David Nool asked:


One of the great things about planning an Oregon camping trip is the number of options visitors have, both in things to do and see and in where to stay. With nearly 100 state and federal Oregon campgrounds and even more privately owned facilities, the challenge won’t be finding Oregon campgrounds, it will be deciding which ones to choose.

When to Go

For most people, work and school schedules often help determine when they can take an Oregon vacation. Those with kids typically have to wait for the summer months if they want to visit for more than a few days. For most this works out great because Oregon weather is at its warmest, and it is the peak of the travel season so all the Oregon campgrounds and attractions are open. Reservations are recommended during the summer months as many of the most popular campgrounds tend to fill up fast.

Many festivals are held in the summer, wild and cultivated flowers are in bloom, and there is even a resident group of whales along the coast for those that want to experience Oregon’s legendary whale watching.

Whale watching is at its peak in March, making spring an ideal time to visit Oregon, especially the coastal area. Snowmelt also increases the water levels in rivers, creating churning rapids just waiting to be kayaked or rafted.

Autumn is a good time to visit if you plan to fish Oregon coastal rivers and streams. Steelhead and salmon enter these waters to spawn beginning in September and continuing into late fall. Forest Service offices provide information on fishing conditions in their areas, as do websites for the local communities.

Fall is also a good time to visit one of Oregon’s vineyards. The Willamette Valley, slightly inland from Oregon’s northwest coast, is known as wine country, and there are numerous wineries that offer tours and tastings.

In addition to fishing and wine tasting, the fall foliage is in full color and the Oregon camping sites are typically less crowded than in summer months. Contact the Oregon Fall Foliage Hotline at 1-800-547-5445 to find peak color times for the areas you plan to visit.

Winter is the perfect time to visit Oregon if you like skiing, snowboarding, and other snow activities. In the winter months, average inland daytime temperatures are often in the 40s. A second whale migration in December through January makes a winter trip to the Oregon coast appealing as well. The ocean climate helps keep temperatures relatively mild, and winter camping in Oregon can be cozy and comfortable with proper clothing and camping equipment. Even in mid January, temperatures often reach into the 50s in the coastal areas.

Many of the state park campgrounds remain open year round although running water may not be available. Fewer families come to Oregon in the winter months, so if you like quiet getaways, this may be the best time to visit Oregon.

Choosing Oregon Camping Sites

City living: Portland, Eugene and several other larger cities in Oregon have numerous campsites close to town for those that want to be close to the action but still enjoy the fun of RV travel or tenting it. Even Oregon’s more populated areas are surrounded by forests, mountains, and waterways, so finding a natural setting is not difficult.

Private campgrounds in Oregon: There are hundreds of private campgrounds throughout all areas of Oregon. Some cater to families with children and offer playgrounds, activities, and other kid-friendly features. Others are more basic or focus on nature and peaceful settings. No matter what your areas of interest and your camping style, you can likely find a private campground to fit your needs. Begin by contacting visitor information offices or city chambers of commerce in the area of the state you plan to visit.

Oregon state park camping: The number of state parks, scenic sites and recreation areas in Oregon is simply amazing. While some of these are day use only facilities, many provide overnight camping with both tent and RV sites. Often, these Oregon state park camping sites are located in some of the state’s most beautiful scenery, and fees are typically comparable or less than those at privately owned campgrounds.

For a truly unique experience, some Oregon state park camping areas offer camping in tepees, yurts and covered wagons. Visit the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department’s state parks website at http://www.oregon.gov/OPRD/PARKS/index.shtml to find Oregon camping sites in the area you plan to visit. When you get to the park, don’t forget to stop and get your permit or park pass.

Oregon beach camping: Oregon is one of only two states in the U.S. whose beaches are all considered public land. The beaches are managed by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, and many offer camping facilities. With the stars overhead and the sound of the surf providing background music, Oregon beach camping can be one of the most memorable ways to experience the beauty of the Oregon coast. Note: it is illegal to camp on the beach in unauthorized areas, and anyone setting up camp without permission can be asked to leave.

