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JodieLyn
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| Posted: March 12 2007 at 12:35am | IP Logged
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Camping season isn't upon us yet.. but I'm busy replacing/adding a few items (an LED lantern so we don't have to haul propane for every trip, and new sleeping bags for the kids)
We're experienced campers so this isn't a "how do I" but rather.. wondering what little things you find to be real handy to take with you. I keep my gear packed up.. I need to go through it sometime here in the next while and make sure everything that belongs in there is there and such.
I'm looking at some good (expensive) shake flashlights.. ones that are real shake lights (hence expensive) but if it means the kids can use them and we don't have to replace them constantly not to mention the batteries  they'll pay for themselves very quickly.
What sort of safety things do you do with the kids.. we've starting training them with signal whistles - No tweety birds!  (don't go around with the whistle in your mouth tooting on it)
How many people and what sort of tent arrangments? We have one big tent (5 or 6 man I think.. most of my "men" are little so it still fits us) and one small one (2 man) Thinking about getting another small one and letting the older kids have their own tents (right up next to the big one).. but I'm also thinking there's places that won't allow more than one tent.. and wonder if we should plan on upgrading out big tent too before very long.
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Jodie, wife to Dave
G-18, B-17, G-15, G-14, B-13, B-11, G-9, B-7, B-5, B-4
All men who have turned out worth anything have had the chief hand in their own education.
-Sir Walter Scott
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J.Anne
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| Posted: March 12 2007 at 5:26am | IP Logged
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Jodie,
Aside from the basics:
I don't think I would camp again without birki clogs or crocs. They are so easy to slip off outside the tent - making less mess. And if it rains at night, it's not a big deal. I also wear them in the common camp shower. Everyone has a pair now.
I also pack the children's clothing (socks, underwear and all) in ziploc gallon bags (1 outfit per bag) - it is easy to dress in the morning and makes packing so much neater. This has made traveling so much easier.
We have a modest size tent, but big enough to fit a "king" sized air mattress. The four of us sleep in one big pile. As we camp where temps dip into the 30's, I am buying a new sleeping bag this year for my son and myself - ours is inadequate and we ende up stealing my husband's mid trip. 
I like the whistle idea. That would be handy for taking on trails to scare away bears etc.
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Jennifer
http://ascozyasspring.typepad.com
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lapazfarm
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| Posted: March 12 2007 at 8:25am | IP Logged
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The best upgrade for us has been sub-zero sleeping bags and closed cell foam pads for underneath. We sleep in three tents: dh and I in one, girls in second, boys in third. (This may not work for you yet as your older kids are not as old as mine.) With the good bags I am less worried about littles getting cold and rest easier myself! We have found most campgrounds will allow 2 tents per site, so we usually get 2 sites side-by-side.
Kid safety: We always buddy them up, big kid with little and we make that big kid responsible for keeping an eye on that little at all times unless they specifically ask a parent to be "off duty" for awhile. Although dh and I are always watching them as well, it is good insurance to have that second pair of eyes!
The LED lantern is a great idea.
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Theresa
us-schooling in beautiful Fairbanks, Alaska.
LaPaz Home Learning
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Cay Gibson
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| Posted: March 12 2007 at 8:34am | IP Logged
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Matches! Don't leave home without them. 
I've never figured out the solution to the flashlight dilemma. This is a source of perpetual frustration for my dh.
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Cay Gibson
"There are 49 states, then there is Louisiana." ~ Chef Emeril
wife to Mark '86
mom to 5
Cajun Cottage Under the Oaks
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JodieLyn
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| Posted: March 12 2007 at 1:39pm | IP Logged
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I'm figuring on putting the shake flashlights on a strap to wear arond the neck.. that way they won't be lost/misplaced (is there a cross your fingers emoticon? )
Jennifer the kids all had the knock off crocs last year.. you're right they were great.. will have to see who needs some for this year.. one advantage to the kids close in size.. things pass down quickly with little storage time needed and *I* will buy colors anyone will wear ;) MIL gifted the others so some for the girls were pink.
Theresa - the new bags I'm getting are 0* bags plus we usually bring a lightweight fleece blanket each.. tuck that inside your bag and it makes a HUGE difference.. I think maybe because it folds down around you better than just the bag. 
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Jodie, wife to Dave
G-18, B-17, G-15, G-14, B-13, B-11, G-9, B-7, B-5, B-4
All men who have turned out worth anything have had the chief hand in their own education.
-Sir Walter Scott
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lapazfarm
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| Posted: March 12 2007 at 2:15pm | IP Logged
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Those little fire starter logs are very handy, especially if you expect firewood may be scarce or damp.
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Theresa
us-schooling in beautiful Fairbanks, Alaska.
LaPaz Home Learning
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4Real Forums : Tea and Conversation
Topic: Gearing up for Camping
