Tips for a Successful Group Camping Trip

I do most of my camping these days with North Texas Adventures which is not a hard core camping group. These days even those who appreciate their home comforts in life can enjoy camping.  If you bring an inflatable air mattress with sheets, a comforter, and pillows you’ll forget you’re not in your own bed at home!Given how big tents are these days even a queen size mattress does not need to take up the whole tent. 

If you are at a campsite with electricity, consider bringing a fan to plug in which helps beat the heat in your tent.  This comes in handy in the brutal Texas heat.For colder weather camping, bring some good sleeping bags for added warmth. 

With today’s amenities there is no need to “rough it” on a camping trip.Keep this in mind when you write your guest list.  Even people that insist they don’t like to camp may enjoy modern day camping that can have much of the comforts of home.

Some of my happiest camping memories are sitting around the fire at night.This is a great time to relax and tell stories of your adventures from that day, like the time I ran over a rattlesnake on my mountain bike, and my mate, to avoid the rattlesnake ran his bike straight into a cactus!  Ouch!Meanwhile you can roast some marshmallows or enjoy a few cold beers. 

Make sure to bring lots of firewood to burn, as there is nothing worse than having the fire burn out just as the party is getting started.Fires are a lot of fun that most campers will even enjoy them in warm weather.  I remember waiting for the sun to go down after a 92 degree day so we could light a fire!
One of our favorite night time activities is a good game of Texas Hold’em poker, this is very popular in our DFW Outdoors Club

This can be great for beginners who sometimes are lucky enough to bring the pot home.  This happened with my girlfriend and I was so embarrassed when she won and waved the money around in the air singing “I am the winner!” at the top of her lungs.  Fortunately for all of us, her beginner’s luck soon ran out and it was much quieter at the next game. 

So make sure to bring some games or items for entertainment that appeal to your group. Some of the other items I bring for fun are a football, bean bag toss game, Frisbee, fishing poles, a bicycle and of course a deck of cards.

Don’t forget a flashlight.  You may need it to find your way to the tent after a beginner takes your money at poker!  Finally it is important to remember – Don’t mess with Texas!  We take looking after the camp area seriously, what ever state you are in, as we do with our Dallas Fort Worth Hiking Club. Do a good deed and leave the camp site cleaner than you found it.  Do a good walk through to make sure we minimize our footprint on our great state parks and camping area’s.  We all will appreciate you doing your part.

Thank you for reading this article and I hope these tips help you make a more successful and fun camping trip!   

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Developing A Symbiotic Relationship With Forests

The price we have paid for the progress that the world has made through development is the destruction of nature. The forests, rivers and the seas have been used for its natural wealth since the dawn of industrialization. The natural wealth has been indiscriminately exploited without concern for environment or the future. Within decades of industrialization, the negative impacts have been rapid that today this has become immediate global concern. Some of the issues that are debated and action taken are global warming, loss of biodiversity, the fresh water crisis, climate change, and pollution of water, air and land. Corresponding to the deteriorating environment, there has been an increasing awareness on the crisis as well as the environment. Government initiative, public support and private interest have taken environment to the centre stage. Protection of the remaining natural habitats has become the primary agenda now.

Amongst the protected areas, one of the most fascinating is the national parks. These are designated usually by national governments officially as national parks by law. These are to keep away human interference, especially in the form of development activities and related destruction of environment and biodiversity as well as pollution. There were 6,555 national parks in 2006. More areas have since been brought under this category.

Camping out in these national parks is a fascinating experience. Camping is usually done in small groups. The idea is to take off for a few days and live it up in the park. This is done by pitching a tent amidst the natural surroundings observing and taking in all that is there in the park. To make life tolerable, the typical camper takes only the stuff that can be taken in a backpack. This is mostly what the campers will need for survival. A camping tent that is suited to the season accommodating the group is essential. There are many manufacturers of camping tent such as Marmot, Kelty, Black Diamond, MSR, Eureka, Sierra and many more. The camping tents come in different sizes as the Marmot Aeros 3p tent that accommodates three persons.

The national parks are open for scientific studies, educative and recreational purpose. Visitors are allowed to such areas for these restricted purposes and in a regulated manner. The government or other authorities as the park authorities are allotted staff and substantial funds to protect the national parks. Campers should be responsible tourists.