What to Bring When Camping in Oregon

In addition to the standard food, water, clothing, first aid items and camping equipment, it is advisable to also include:

• a hat

• sweatshirts and jackets for layering

• a plastic garbage bag, to use as a rain poncho just in case

• a map of the area

• a flashlight

• bug repellent

• a pocket mirror (for signaling if you get lost)

• a whistle

Check all your equipment before you leave to make sure it works properly and is in good condition. Many Oregon campgrounds are in remote locations where it can be difficult to find replacement batteries or lantern fuel in the middle of the night. For this reason, it is also helpful to know some basic first aid and wilderness survival information.

Other Considerations

Weather conditions, construction and repairs, and standard regulations can impact campground activities and services. For example, some Oregon campgrounds prohibit alcohol. Open campfires may be restricted at certain times of the year. Buildings and natural areas may be closed. Pets may not be allowed or allowed only in certain areas of the campground. It is a good idea to contact your chosen campsite or visit their website to learn about rules, regulations, and current conditions.



Motorhomes

Mari milian asked:


As summer keeps nearing, parents think what to do with the kids? Should they hang out with their old friends or make new friends on going to a camp. Camp builds the skills necessary to prepare for adulthood. Parents, campers and camp staff reported growth in areas such as self-confidence, independence and making friends. It helped campers a lot because they were able to make new friends, knew good things about themselves, did certain things which they were frightened to do first. Parents are happy to send them to camp because it helped their child to build self confidence, they do keep in touch with their friends even after the camp. For years, camper’s parents have reported that when their children return home they are more caring, understand the importance of giving, and are more responsible and trustworthy. While attending a camp the camper is able to improve on his physical characteristics like trained supervision, balanced meals, camping increases mental and physical vigor. Children improve on their social skills. They learn about different races, economic levels, religions, gender and level of capabilities.

Children are at less risk at camp where they have a sense of community, develop intergenerational relationships, and learn through first-hand experiences. Camp professionals teach simple things to children that can touch human spirit. Camping helps children to speak more freely of their feelings and concerns that they would otherwise not feel comfortable talking about. It also helps children come close to nature, so that they will start growing more trees. Other outings include hiking and fishing too. In hiking you can learn about woods, animals and many other things. Safety is the most important thing in camping. Many organizations teach children how to be safe while camping, hiking, and fishing and other outdoor activities. 

You should keep certain important things with you while camping like first aid kit. Other important things like insect repellant, bug spray, pain relievers, sunscreen, band aids etc. These are some of the basic things that are needed. Campers learn lot of things in a camp. Some of them include discover their interests, values and talents, test skills in problem solving, create life long friendships, take responsibility for others and help out, learn to adjust in new environments, various social situation, develop personal habits that lead to a healthy lifestyle etc. camp activities and group living in a natural environment are the tools used to create camp communities that provide for successful, healthy development and a place where having fun is a daily criterion.



Caravan News

MasterLL asked:

Video recorded by Master LL
( http://themasterll.net )

[ Persona 4 ]
Cooking, Camping, Cuteness
(Part 03/03)

** WILL CONTAIN FULL SPOILERS!! **
** HIGH QUALITY AVAILABLE!!**

- Dang, I laughed as hard as I did when I played this part on the JPN version. So pure gold!

——————
System: PS2-ENG
1st Gameplay
Expert Rank

Motorhomes

Bradlley Mckoy asked:


Want to go on a vacation trip with your family or with friends to exotic tourists’ havens but don’t have the budget? Then camping might just be the thing for you. Whether you’re an experienced camper or have no clue about camping, this fun activity will be a snap if you follow proper guidelines.

Where to go camping

When you’ve already set your mind to going on a camping trip, it’s time to choose where to go camping. Most cities or states have their own camping sites. Check your local listings, or ask around for nearby camping grounds. f camping near home just isn’t adventurous enough for you, check out other well-known camping sites across the nation.

