The Best Tent For Camping With Kids: 2014-02-09

Saturday, February 15, 2014

What is the best family camping tent? Experienced campers are needed!

Emilee

I would like to purchase a family camping tent for my husband and kids - only problem, I don't know ANYTHING about camping! I know I would like a 2 or 3 room tent, but I would like to be able to stand up in the side rooms. Some of the tents I have looked at it appears that you must "crawl" into the side tents. Is this a common thing? Also what do you suggest I purchase as necessities along with the tent? Sleeping bags, cots, stove? Any help is greatly appreciated, again I have never in my life camped so this is completely new to me.

What are some things that you find essential for camping? Things that you don't leave home without???

Answer
http://camping.about.com/od/campingforbeginners/Advice_for_Beginners.htm

http://www.lovetheoutdoors.com/camping/Checklists.htm

or

Camping Checklist (compliments of camping.about.com)
Shelter and Bedding (essentials)
__ tent
__ tarp
__ sleeping bag
__ sleeping pad
__ headrest

Cooking and Dining (essentials)
__ water
__ food
__ cooler
__ camp stove
__ mess kit
__ can opener
__ charcoal

Clothes
__ t-shirts
__ shorts
__ jeans/pants
__ socks
__ shoes/boots
__ camp shoes
__ hat/cap
__ sweater
__ rain poncho
__ underwear
__ swim suit
__ laundry bag
__ _____________
__ _____________
__ _____________
__ _____________

Personal Hygiene
__ tooth brush
__ tooth paste
__ wash rag(s)
__ towel(s)
__ soap
__ comb/brush
__ nail clippers
__ razor
__ toilet paper
__ _____________
__ _____________ Shelter and Bedding (optionals)
__ book
__ cot
__ comforter
__ throw rug
__ pillow

Cooking and Dining (optionals)
__ charcoal chimney
__ smoker
__ Dutch oven
__ hot dog sticks
__ pie irons
__ chairs
__ folding table
__ table cloth
__ butane lighter
__ screen room

Cleaning Items
__ broom
__ dust pan
__ whisk broom
__ lawn rake
__ dish pan
__ detergent
__ dish rags
__ ppt scrubber

First Aid Kit
__ personal medication
__ bandages
__ aspirin, Tylenol
__ medical tape
__ sterile gauze
__ elastic wrap
__ antiseptic wipes
__ antibiotic cream
__ burn ointment
__ sunburn lotion
__ hydrogen peroxide
__ scissors
__ tweezers
__ eye wash
__ sanitary napkins
__ snake bite kit Chuck Box
__ salt and pepper
__ herbs and spices
__ cooking oil
__ pot holders
__ paper towels
__ napkins
__ plastic trash bags
__ tongs and spatula
__ aluminum foil
__ measuring cups
__ plastic silverware
__ paper plates/bowls
__ plastic cups
__ zip lock bags
__ knives
__ cutting board
__ cork screw

Miscellaneous Items
__ binoculars
__ bird guide
__ bug spray
__ bungi cords
__ camera
__ candles
__ cards, games
__ cell phone
__ clothes pins
__ compass
__ duct tape
__ fishing gear
__ flashlight
__ frisbee
__ GPS
__ kites
__ knife
__ lantern
__ matches
__ pen and paper
__ rope
__ shower bag
__ sun block
__ tools
__ water filters
__ whistle

fun crafts for kids with fabric?

&+Dream**

i have 2 pieces of fabric wat can my kids do w/it?

Answer
Hey awesome i am a kid and this will be soooo easy because its in a childs perspective!!!!!
-make a table cloth
-design barbie or g i joe clothes
-fold it up and cut out small shapes
-make a bedding for a cage
-make a tent(drap it over some trees and stick in dirt)
-but either cotton or rip open an old toy and get out the stuffing use a needle and thread to close the sides and a bottom part then stuff it an you have a cushion or a small pillow
-color on it and hang it in room or camper or tent
-make a blankie
-color it fold it like a triangle and cut a circle out top and you have a poncho or a shawl!
I really hope I helped :)))))

A movie about kids in a tent telling scary stories outside there house?

deano

One of the stories that a kid tells is about a boy that collects flys and steals manure from a farmer that makes his flys super big! and another is about a lady going into a chicken place and getting served a deep fried rat. Its just some kids telling short scary stories