Limiting Destructive Development, The Way To Sustaining Life

Human existence is dependent on the use of natural resources. With scientific and technological advancement, the use of natural resources has become unsustainable. The natural resources can be extracted rapidly and with high efficiency with sophisticated technologies. The industry based promotion of materialism promotes mass consumption and often wasteful consumption. The population is increasing rapidly as are their aspirations. Growth is measured in terms of how much is produced and increased consumption. The flip side of it, the devastating effect on the environment is also well recognized. Global warming, depletion of fossil fuels, rise in sea level, climate change, species extinction, endangered species, pollution, desertification, soil erosion, habitat destruction, urban sprawl, waste and garbage accumulation, and sustainable development are some of the currently discussed issues.

It is now acknowledged that we need to conserve whatever natural habitat that remains. The importance of protecting biodiversity is well understood. An area covering 2.4 million square kilometers was demarcated as protected areas in 1962. This amounted to 9,214 protected areas. But by 2003 this has risen to 102,102 sites covering 18.8 million square kilometers or 12.65 percent of the surface of the earth. Of this 11.5 percent is land while 0.5 percent is the ocean.

Nature in its untouched state is the best place for you to experience its richness. One can learn about its manifest role. A small group of visitors entering a National Park with just the minimum essential and survival needs is the least intrusive way that one can have. Sleeping bag and camping tent are perhaps the most important for your minimum comforts and safety. You can get these and other things from the camping equipment stores. Camping tent is useful for comfort and protection from the wind and rain. Camping tents are produced by companies such as Black Diamond, Marmot, Eureka, Kelty, Sierra and MSR. They come in various designs and sizes. MSR, for instance, produces various designs such as MSR Fury, MSR Hubba HP and MSR Hubba Hubba. You can get to know what others think of it by checking out some MSR Hubba Tent reviews.

It was in the United States that the first modern national park was established. The Yellowstone National Park came up in 1872. Canada set up its first national park in 1995 and named it The Rocky Mountain National Park. Australia came up with its first one in 1879 naming it The Royal National Park. It was in 1887 that New Zealand established its first national park. In Europe Sweden was the first to create a set of nine parks in the year 1909. South Africa’s Kruger National Park was set up in 1926. There are over a hundred national parks around the world in some hundred countries set up since the 1950s.

Naturally Living, The Way For Conservation

The tourism business is worth about US$900 billion now and has a growth of 4 percent every year. Ecotourism has an impressive annual growth of 15 percent within the tourism sector. The pristine and uninhabited habitats are the major targets of ecotourism. These habitats are the coasts, estuaries, the plains and the hills. Educating the traveler, promoting conservation and organizing support to conservation are the major objectives of ecotourism. Ecotourism however faces a number of problems. Governments have been demarcating natural areas and designating them officially as conservation areas. This has not been easy. Many areas are disputed with local communities contending that they have traditional and customary rights to these areas and that these are now being denied with notification of these areas as conservation areas. For some, these areas constitute livelihood resources. They claim that their rights have not been recognized and settled. Though earmarked for conservation, these areas are often opened up for commercial interests such as tourism. The result has been that too many lodges, hotels and resorts have been constructed in some of these areas. Droves of vehicles have been persistently invading the peace in these areas. The local communities progressively get pushed out of the area. The movement of wild life and the peaceful environment is disturbed by the constant drone of vehicles moving through. More visitors are mobilized for higher earnings as maintaining these sophisticated facilities and earning profit as well require more visitors. The result is added pollution, garbage and waste.

On the contrary the impact on ecology is low or minimal when ecotourism is conducted responsibly. Environmental awareness with the aim of supporting conservation is the basis of responsible ecotourism. Small groups frequent a location which has either no facilities or minimal facilities. Such tourists typically camp in the location amidst the natural surroundings. They come with camping equipments that they can carry with them in their backpack. Camping tent is important for campers’ safety. You can get details of camping tents by checking in on the review of the tents such as MSR Fury tent review.

Conservation requires that the ecosystem is protected by sustainable use of its biodiversity. The cultures of the local communities should be valued. Ecotourism should also benefit the local communities.

Extending Nature Preserves, The Way Forward

Natural resources are the source of our life. The exploitation of natural resources for our well being has rapidly increased with the advancement of technology. It has become unsustainable. The modern technologies have excelled in extraction of natural resources efficiently and rapidly. Ever since industrialization, materialism has become the motivating engine for growth. Mass consumption is propagated. Wasteful consumption has become part of lifestyles and symbol of progress. The population too is rising as also the aspirations of the people. The extent of production and consumption has become indicators of progress. On the other hand, the impact of this growth-oriented consumptive lifestyle has also led to environmental devastation. There is increased awareness of this crisis. We are also painfully aware f depletion of fossil fuels, global warming, climate change, rise in sea level, endangered species, species extinction, desertification, pollution, habitat destruction, soil erosion, waste and garbage accumulation, urban sprawl and sustainable development.