Most camping sites have fun and exciting activities available for everyone. Some camps offer picnic areas, hiking trails, games, and even river rafting. At night, you can enjoy sitting around a bonfire with the entire family or friends and talk about the day’s activities, tell exciting stories, or sing happy camp songs while roasting marshmallows.

However, some campgrounds prohibit campfires for safety reasons. Make sure to check with the campground personnel before doing so to avoid violating any rules. When on a camping site, make sure to observe and follow the rules and guidelines about campfires and outdoor cooking.

What to Bring On a Camping Trip

When on a camping trip, bring with you the proper camping equipment and supplies. One of the basic camping necessities is perhaps a tent. The size and number of tents should depend on how many of you are going on the trip. Choose quality tents, and test the tent before the trip to familiarize yourself with the way it is put up.

Food is also very important when going out on a camping trip. Although some campgrounds have canteens that sell food, bringing your own will probably be a lot cheaper. Some campers will even opt to bring portable gas stoves and grills, so they can cook right on the campsite. You can even go fishing for your lunch, for a more enjoyable experience.

Bring your personal necessities like a change of clothes, extra shoes and socks, anti-mosquito lotions, sun block, and even cigarette cases to protect your pack of cigarettes from being crushed or getting wet. It is important to have a camping checklist so as not to forget anything. Be sure to double check the list before leaving for the trip.

When planning a camping trip, plan it ahead of schedule to avoid last minute panic. Inquire about the campsite weeks, or even a month before the designated date of the camping trip. Decide on the length of your camping trip so you can bring the exact amount of foodstuff and other necessities.

Make your camping checklist

Take time to think and jot down on paper the things you will need on the trip. Think about the activities you will be doing and what items will be used. After making the list, check if you already have some of the items, and shop for the items that you don’t have.

It will also be a lot easier if you ask tips or advice from others with more camping experience. They would be able to tell you what you need and what you should eliminate from your list to avoid excess baggage. Once you’re all set for the trip, prepare to have an unforgettable camping experience.



Hire Caravans

shijina asked:


Fitness boot camps are special weighloss camp arranged for men, women, kids and children. Fitness camps are special training programs designed for men during their occasion for reasonable prices. Fitness camps are considered to be weight loss center, fitness retreat and exercise center for the people who required reducing their weight and being fit. Nowadays, people become very trendy and they wants to be very fit, healthy and weight less to enjoy the modernization and commercialization of the economy. Fitness camps are fast developing camp around the world which comes up with more fame and craze among the people.

Fitness camp comes up in different names and they can be called as fat camp or fit camp, weighloss camp, obesity and summer camp and in many other names. This kind of camps are specially designed and offered to meet the requirements of different kinds of people around the world. More number of men, women, adult, kids and children are availing the services provided by this camps in different schedules and requirements. There are cases were fitness boot camps are offered to the people either during the vacation or for ever. It is unique program designed for children to enjoy and come to know the various games, extra curricular activities available during their summer vacation.

Boot camps are provided by qualified, trained, experienced and knowledgeable trainers who provide special training to the people under different time schedules and week days. Nowadays, the trend of people changed fully and most of the people like to be fit and weighloss. Live-in fitness enables people to be fit and avoids unnecessary obesity and extra weight in the body. This kind of weighloss program can be called as long term exercise program or quick weight loss program. Today, most of the people concentrate on health and they prefer to fitness boot camp to exercise and be fit.

Boot camps offer more advantage to me, women and children who procure and also enable them to avail the benefit very soon without fear and remains hassle free. Men, women and children avails the benefits and enjoying with the terms and condition of fitness program with regards to achieving maximum possible resource. The prices fixed for boot camps are reasonable and competitive and it is afford with an intention to reach the customer around the world. Boot camps keep men, women and children healthy and enable them to come up with different styles available in the world.



Hire Caravans

Ben McKay asked:


Lightweight Tents & Camping Equipment Advice

CheapTents.com specialises in selling top quality tents and camping equipment at discount prices. We have operated in this industry for almost 20 years, and 7 years of that online, so when it comes to giving outdoor gear advice, we know our stuff!

