (NDD) theory.

Nature deficit disorder was coined by author Richard Louv in his book Last Child in the Woods. It describes the ill effects that can occur in those who spend little time with nature—especially children, who are still in crucial developmental stages.

In his book, Louv argues that kids have become so consumed by technology that many of them have never developed a connection with the natural world. This isn’t surprising considering the multitude of screens children are exposed to from birth. Even toddlers use smartphones, computers, televisions, tablets, e-readers, and more.

Nature deficit disorder is a serious issue and can result in symptoms such as attention problems (e.g., ADD), anxiety, depression, and obesity. The good news is the solution to these symptoms is right in your backyard! Make outdoor activities a priority with your children and look for opportunities for the whole family to spend more time with nature. A little dose of fresh air now could be the best medicine.

Easy Camping Meals That Are Also Healthy

Posted by My Camp Kitchen //
 April 2, 2014
Oatmeal

With a portable camp kitchen like the Summit, it’s now much easier to cook gourmet meals while camping. That said, it’s always a good idea to have a few easy meals in mind for when you’re tired and need a break from cooking. These easy camping meals are still healthy, and they require little work to prepare.

Breakfast: Oatmeal

Oatmeal is perfect for breakfast because it comprises whole grains and is substantial enough to keep you energized throughout the day. All you need are instant oats, water, and any toppings you might like to include. When buying instant oats, be sure to look for Original and avoid buying flavored packets, which contain added sugar. After cooking your oatmeal, add fruits, nuts, and other healthy toppings as desired.

Lunch: Black Bean & Mango Salad

Nutritious food can also be delicious if you choose the right meals. This salad is refreshing on a hot summer’s day and is great if you have any vegetarians camping with you. All you need are black beans, mangos, a sweet red bell pepper, onions, cilantro, olive oil, lime juice, and a dash of salt. To make this meal even easier, prepare the salad beforehand and store it in a cooler. That way, all you’ll have to do is serve the meal when you’re ready for lunch.

Dinner: Grilled Chicken Tikka

When you’re burnt out from a full day of activities, take it easy and make grilled chicken tikka for dinner. Before your camping trip, simply marinate boneless chicken pieces in a mixture of tandoori paste and plain Greek yogurt, then freeze it in a Ziplock bag. Make sure the chicken is fully thawed before grilling.

Snacks: Cut-up Veggies and Hummus

Instead of bringing along a bag of potato chips for an easy snack, cut up vegetables like carrots and broccoli that the family can snack on throughout the day. If you don’t like to eat veggies plain, hummus is a healthy alternative to vegetable dips.

Camping can be exhausting, so give yourself a break now and then with these easy and healthy camping meals.

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