It is now acknowledged that we need to conserve whatever natural habitat that remains. The importance of protecting biodiversity is well understood. An area covering 2.4 million square kilometers was demarcated as protected areas in 1962. This amounted to 9,214 protected areas. But by 2003 this has risen to 102,102 sites covering 18.8 million square kilometers or 12.65 percent of the surface of the earth. Of this 11.5 percent is land while 0.5 percent is the ocean.

Nature is best appreciated when you live and experience nature as it is in its untouched form. The best way to do this is to go as a small group with minimum essential goods for your survival into a national park and camp there without causing any disturbance to the natural surroundings. Amongst the key items needed would be the camping tent and sleeping bag amongst others. These are available in camping equipment stores. Camping tents are crucial to make your stay comfortable. There are many companies that produce a variety of camping tents such as Marmot, Black Diamond, Kelty, Eureka, MSR, Sierra and many more. They manufacture various tents of different sizes and other features. MSR produces tents with different designs such as MSR Hubba Hubba, MSR Fury and MSR Hubba HP Tent.

It was in the United States that the first modern national park was established. The Yellowstone National Park came up in 1872. Canada set up its first national park in 1995 and named it The Rocky Mountain National Park. Australia came up with its first one in 1879 naming it The Royal National Park. It was in 1887 that New Zealand established its first national park. In Europe Sweden was the first to create a set of nine parks in the year 1909. South Africa’s Kruger National Park was set up in 1926. There are over a hundred national parks around the world in some hundred countries set up since the 1950s.

Reconnecting With Nature Through Camping

Camping holds a distinctive place amongst recreational activities. As a leisure time activity, camping does give pleasure to the campers. Much more than that is its impact on the well being of the body and mind. Over and above this, there is this important role of camping providing a possibility of establishing a symbiotic bond with nature. Nature has taken a heavy toll in the name of human progress. Pollution has spread wild over the land, air and water. The forests, rivers and valleys have been destroyed for development and progress. It is now asserted that this cannot go on indefinitely. Species survival, including human survival, is only possible if we change to ecologically sustainable development.

There are a number of essential things that require to be taken along for camping such as camping tent, sleeping bag, jacket, flashlight, first aid kit, matches, knife, food and water. If the camp site has no basic facilities, they you may need camping chair, camp table, hammock, fishing pole, camp stove or grill, towels, small backpack for day hikes  and swimsuits. A sweatshirt with a hood, cap, jacket, sleeping bag line and gloves would be useful in case the weather is cold. If it is hot, then a sunscreen, extra water, large hat to fend off the sun rays, a small battery powered fan and canopy for shade will be useful.

Creating a bare livable condition requires camping tent as a primary requirement.  Camping tents vary according to the climate. For summer there is the one-season tent which can withstand the light summer showers. The three-season tent is required to withstand heavy rains and light snow. It also offers protection from wind, moderate rain and insects. This tent is suitable for use in spring, summer and autumn. But this tent will not be able to hold out heavy snow. The four season tent can withstand heavy snow. It is also heavier of the tents. But it is not suitable if the climate is hot. Some of the four season tents can be transformed to three season tents by removing pole sections or unzipping a roof panel. Bibler Ahwahnee tent for instance is a four-season tent.

There is the potential in camping to initiate the process of reconnection with nature. One hopes that this experience will make people sensitive and committed to modify the relationship with and approach towards nature.

Camping, A Means To Reconnect With Nature

As a recreational activity, camping has a unique place. It is not just about taking pleasure from the activity during leisure periods. It is also much more than about physical and mental well-being. It is about connecting to the need of establishing a symbiotic relationship with nature. Human progress has taken a heavy toll of nature. The land, water and air have been subject to heavy pollution. The rivers, forests and valleys have been ravaged in the name of human progress. There is a growing consensus that an ecologically sustainable development alone will allow species survival, both human and non-human.

There are a number of essential things that require to be taken along for camping such as camping tent, sleeping bag, jacket, flashlight, first aid kit, matches, knife, food and water. If the camp site has no basic facilities, they you may need camping chair, camp table, hammock, fishing pole, camp stove or grill, towels, small backpack for day hikes  and swimsuits. A sweatshirt with a hood, cap, jacket, sleeping bag line and gloves would be useful in case the weather is cold. If it is hot, then a sunscreen, extra water, large hat to fend off the sun rays, a small battery powered fan and canopy for shade will be useful.