Being specialists in selling lightweight and ultralight outdoor clothing and camping equipment, here is some very helpful advice for outdoor sports people interested in backpacking, adventure racing, lightweight expeditions and a variety of other lightweight outdoor and camping activities.

Why is lightweight camping and outdoor gear so important?

Lightweight gear is amongst the most technologically advanced outdoor clothing and camping equipment available. This is because it uses the specially advanced technologies which serve the same core purposes as ‘regular weight’ outdoor gear, but at a reduced weight.

Outdoor Sports: Outdoor sports enthusiasts and athletes have come to value lightweight camping and sports equipment because of the way it enhances their performance, hence the increasingly popular manufacture of ultralight tents, clothing and equipment. Adventure runners, backpackers and mountain bikers are amongst those looking to shave every gram off their pack weight.

Lightweight Backpacking and Travel: It’s important to realise that whilst you’re traveling around the world, taking a gap year, or backpacking for a weekend in the fells, you will greatly appreciate good quality, lightweight clothing and equipment, as no one else is going to offer to carry your backpack for you!

Reduced pack weight: By reducing the weight of the gear you are carrying with you, it means that you are putting less strain on your legs, making yourself less top heavy and more than likely reducing your pack size which means you can squeeze through more crevasses!

Reduced clothing weight: Agility is helped by reduced friction against key areas of your body’s movement. By having less weight, you are reducing the gravitational pull of your gear towards the ground, when most people want to be moving forward. Importantly, lightweight and ultralight equipment often means less bulk, which too helps to reduce the friction of clothing against your body and make it easier to conquer another mountain!

Packing Your Backpack

Prioritise. When packing your backpack, like many people I bet you think of an occasion (however remote) where you might actually need the melon baller. Well, the chances are you won’t, so don’t pack it. The rule is, when your lightweight packing, is to focus on absolute need and emergency need, which includes at the very least: water, food, shelter, warmth and safety.

Ask yourself these questions when packing your rucksack:

1. Do I need it? Throw out luxury items. ‘Luxury’ means different things to different people but try and stretch yourself with removing these items, as it makes a huge difference to the way you enjoy the outdoors.

2. How many times will I use it? Just the once - is it worth it?

3. Can something else replace it? Can it double-up as something else?

4. Can I share the weight with someone else (e.g. backpackers often share the weight of a tent)

5. If I was caught-out without it, would I be in a safe and secure situation?

Note: Don’t make any cut-back where it might compromise your safety or others.

"Make sure you have the best lightweight outdoor gear"

Providing lightweight equipment to campers and outdoor sports enthusiasts is a speciality in the outdoor industry who are keen to buy top brands at discount prices. If you’re new to specialist lightweight gear, then here are a few items of very lightweight outdoor gear that you might consider investing in…

Ultralight and Lightweight Camping Equipment:

Ultralight tents and lightweight tents - a very popular piece of outdoor kit, these spectacularly clever and technologically advanced lightweight tents and ultralight tents are one of CheapTents.com’s top sellers. Adventure racers and backpackers find that these tents are more than adequate and can weigh less than 1-2kg. The Terra Nova Laser Comp tent is a great example of an ultralight tent, weighing in at a mere 900g - officially regarded as the world’s lightest two-skin tent.

Bivi Bags - if you’re looking for a truly ultralight camping experience, consider a bivi bag. Simply climb into your sleeping bag and bivi bag, and sleep under the stars in a very minimalist and lightweight form of camping.

Ultralight down sleeping bags - although you can get lightweight synthetic sleeping bags, the real gains are to be found in the high-loft, warm, ultralight down sleeping bags - a superb investment as getting a good night sleep is vital to enjoying the outdoors.

Lightweight camping mat - some ******** minimalist campers may see any sort of camping mat as a luxury, whereas others see lightweight camp mats as more about getting a good night sleep to aid their recovery and performance the next day.