Answer
The Willies (1990)
starring Sean Astin, Jason Horst, Joshua Miller, James Karen, Dana Ashbrook, Bill Erwin
IMDb review:
Two brothers camping out with their cousin decide to tell scary stories. The first one is about this woman who goes into a chicken restaurant and orders a bucket of chicken; when she takes her first bite, she notices that it doesn't taste like chicken then is surprised to see a big rat that she took a bite out of. The second one is about a old man that goes on a haunted house ride and dies of a heart attack. The next story is about a woman that dries her wet poodle off in the microwave after giving it a bath in the kitchen sink. The next two stories are the main stories of the movie. The first one is about a monster living above a boys' bathroom in an elementary school. The second is about a boy that has a weird hobby of collecting flies and doing stuff with them.
Here's Part 1 of nine on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SsW9171TQDI

Where can I take the kids to camp in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex?

kris

I want to actually camp tent style.. for the 4th of july.. need a good place with water to swim.. lake or pool..

Answer
Camping (Grapevine Lake)

http://www.vineyardscampground.com/
http://www.campingfriend.com/TheVineyardsCampgroundonLakeGrapevine/default.asp?file=Facilities
https://www.grapevinetexasusa.com/ThingsToDo/LakeGrapevine/tabid/260/Default.aspx

http://www.texasoutside.com/txorails/public/reviews/show_campground/116
http://www.texasoutside.com/txorails/public/reviews/show_campground/13

http://www.swf-wc.usace.army.mil/grapevine/Recreation/Camping/index.asp

Swimming (Grapevine Lake)

https://www.grapevinetexasusa.com/ThingsToDo/GrapevineLake/PublicSwimming/tabid/263/Default.aspx
http://www.swf-wc.usace.army.mil/grapevine/Recreation/Swimming.asp
-

What kind of tent should we get?

TaDa

I don't know anything about camping, but we're a family of four and will be going on camping trips with the Boy and Girl Scouts. What kind of tent should we get? What style? (Idiot-proof set-up would be good.) What's a good brand? (We're in Texas, so we're more likely to be camping when it's hot not cold.) Thanks!

Answer
For car-camping I always advise families to get a separate three-man, three-season, nylon dome tent for each two or three people. Maybe some families enjoy a slumber party atmosphere the first night, but by the second night I'll bet most people would prefer a little privacy.

Some people see one of those big two or three room "cabin" tents and think that's the answer, but those things are overkill, often too large for the campsite.

Even though you're camping in the summer, a dome tent with full rain fly is essential in case of a freak storm. If it's hot you can take it off, unlike a cabin tent which is usually just one layer. Some dome tents have more mesh screen rather than nylon on the inner layer and those would be the coolest.

REI http://www.rei.com/ has many good quality tents, including their own brand which are a great deal. http://www.rei.com/product/745955

If there's any chance the Scouts might be going on a backpacking trip sometime in the future, and are required to bring a tent, you might want to think about the weight of that second "kids" tent and instead try to buy the lightest 2 man, 3 season tent. This one is reasonably light for two people to share carrying it. http://www.rei.com/product/705525

I just remembered, after all that, that I also always advise people never to buy tents, sleeping bags, backpacks, etc. for their first camping trip(s) and instead to borrow or rent the more expensive gear to give yourselves a chance to learn what your personal preferences are without spending big bucks. REI also rents tents, sleeping bags, pads, backpacks and camp stoves. They have six stores in TX: http://www.rei.com/FindStores?state=TX&radius=900

Best kids camping tent?

Raul

I have been looking for a cool but fun kids camping tent so i can camp with my kids in my backyard before it gets too cold (might be too late). I shopped around and found some, but don't know which one to choose yet (i do like the videos on these pages, that's cool): (1) http://www.bongobing.com/products/pacific-play-tents-one-touch-play-tent-374218, (2) http://www.bongobing.com/products/pacific-play-tents-jungle-safari-play-tent-and-tunnel-374312. Here are some results when using this site for kids camping tent: http://www.bongobing.com/info/camping-tent
links did not work, hopefully they do now: (1) <a href="http://www.bongobing.com/products/pacific-play-tents-one-touch-play-tent-374218">http://www.bongobing.com/products/pacific-play-tents-one-touch-play-tent-374218</a>, (2) <a href="http://www.bongobing.com/products/pacific-play-tents-jungle-safari-play-tent-and-tunnel-374312">http://www.bongobing.com/products/pacific-play-tents-jungle-safari-play-tent-and-tunnel-374312</a>, (3) <a href="http://www.bongobing.com/info/camping-tent">http://www.bongobing.com/info/camping-tent</a>

Answer
Go to your local Walmart, K-mart, places like that and look at a Coleman Sundome. It will cost around $60-$70 and it is plenty good for the back yard, even for weekend camping. 9x7 feet floor area is plenty big enough for 3 to sleep in. It's a decent quality, especially for the price, easy to set up, and will last several years if given reasonable care.

