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Planning a Campout for Family and Friends |
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Good, clean, inexpensive fun is as close as the nearest campground this summer. Few experiences have as much memory-making potential as camping – especially when done with family and friends. There’s just one catch: Someone needs to organize the trip. One way to make sure a group campout happens is to take charge and offer to do the planning yourself.
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If that offer is accepted, remember to do two things: Plan well and keep it simple. Following are some tips to help with both.
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Communicate One key to a successful campout is to allow everyone to be involved. Use e-mail, phone or an informal gathering – whatever is most convenient – to pick a date and make other decisions about the trip. Pick a good spot Other considerations in selecting a campground are what activities everyone wants to do and what amenities, such as indoor restrooms, are important.
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To aid in the search, use a resource such as the Coleman Outernet site at www.coleman.com/outernet, which has detailed listings of more than 16,000 campground locations. Searches can yield results within a defined geographic area and with specified activities, such as fishing, swimming or hiking. The Outernet site also has maps and directions, as well as suggestions for scenic drives in every region of the country. Ask for help Ask someone to be in charge of a shared meal, an activity that could be the highlight of the trip. That person will plan the menu and assign others to bring the specific items that are needed. Another person might want to organize a group outing – such as canoeing or a late-night hike. Still another could be charged with organizing children’s activities. During the campout, ask everyone – including children – to help with camp chores. With everyone pitching in, these tasks will be accomplished quickly. Make a list, check it twice
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Some items on the list, such as tent, stove or cooler, can be shared. If so, make a note of who is bringing them. Give copies of the list to the group, and remind them that a sleeping pad, airbed or cot is essential for a good night’s sleep.Find out if the campground allows open fires. If not, take a portable unit, such as Coleman’s RoadTrip Pack-Away Portable Fireplace and Grill, because sitting around the campfire at night is an integral part of any campout. Don’t forget the firewood, fire-starter and skewers for marshmallows! Some other key items to remember are raingear; lanterns and flashlights; fuel and batteries; clothesline for wet towels and clothing; garbage sacks; camera and film; and a first aid kit. Check off the items on your list as you pack them. Finally, and most important of all, don’t forget to have a good time. Note to media: See related sidebar – Camp Checklist.
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