Lightweight rucksack / backpack - many outdoor people, regardless of whether they are fell runners or backpackers value the weight savings in having a strong yet lightweight rucksack or backpack. Your comfort, speed and agility often correlate with the style of pack that you use. Always choose a specialist, lightweight rucksack or backpack if at all possible.

Lightweight camping stoves - camping stoves have come along way with ultralight versions being available with little, if any, loss to burning and boiling time. Many ultralight camping stoves weigh less than 150-200g making eating a warm, nutritious meal on the hill easy and lightweight.

Titanium pan set - you can eat out of the bowl and the lid also doubles up as a plate. The titanium pan set is ultra lightweight, strong and versatile.

Titanium cutlery - Tired of carrying around cheap cutlery only to break it half way through your Wayfayrer meal? Try titanium cutlery - ultralight weight and incredibly strong.

Ultralight and Lightweight Clothing & Footwear:

Lightweight waterproof jackets - lightweight jackets that are waterproof have been developed by manufacturers for outdoor sports enthusiasts and for stuffing away in your backpack for those ‘just in case’ occasions. CheapTents.com has a great selection of lightweight waterproof jackets and trousers available from some of the very best outdoor brands.

Softshell jackets - for a warm layer, consider a softshell / windproof fleece. Softshell jackets provide the warmth of a fleece, water repellency, breathability and endurance with toughened wear-areas, and promote agility for outdoor sports enthusiasts.

Lightweight trekking trousers - important piece of kit for those trekkers, looking to stay warm, and take advantage of lightweight hard-wearing trousers that can be used for a variety of outdoor activities.

Running shorts - handy to wear whilst your washing your trousers, or simply for running or walking in warmer weather. Running shorts are a great way to save space, weight and stay comfortable in warmer conditions. Even in the rain, runners and walkers often wear them as it means they are not carrying around excess mud and water in their clothing.

Baselayers - baselayers, or base layer tops and bottoms, are quick drying, fast wicking and reduce odour. Avoid cotton t-shirts as they loose insulative properties and gain weight when wet. baselayers are a very important of anyones layering system and is highly recommended! Baselayer underwear - outdoor clothing manufacturers have even gone to effort of keeping people comfortable by designing baselayer boxers and pants.

Weight saving tips:

1. A decent cooking pan can work as a eating bowl, and, you guessed it, a cooking pan! Do you really need a plate and a bowl?

2. How many tent pegs do you need for the weather? You can now get ultralight tent pegs?

3. Many baselayers are quick drying, wicking, low odour and so can be worn again and again, and dry quickly after a quick wash.

4. Share the weight of your tent - is a two man lightweight tent lighter than two ultralight one man tents?

5. Down sleeping bags are far lighter (weight to warmth ratio is better).

6. Toiletries - shaving gel is heavy and bulky, consider shaving oil or go without. Don’t go over board and throw-away your deodorant - going lightweight isn’t worth losing your friends over! Empty your toothpaste and other liquids into smaller containers - taking just what you need. Consider taking a mini toothbrush too, and leaving the hairdryer.

7. Take a single lightweight camping stove rather than a double-hob camping stove, just cook one thing at a time and eat it as it comes off the hob

8. Stainless steel or titanium cutlery and a multi-tool pen-knife will be the only utensils and tools you’ll need

9. Food - sauce sachets help to make any meal interesting! Tins are heavy - try Wayfayrer meals as these are very popular with lightweight enthusiasts.

10. Drinks - decant drinks from glass and plastic bottles into a Platypus or Camelbak bladder.

11. Money - always spend your lose change before you break into a note.

12. First aid kit - take everything you need, or might need - don’t make any cutbacks.

Items to avoid:

1. Camping chairs and tables - just find a couple of rocks, or sit on the floor.

2. Synthetic sleeping bags (down sleeping bags are much lighter for the same comfort temperature).

3. Too many clothes - buy quick drying clothing and wash it before you go to bed.

4. Heavy-duty inflatable mattresses - ridiculously heavy!

5. Camping stoves that are bulky and require bulky gas canisters - mini lightweight stoves are available.

Importantly, use your common sense when packing your lightweight gear. It’s too easy to get carrried away with taking everything, including the kitchen sink, oven and juicer. Don’t go heavy, be a lightweight.