How to make/sew a Tunnel/Dome/Curved shape Tent (or other idea's) for Top Bunk Bed.?

Q. I NEED to make tents for my kids bunk bed.
The bottom bunk is a piece if cake.
I need to know how to make a tent for the top bunk.
I can sew no problem.
The problem i'm having is the poles... I don't know what to look for, what they are called, anything about flexible poles... Nothing!!
i have several idea's (please look at the links).
And NO i do not want it hanging from the ceiling downwards. Lol!
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51BJP6Eqg1L._SL500_AA300_.jpg
http://bedzine.com/blog/bed-designs/bed-classic/bunk-bed-with-tent-and-curtain/
http://bunkybusiness.com/maxi11.L.jpg
ALSO... I LOVE THE IDEA OF THIS... AGAIN MY PROBLEM IS THE POLES... WHAT TO LOOK FOR AND THE FLEXIBILITIES OF IT...
http://dyijw76xix8sx.cloudfront.net/products/coaster-gi-pat-loft-bed/gipat_tentandslide.png

Answer
I'd suggest going to a camping goods store; tent poles can be purchased separate from the tents themselves - what you're looking for is "hoop-tent" poles. REI (http://www.rei.com) might be able to give you some information, or

Another option might be to go to a fabric store; believe it or not, some REALLY "old-timey" fabric stores still carry the stuff that was used for hoop skirts! Places that do work such as making vintage costumes would also have it - one of the best references for that might be Colonial Williamsburg in Williamsburg, Virginia.

Lastly, if the fabric that you're planning to use isn't heavy, you might check with gardening centers. They carry some stuff that is ordinarily used to make a "tent" over tender vegetable plants.

Hopefully one of those possibilities will do the job!

What are the different types of tents?

Jack

There is something to consider before deciding to buy a tent for there are large variety of tents. Can any experienced one intro. the styles and your favorite style or creative style ones?

Answer
ââDome Tent
The dome tent: These tents owing to their shape are most spacious and can be divided into rooms as well. Can fit a single person or a family as they come in both individual and family sizes. Easy to carry by backpackers, it is very popular in camping. Its shape makes it more heat efficient. The tents have a ârainflyâ which is water proof and helps in keeping the interior dry. So depending on what type of group you have Dome tents have various options. Even the windows come in clear or mesh options. Dividers are available if you need more privacy in the family dome tents. The family tents also have the option of tafetta walls to make it more sturdy. Dome tents are very easy to move if you decide to shift to any other location close by. The most important thing is it is very stable in windy conditions.
ââcabin tent
The cabin tent: Well, if you plan to go car camping and need room to stand then the cabin tent is your best bet. The cabin tents are big enough that you can actually park your car inside it. It is a huge tent that was designed for camping with your car. Some of them stand as tall as 8 ft giving it the room to have a party as well. . These tents are made with heavy material which helps for long durable. These are also exclusively used for hosting backyard parties, or for bigger family groups that go on camping.
ââgeodesic tents
The geodesic tent: These tents were introduced by the Buckminster Fuller. He was an engineer, author, inventor. Mr. Fuller was the one who introduced the geodesic dome in buildings. The geodesic dome is based on âtensegrityâ structures such as tetrahedron, octahedron which are a net of continuous structures that do not touch each other but form closely bound spheres which is just enough to not make them touch each other but also have enough tension in them to make them separate spatially to form a sphere.
The geodesic tents have become popular because of its design as it requires minimum material and provides a large space. This concept is specially useful in tents as there is a central pole which gives it additional strength in high wind conditions as there are no weak points and is easy for one person to set it up. Geodesic tents are heat efficient and spacious like the other tents but their main selling point is the high strength and stability they provide.
ââTunnel tents
Tunnel tents: Tunnel tents or Mutli-hoop tents as they are also called are tents used both in camping, as a kids play area, even as tents for pets. Due to the ring structure in these tents they can give a good height. These are similar to A-frame tents but slightly heavier. A good tunnel tents must be at least 3 lbs in weight including the poles, guy lines and canopy panels This type of camping tent is a large standing free room tent. The tent is waterproof and is very easy to assemble. Another benefit of this tent is it has the capable of shedding heavy snow.
ââFolding tents
Folding tents: Folding tents are also known as popup canopies or instant gazebos are incredibly handy for events, festivals, promotions. Being a lightweight spacious and easy to setup as well as fold up is an ideal choice for moving around and quick set up. These tends usually do not need to be staked down but can sometimes require skylines attached to tress or stakes. Folding tent is easy to move to other places when it needs to be shifted within a short frame of time. It is ideal for hunting or camping.
ââ Umbrella Style tents
Umbrella style tents: They are like umbrella because they have only one supporting pole in the Centre of the tent. They are simple and light, but not the type of tent you want to be in during camping or hunting. Mostly ideal for sitting under on a beach or in the backyard for a party to have shade while you are in the sun.

