NEBRASKAland Magazine is dedicated to outstanding photography and informative writing with an engaging mix of articles and photos highlighting Nebraska’s outdoor activities, parklands, wildlife, history and people.
Issue link: http://mag.outdoornebraska.gov/i/831879
JUNE 2017 • NEBRASKAland 33 BECOMING AN OUTDOORS-FAMILY Few families will fondly remember the times they've sat around a television, but they will remember sitting around a campfire telling stories, laughing and burning marshmallows. For a few days, tent camping offers the humbling opportunity to live by nature's terms. And for a group of people, it offers the opportunity to bond, make fun memories, see new sights and learn new skills. It's something that you, your significant other, children or friends will share forever. The possibilities are endless. Today, Two Rivers State Recreation Area. Tomorrow, Yellowstone, the Grand Teton or Mount Whitney. As a lifelong camper, I know that I'll never run out of places to go, things to see and adventures to share. With outdoor skills, only so much book knowledge can replace practical knowledge. If you'd like more guidance, look to the Commission's Becoming an Outdoors- Family program for hands-on outdoor skills workshops: OutdoorNebraska.org/bof. Camp Essentials • Tent (with stakes and guylines) • Tent footprint • Tent repair kit • Sleeping bags (with optional liners) • Sleeping pads/air mattresses with pump/cots and repair kits • Pillows • Multi-tool or knife • Folding chairs • Folding table • Mallet or hammer for tent stakes • Headlamps/flashlights with extra batteries • Lanterns with mantles, fuel and/or batteries • Duct tape Clothes • Moisture-wicking clothing and underwear • Sun-shielding hats • Swimsuits • Boots or shoes suited to terrain • Socks (synthetic or wool) • Sleepwear • Insulating outwear if needed • Gloves or mittens • Rainwear (jacket and pants) • Clothesline with clips • Water sandals/shoes • In-camp sandals or booties Kitchen • Stove with windscreen and fuel • Matches or lighter • Charcoal with fire starter • Firewood (if allowed – see page 21) • Grill rack • Frying pan • Cook pots • Pot grabber • Dutch oven • Portable coffee maker • Bottle opener and corkscrew • Can opener • Recipes • Marshmallow/hotdog roasting sticks • Food-storage containers/storage bags • Trash bags • Tablecloth and clips (or tape) • Coolers and ice • Drinking water • Plates, bowls, mixing bowls • Mugs/cups • Measuring cups and spoons • Eating utensils • Knives, cutting board, spatula and whisk • Foil • Egg holder • Biodegradable soap • Pot scrubber/sponge • Portable or standing camp sink • Quick-dry towels Personal Items • Toilet paper • Sunscreen, lip balm and insect repellent • Hand sanitizer and antiseptic wipes • Spare eyeglasses/ contact lenses • Mirror • First-aid kit • Prescription medications • Toiletry kit: toothbrush, toothpaste, brush/ comb, soap, cosmetics, etc. Other Items • Camera/camcorder with memory cards • Park permits • Campsite reservation confirmation • Compass and maps • Field guidebooks • Pet essentials • Games/toys • Books or magazines Personalize this list according to your needs. But remember that it's better to be safe than sorry. CAMPING CHECKLIST Children play in a tent at Ponca State Park's Missouri River Outdoor Expo.