UK Holiday Homes

Matt Peters asked:


Camping trips are great breaks from usually hectic daily routines of city living. It takes your mind off from unnecessary pressures and gives you a fresher perspective on things. But camping should not be for the busy adult in the family only. Camping is ideally a family affair and should be enjoyed by everyone, including kids. Lining up fun and enjoyable activities for your kids to do will not only keep them from being bored and from complaining all throughout the trip thereby giving you some time on your hands to relax, but choosing the right camping activity for your kids can also develop some of their outdoor survival skills. Here are some of those activities:

Swimming – most campsites are favored with a refreshing lake or a brook. Some man-made commercial campsites also come with pools for adults and for kids. Simply make sure that the place is safe for your kids and that should any untoward event happen, you are within hearing distance.

Biking – Campsites usually have great biking trails which come with excellent view of nature. Biking is also one of the activities that both parents and kids can enjoy together. As long as you have your map of the vicinity in hand as well as your first aid kit, you should be guaranteed of a great workout as well as bonding time with your children.

Bird and Animal-Watching – Nothing brings you closer to nature and the great outdoor as camping does. The rare wildlife and the natural environment will surely be a break from your kids rural recreation of malling and video games. Other than offering a chance for an entirely different experience, bird and animal watching is a very colorful activity and can also be very educational and could develop in your child the love for the great outdoors.

Scavenger Hunts – Kids love imitating the adventures they seen on television. Why not organize a scavenger hunt where they can use their skills at reading and deciphering clues and develop critical thinking skills? Just make sure that you limit your hunt within a safe vicinity and that they know which prickly plants to avoid such as poison ivy, sumac and oak.

Build a Campfire – Most parents want to hoard all the fun of building campfires to themselves. They think building campfires are simply not for kids and that they can come into the picture only when it is ready for roasting mallows and hotdogs. But parents should keep in mind that kids can help in building the campfire, too. It gives them the secured feeling of being needed and included in the whole camping affair and that they are well-trusted enough to contribute something like gathering twigs and small logs for fire, gathering stones for the campfire and arranging the whole area for the campfire.

These are just five of the many great camping activities for kids to do. The best part about having fun at camping is that parents can always put a twist or a variation in these activities so kids don’t find it monotonous and boring.



Caravan Finance

Jeff Marshall asked:


No list of tent camping tips would be complete without a good discussion on fire building. Ever since Prometheus brought fire to man, its properties have been cherished throughout our history. Its importance during a camping trip almost takes on a spiritual healing significance as it can boost morale and provide strength even on a rainy or cold day.

With that said, the task of building a fire can be done many different ways. However, here are a few camping tips to keep in mind.

1. Location: Find an open location of at least a 6 yard radius of open space. (Almost all camping sites should be able to accommodate this size). It is also a good idea to avoid areas where there are a lot of dead, over-hanging branches. If it has recently been raining or there is snow on the trees, put a tarp above the fire. This is to protect the fire from being put out by any falling snow or rain when the wind blows.

2. Size: Clear out the underbrush surrounding the fire for a good 3 yard radius. This is done to prevent a brush fire from occurring. If the campsite has been undergoing a drought or has been particularly dry, extend this radius out to 5 yards.

3. Containment: Fires are usually contained by making a pit lined with rocks or using a backlog. A back log is a large log that the fire is placed against. These containments are used to keep the fire enclosed. For most camping sites, either containment can be used. However, a pit lined with rocks is a better option in the mountains where a strong wind can blow out the fire.

4. Firewood: Before starting the fire, it is wise to have your firewood ready to go. This keeps you from having to go hunting for firewood while getting the fire initially going. There are three types of firewood that you want ready.

a. Shavings or tender: These are the strips cut off of dead wood by your knife. Also, dried grass and cotton can be used as tender.

b. Kindling: This includes twigs and pine needles. These can be pulled off of dead trees and burn a little longer than shavings.

c. Various sizes of dead wood: These should be put on the fire in increasing size until you find the appropriate size fire you are looking for.