Bake Sale for dummies...?

doodlebugs

I want to do a bake sale in my community, but I'm not sure where to start. What do I do? I need some recipes that won't cost a lot of money to make. After I have recipes, where do I go? I have asked a question similar to this before, but never went through with my idea. I want to give the proceeds to Great American Bake Sale. Thanks.

http://gabs.strength.org/site/PageServer?pagename=GABS_homepage

Answer
1. Have a cause. Most bake sales are for raising money for a charity or cause. Be sure you understand who to send the proceeds to. It may help to have some pamphlets or other literature available to explain your charity. This is a great opportunity to promote your cause, too.
* Put out a jar for tips or donations. If you're raising money for a cause, give people the opportunity to donate, too. Some people may just not be hungry, but they still might want to support your organization.
2. Get volunteers. Ask your friends and family (as appropriate) to help.
* Make it clear what the cause is, when the bake sale is, and have reasonable shifts available.
* Little kids are often adorable and are hard to say "no" to. Just make sure they have adult supervision to help.
* Ask for additional help setting up and cleaning up.
3. Decide on a venue. Hold the bake sale at a well frequented public spot or in a school or college.
* Sometimes retail stores will be happy to have to set up a booth nearby.
* Festivals, street fairs, outdoor public concerts, and other big public events can also be excellent choices.
* School plays, concerts, and parent nights are excellent bake sale opportunities.
* Make sure that it is legal to hold at the spot you choose, and get permission from the appropriate authorities, if applicable.
* Be sure you have a "rain site" to do the bake sale indoors or under a tent in case the weather turns sour.
4. Have your booth ready. You may be lucky and have a table and chairs available already and a sign made up already. But if you don't, you will need to plan ahead. You may also need:
* Card tables or folding tables.
* Some sort of awning, like a pop-up pavilion to protect from rain or sun.
* Tablecloth
* Decorations and signs to grab attention.
* Coolers and ice to keep items (like drinks) cold.
* Garbage container and garbage bags for cleanup.
* Folding chairs.
* Crock pots to keep items (like spiced cider) hot.
* Cash Box: You need to keep your funds in some sort of container. Be sure it has change for large bills!
5. Advertise. Design attention-grabbing and colourful posters and put them up in well frequented areas. Have the date, place, and explain the cause that the proceeds will go to.
* If you are selling at a school, have your bake sale announced over the intercom, in the daily notice, or whatever is available.
* Advertise your organization through your clothes. If you are raising funds for your scout troop, for instance, wear your uniform.
* Don't be afraid to look a little goofy. Swim team members could wear their swim caps and goggles at a street fair or a drama club could wear costumes in front of the grocery store. It gets attention.
* Matching outfits will do as well. Ask everyone to wear the school's or organization's colors.
6.
Bake sales are a good opportunity to bake a variety of goodies.
Bake sales are a good opportunity to bake a variety of goodies.
Create the baked goods. A bake sale needs baked items.
* You could bake the items yourself--this is usually the cheapest route. Divide the baking between many members, if possible.
* Alternatively, buy them from a local bakery or shop. This is particularly effective if people don't usually have access to the goods, such as at a high school. It also is easier for people who can't cook, or don't have the time.
* Be careful that your items are reasonably priced, otherwise you may have a hard time selling it.
* Ask that cooks label ingredients on the baked goods. A small but significant population have food allergies and sensitivities. Knowing that the carrot cake has nuts can save a life.
7. Sell drinks, too. Lots of people like to have a bit of liquid to wash down sugary treats, and it's a chance for you or your group to earn a bit of extra money.
* Coffee, tea, iced tea, hot cider, lemonade, water, and soda are all good options. However, use common sense: hot coffee probably won't sell well on a hot summer day.
8. Package your baked goods to travel. How will visitors take and eat your items? Bring a supply of small paper plates, paper towels, plastic forks, napkins, cups if you are serving drinks that require them, and plastic wrap, plastic sandwich bags, or foil. It's best to keep these to a minimum, as they cut into profits and create waste!
* If many people in an organization are baking, ask them to package things in sale-size quantities, perhaps two to three cookies to a package or one cupcake or larger item.
9. Get the party going. Buy/prepare the food, put up the booth or table, and start selling. If you planned it well enough, this should be the easiest step of all.
10. L