Camping tent is probably the most important in terms of creating a temporary living abode. Camping tents are varied according to the climate. The one-season tent is used in summer. It can endure light summer rains. The three-season tent can endure heavy rains as well as light snow. This tent is used in spring, summer and autumn and can also offer ventilation, and protection from insects, moderate rain and wind. However, it will not be able to withstand heavy snow. The four season tent is heavier and can withstand winter and heavy snow but is difficult if the climate is hot. There are four season tents that can be converted to three season tents by unzipping a roof panel or removing pole sections. Bibler Ahwahnee tent for instance is a four-season tent.

Camping has the tremendous potential as an activity to reconnect the campers with nature. The experience is expected to make people think and be sensitive towards our relationship with nature.

Developing A Symbiotic Relationship With Forests

The progress that we have made since industrialization has been impressive. But then we have had to pay a heavy price in the destruction of environment. The natural resources of the world, be it the waters from the rivers, the minerals from below or the oil from the sea bed, environment has been a casualty. The adverse effects of this unthinking march of progress have been quick to be felt. The current discussions are around loss of biodiversity, climate change, global warming, pollution of air, water and land, and the fresh water crisis. The crisis felt everywhere has also made the world to grapple with environmental crisis. The awareness and concerns are palpable. Public interest, private support and government initiatives have since grown. The first major initiative has been to conserve the remaining natural habitat.

National Parks are the most captivating areas amongst the areas that have become protected areas. These areas are declared National Park by law by respective national governments. The primary intention of notifying the area thus is to ensure that the area is not subject to human interference and development, and the resultant pollution and destruction. By 2006 there were already 6,555 National Parks in the world. The number has risen since then dramatically.

National Parks are great locations for anyone to camp. The experience can be enthralling and educative. Small groups of people take off from their busy life during their vacations to go camping. They pitch their tent amidst the serene but wild surroundings. They have to withstand the various life forms that inhabit the area as well as the weather. They also need to meet their basic necessities. They bring with them what they want in their backpacks. Camping tent is one of the main camping equipment that they need to carry with them. Many firms like Marmot, Sierra, MSR, Kelty, Eureka and Black Diamond manufacture camping tents in different sizes. The number of people who can be accommodated could range from one to ten people. For instance, Marmot Aeros 3 person tent accommodates three.

The national parks are open for scientific studies, educative and recreational purpose. Visitors are allowed to such areas for these restricted purposes and in a regulated manner. The government or other authorities as the park authorities are allotted staff and substantial funds to protect the national parks. Campers should be responsible tourists.

Limits To Nature, Harmonious Development Is The Key

The tourism business is worth about US$900 billion now and has a growth of 4 percent every year. Ecotourism has an impressive annual growth of 15 percent within the tourism sector. The pristine and uninhabited habitats are the major targets of ecotourism. These habitats are the coasts, estuaries, the plains and the hills. Educating the traveler, promoting conservation and organizing support to conservation are the major objectives of ecotourism. Ecotourism however faces a number of problems. Conservation areas are officially demarcated by governments and notified with the intention of regulating in order to protect them. But this has been facing difficulties with local communities alleging that their customary and traditional rights are being denied with the areas being notified as conservation areas. They maintain that their livelihood rights are violated with the area progressively being denied access to them. At the same time, these areas are let open for commercial interests to organize tourism. Often this is also justified with conservation as its interest. This has resulted in infrastructural development along with large hotels, lodges and resorts with modern facilities. The peace of these serene areas is invaded by waves of vehicles carrying the tourists. The local community life is disturbed as they are progressively displaced. The wildlife finds their habitat disturbed that they too have to withdraw into deeper parts. Maintaining the costly facilities mean getting more visitors to make use of them. This means more garbage, waste and pollution.

On the contrary the impact on ecology is low or minimal when ecotourism is conducted responsibly. Environmental awareness with the aim of supporting conservation is the basis of responsible ecotourism. Small groups frequent a location which has either no facilities or minimal facilities. Such tourists typically camp in the location amidst the natural surroundings. They come with camping equipments that they can carry with them in their backpack. Camping tent is important for campers’ safety. You can get details of camping tents by checking in on the review of the tents such as MSR Fury review .

Conservation requires that the ecosystem is protected by sustainable use of its biodiversity. The cultures of the local communities should be valued. Ecotourism should also benefit the local communities.

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