5. Starting Fire: I recommend creating a small teepee with the shavings and light the shavings. As the fire starts going, you should add the kindling and then add the various sizes of dead wood.

a. One caveat: if the dead wood is wet, split the wood with an axe. The inside wood tends to be drier and will allow it to burn more easily.

6. Choice of Woods: This is usually dictated by your camping site; however, it is a good idea to know your woods.

a. Softwoods, such as pine, firs, and cedar, are good for shavings and burn quickly. However, they tend not to give off much heat or last very long. Also, cedar and pine can get very smoky and should be avoided when cooking.

b. Medium Hardwoods, such as maple, aspen, and cottonwood, are better at burning a little longer and are good kindling.

c. Hardwoods, such as oak, burn the longest and provide the most heat. This makes them the best for cooking.

7. Firewood Supply: You can never have enough firewood. Once you get the fire going, make periodic trips to get more wood. Always make a point to get more than you think you will need.

8. Dry Wood: For morning fires, it is a good idea to bring firewood into the tent during the previous night. This will help prevent morning dew or rain during the night to delay the starting of the morning fire.

9. Other Fire Building Tent Camping Tips:

a. Live wood can be used to setup your cooking area. Live wood is less likely to burn and thus can be used to make pot hooks to hold pots, stakes to hold frying pans over the fire, and can even be used to make an overhang for the fire by chopping out two Y pieces that have another straight crosspiece placed across the notches of the two Y pieces.

b. Morning coals: If the weather conditions are appropriate, it is a good idea to have a big evening fire with hardwoods. Often times, you will still have coals in the morning that can be used to start the fire.



Caravans

Helen Hecker asked:


Twenty-five years ago weight-loss camp campers were mostly teenage girls who were at least 100 pounds or more overweight. The menu usually consisted of food such as beef liver, fish and alfalfa sprouts and the only form of exercise was running and doing sit-ups. The ultimate goal at these overnight summer camps is to lose as much weight as possible in as little time as possible. They were often considered special needs camps. There are also many teen and adult weight loss camps.

Today things are a lot less extreme than they were in those days - approximately 39 percent of the campers are boys, the kids usually need to lose between 21 and 41 pounds, the menus offer a much broader range of food, and the exercise is a lot of fun, with activities that include fun sports like tennis and kayaking. The weight loss camps today emphasize very healthy lifestyles and long-lasting skills that the kids can take home with them and actually put into use.

To summarize, these so-called “fat camps” usually resemble regular overnight summer camps and just happen to specialize in teaching excellent decision-making techniques as they relates to food.

Now according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 16 percent or so of children from ages 6-19 are overweight or obese and this number that has tripled since 1981.

The number of overnight or sleepaway weight loss camps has remained about the same. There are about 16 to 20 of these camps out of 10,000 sleep away camps in the United States alone with some of these having offshoots in other locations. There are many other weight loss camps in other countries.

In most of the overnight summer camps the children will be between the ages of 7 and 12. This age group tends to be most successful because parents have more to say about the child’s eating and exercise habits. Usually bad eating habits are less instilled in the younger children.

All sleepaway fat loss camps work at building good habits, not just dealing out quick fixes. You will find these camps have classes on good nutrition, proper portion control, emotional eating, handling situations like pizza parties, birthday parties and ice cream parties.

You’ll find they teach by example. In the old days weight loss camps offered 1,250 to 1,350 calories each day. Today they’re more realistic, usually about 1,800 to 2,000 calories daily. On the menu along with healthier foods you’ll also find there are hamburgers, pita pizzas, baked potato chips and low-fat baked goods.

It’s long been a misconception that overnight weight loss camps don’t offer enough food and they overwork the kids. It’s actually the opposite. The right amount of food is served and they provide workouts for the kids at the right level. Campers never find they are hungry.