Which tent should I choose?

kjetit

I am looking for a 2-3 person 3 Season backpacking tent.
It should be high quality, water proof, noiseless, no condensate and sturdy against wind. I would also like it to be comfortable for 2 persons, functional to use and not too heavy.
I will use it mostly when hiking on mountains.

I have been looking on
-MSR Hubba Hubba HP Tent
-Sierra Designs ASP 2 Tent
-The North Face Roadrunner 33 Tent
-Sierra Designs Antares 3 Tent
-???other sugestiond??

I was thinking of investing +-$400 to get a long lasting tent.
Please help me. Which tent should i choose?
If you know a good place to buy it, it would be great also.

thanks.

Answer
The basic criteria for a good three season backpacking tent include: dual walls with full rain fly that reaches the ground OR single wall waterproof/breathable with vents, carbon fiber or aluminum DAC poles, a method of securing the poles to the rain fly (often Velcro), plenty of screens, and a bathtub floor. Other considerations are that a tent with only two poles is obviously lighter than three or more, and lighter materials make for a much better time backpacking.

Of those four tents, I'd dismiss the North Face tent immediately as I've been prejudiced against their products due to their popularity and its reputed effect on quality control. The MSR Hubba Hubba has won awards and is the lightest of the four, but I consider it overpriced in comparison to the Sierra Designs tents, which would be my choice, and is, because I sometimes carry a Sierra Designs Lightning tent which is similar to the Sierra Designs ASP 2 tent, although about a pound lighter, which is my answer to your question. The SD Antares weighs over 7 lbs and thus isn't suitable for backpacking in my opinion.

Comparing the Lightning 2 and the ASP 2:
http://sierradesigns.com/tents.display.php?id=716
http://sierradesigns.com/tents.display.php?id=47

The ASP 2 is larger than the Lightning 2, both the interior and the vestibule, but for me 4 lbs is the absolute maximum weight for couples UL backpacking, and when my kids are older I plan to switch permanently to use my silnylon tarp or sew a Ray Jardine tarp with mosquito netting. Still, I carry the tent, fly, guy lines, and stakes myself and my wife carries only the poles included her 11 lbs FSO (from skin out) BP weight.
http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___20069
http://www.rayjardine.com/ray-way/Tarp-Kit/index.htm

Other options include various UL tents such as those made by Henry Shires: http://www.tarptent.com/ or some kind of pyramid tent such as those made by Titanium Goat: http://www.titaniumgoat.com/vertex5.html or a pair of hammocks from Hennesy: http://hennessyhammock.com/

REI carries the Lightning 2 and ASP 2 tents, both of which are are sale right now, which is my answer to the last part of your question as well: http://www.rei.com/product/763152
http://www.rei.com/product/763148

Christmas presents for my kids? Suggestions?

Q. Allison age 8: IPod suffle, camera, Clothes for her American girl, 4 foot tall dollhouse, Nintendo DS and game, Bendaroo package, littlest pet shop package game, New scooter
Rosalie age 8: same as her twin sister, Allison
For the twins, i am going to get them an easy bake oven.
Alexis and Leah age 4: American girls, barbies, dollhouse, kitchen and table play set thing with food, Barbie ATV, New bikes, Pink lego, dress up
Jacob and Riley age 4: little boy ATV, superman tent, lego, blocks, new bikes, dress up for boys(policeman) toy tains set, motor car
For the quads im getting a bouncy house, and a tent city
For all of them im getting, a swing set and jungle gym, a trampoline and my husband is building them a tree house. Oh and we are getting a puppy.
So do you think they are good christmas oresents? any suggestions? I would love to hear!