Changing the camper’s behavior is the key to sustaining weight loss. Many campers learn to cook, shop for groceries, order out at restaurants, and work with camp psychologists on managing stress, frustration tolerance, and identifying emotional eating.

Generally the campers want to be there. Years ago when their parents made them go they didn’t want to. Kids are happier that they’re making a change and develop confidence and independence as a result of the experience. They learn to make healthier choices also. Kids learn to feel better, breathe better, run faster and become more active as a result.

Some overnight weight loss camps can cost about $1,000 a week. Many of the camps offer scholarships and that’s worth exploring. Your health insurance may cover some of it because of the weight loss therapy. And some churches run free weight loss camps, but may be harder to find.

Choosing the right summer camp for your child may mean doing a lot of research and checking out reviews of weight loss camps. Talking to parents who have sent their kids to those camps would give you some idea as to the successful experience the child has had. Ask the director of the camp you’re considering if they will give you some names of previous campers’ parents so you can contact them. Cost may be a factor too. There is a wide range when it comes to cost and be sure to compare weight loss summer camp ratings online and offline. Check the public library for Consumer Reports magazine’s ratings.

Any overnight summer camp is great because it will force the child to have structured time in the summer and even traditional overnight camps focus on kid’s fitness and health, serve healthier food and encourage a lot of exercise. If you can’t find or afford a weight loss camp, you should choose a camp anyway even if it’s a special camp like arts or science that has some activity. The important thing is to keep overweight kids active in the summer.



Caravan Parks

Kris Koonar asked:


Boot camps, as a form of outdoor fitness, are catching on fast amongst the health-conscious these days. Increasing numbers of people are opting for working out in an outdoor fitness b-camp, rather than exercising indoors at home or at the gym.

Boot camps offer exercises that are power-packed and challenging, which last about an hour each session. One of the reasons for the increasing popularity of these exercise boot camps is getting a full body workout within a relatively short period of time per session. Classes are held about 3 to 4 days a week, usually on alternate days. The classes are designed to provide a demanding workout that strengthens the upper and the lower body, cardiovascular fitness, and core body functions.

Although they are based on boot camps that are conducted in the military, these outdoor fitness b-camps are not about enforcing discipline, using the usual stringent methods applied in military b-camps, or prison b-camps. Rather, they are designed to instill a healthy regimen that has the potential of lasting a life time. This does not mean that fitness b-camps are not as demanding physically as military b-camps. They use similar techniques of training, utilizing similar equipment, designed to improve stamina, strength, and overall conditioning of the body.

Fitness boot camps are usually located away from crowded places, like within or near wooded areas, on beaches or in parks. This is because research has proven that exercising outdoors can provide additional benefits, such as enhancing the mood, which is important for maintaining the long-term motivation required for any type of exercise routine. Usually, retired navy or army personnel run these fitness boot camps, using their military experience to design the routines. Some of these b-camps are specially designed for specific groups of people such as older people, women, and children of various age groups.

Classes begin with warm-up exercises like stretching, limbering, on-the-spot jogging, or a slow run around a track, to get the blood circulation going. After the warm-ups, more intensive exercises like rigorous running, body strengthening exercises like sit-ups, push-ups, jumping jacks, squats, bear crawling, which is moving on hands and feet, high-intensity on-the-spot jogging, and so on are attempted.

Generally people exercise in groups, under the guidance of an instructor and sometimes alternating sets of exercises amongst themselves as a respite against monotony. The exercises increase in intensity and difficulty levels as the class progresses. Regardless of what kind of shape they may be in when they begin, usually, as the course progresses, people begin experiencing weight loss, they find themselves feeling fitter, stronger and healthier, and there is a reduction in the body fat ratio.

But these boot camps are not only about reducing weight and increasing fitness. They are also designed to improve vitality and enhance self confidence. Activities like hiking and trekking over tough terrain, rock-climbing, and rafting in rough waters are organized regularly which encourage people to push themselves to the limits of their physical capabilities.



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