Answer
For Any girl The most awesome gifts:
1) Butterscotch FurReal Pony ( THE BEST )
2) Calico Critters Deluxe Villa House + Calico Critters ( because those are not included in the house )
3) KidKraft Savannah Dollhouse
4) Fisher-Price Loving Family Grand Dollhouse with Bonus Pack
5) Girl Gourmet Sweets Candy Jewel Factory
6) WowWee Alive Cubs Value Bundle - Bonus Mini Cub

For Any Boy :
1) Fisher-Price Power Wheels Jeep ( any )
2) Airflow Fire Truck Pedal Car
3) Lionel Polar Express Battery-Powered G-Gauge Train Set
4) Fisher-Price Smart Cycle
5) Fisher-Price Spike the Ultra Dinosaur

Good chistmas presents for my kids? Any ideas?

Lola

Allison age 8: Clothes for her american girl, nintendo DS and game, Little make up kit, Ipod shuffle
Rosalie age 8: Same as her twin sister Allison.
I would also get the twins an easy bake oven and this like 4 foot tall dollhouse thing.
Alexis and Leah age 4:Little kitchen and table play set,3 foot barbie house, Barbie ATV, Little dolls, American girls, Pink legos, Polly pockets,
Jacob and Riley age 4: Boy kid ATV car, drive around jeep, remote controle car, legos, new bikes, toy tains set, hot wheels track and cars, Blocks, Tent thing.
For the quads i would ge them like a tent city, and a life size zebra plushie to go in their playroom.
For all the kids, im getting a wii, wii games like wii sports and little kid games, a trampoline, a jungle gym and swing set, and my husband is going to build them a tree house. Oh and we are getting a puppy.

Answer
Depends on your budget.

You can't go wrong with iPods.

Friday, February 14, 2014

What are peoples main problems when living in an apartment?

Answer
No garden for the self.
Not being able to stop heat loss to higher up apartments, as there is no loft to insulate.
Noise from neighbours, including toilet flushing.
Risk of being trapped by fire caused by a neighbour.
Risk of being flooded by someone outside your family (ie. upstairs).
Drains being blocked by neighbours.
Rubbish/trash left in stairways.
Other people leaving access door wedged open, so compromising security.
People urinating in stairways, lifts and corridors.
Not having the simple luxury of being able to go upstairs to bed.
Constant untidy communal rubbish/trash area, which attracts vermin.
Not being able to collect rainwater.
Not being able to install a small wind turbine which could power all the lighting so save money.
Not able to have a real indoor fire to heat the place.
Not able to store grey-water to water the garden which does not exist.
High crime and drug/alcohol rates associated with apartment blocks.
Being classed as scum by many people because you live in a poor area.
It is sometimes harder to find employment when you live in an area of tower blocks, due to bad publicity of said areas.
High risk of being a victim of gang crime.
Lack of personal space.
Lack of nature when leaving the building.
Difficulty of feeding birds and other animals, or just watching them from the window.
Many apartments have coin operated electric meters, which can be so annoying trying to find the change to prevent a power cut.
They are totally unacceptable places to raise children.
Children raised in apartments have a high risk of being involved in crime, gangs and substance abuse. They also grow up not knowing a better way to live, so often raise their own kids in similar places.

In response to an email received from the questioner, about accommodation for a rising human population:

I'm not really sure if I would be a good subject matter as I no longer live in an apartment. I now live in a tent most of the year, occasionally at peoples houses when I am helping them convert to alternative energy and lifestyles.
I will answer what you asked in your message to me as though I am still in an apartment. It was 7 years ago, in Preston, UK, just outside the city center in an area known as Avenham. The apartment, we call them flats, was high rise of about 20 floors, and 16 flats on each floor. There were about 15 of these high rise buildings, all the flats the same size and layout. It had 1 bedroom, 1 living/dining room, small kitchen bathroom and inter-joining hallway. the living room/bedroom both measured no more than 12 foot square, kitchen a quarter of that. Space for moving comfortably was a problem. The main problems I gave in my answer, anything else are really minor matters.

Am I to assume that as part of your uni project you are to design multi-person building accommodation? If you let me know what your project is, I might be able to help further. Let me know. I hope this is of some use to you.
The problem which appears to be the problem is the lack of space part. We do not have a lack of space, only a lack of ideas on how to use the space that we have. We know that social problems exist in association with apartment blocks, so we need to think about either eliminating those problems or different building styles.
I am going to assume that you have watched the film, "the lord of the rings", which showed hobbits living in the hillside. The houses they lived in would have been heat retentive and could be large, at the same time using land that we would normally consider unsuitable for building on. The problem with making accommodation such as these would be the cost, but they could be built relatively cheaply, if only we would make a tunnelling machine that had pivoted tracks so that it could manoeuvre on the hillside which would re-enforce the "tunnels" as it digs. One hill that was only suitable for twenty sheep, could easily be converted into spacious living accommodation for over 100 families, each of them have a garden, by using the stagger and tier systems.
Again, if we look at another possibility, would could easily have whole communities of people living in woodland tree houses, rent free, in exchange for managing the forests.

However, the social problems associated with apartments, are not solely because of the apartments, more of the case being that many people with problems end up in such places.
Some people would also prefer to live outside of today's society lifestyle, and these could be used to help upkeep and manage the wilderness.
There is also the possibility of people living on barges on canals, giving them the ability to move their house literally to where work was needed.
There are plenty of ideas already out there, it is us, as society on the whole, that just needs to accept that these things are not necessarily "backwards" and in many cases, are a step forwards in the standards of living.
Just think, if you lived in a hillside, in a wide tunnel shaped house that you did not need to heat often and could easily grow much of you food on it's soil "roof". Do you think you would be better or worse off for doing so?
We don't need to stuff people to live on each others toes, we just need to think differently from what we currently accept to be normal. The crazy thing is, this normal that we now live, is not really good for our world, it's environment, the animals, or us. Society on the whole could easily be alike a god, in that it can do almost anything if it wanted to. The question is, do we as individuals want to live in concrete city, separated from nature, or with it? We can do either, but only one will allow us to be truly happy and at peace with the world. Smart thinking is all it takes...

Apologies to all for it being so long...

I would like to take my two kids camping, for the first time, what should I bring other than a tent?

JENNIFER C

I have two kids, ages 8 and 9. I am a single mom. I bought a tent and would like to take them camping, but am unsure of the types of things I should bring. I know the basics, tent, blankets, first aid kit, food, insect repellent. But I'm looking to do this for as cheaply as possible. Here is what we have so far, blankets, pillows, tent, and even transportation to and from a camping site, we've got bottles to fill with water, and even some sparklers for fun. Any ideas? I'm sure I could come up with a list on my own, but I'd prefere to get suggestions from people who have already been there and done that. Thanks in advance
I've decided to go to a camp grounds, especially where it is our first time. I'd like to go for three days. It will cost me about 120 bucks {still looking for cheaper} So far all the suggesstions are awsome, and informative. I'm learning a great deal. I am also going to try to convince another adult to come to so that I can sit back and relax.

Answer
http://www.lovetheoutdoors.com/camping/Checklists.htm
http://camping.about.com/od/campingforbeginners/Advice_for_Beginners.htm
Camping Checklist (compliments of camping.about.com)
Shelter and Bedding (essentials)
__ tent
__ tarp
__ sleeping bag
__ sleeping pad
__ headrest

Cooking and Dining (essentials)
__ water
__ food
__ cooler
__ camp stove
__ mess kit
__ can opener
__ charcoal

Clothes
__ t-shirts
__ shorts
__ jeans/pants
__ socks
__ shoes/boots
__ camp shoes
__ hat/cap
__ sweater
__ rain poncho
__ underwear
__ swim suit
__ laundry bag
__ _____________
__ _____________
__ _____________
__ _____________

Personal Hygiene
__ tooth brush
__ tooth paste
__ wash rag(s)
__ towel(s)
__ soap
__ comb/brush
__ nail clippers
__ razor
__ toilet paper
__ _____________
__ _____________ Shelter and Bedding (optionals)
__ book
__ cot
__ comforter
__ throw rug
__ pillow

Cooking and Dining (optionals)
__ charcoal chimney
__ smoker
__ Dutch oven
__ hot dog sticks
__ pie irons
__ chairs
__ folding table
__ table cloth
__ butane lighter
__ screen room

Cleaning Items
__ broom
__ dust pan
__ whisk broom
__ lawn rake
__ dish pan
__ detergent
__ dish rags
__ ppt scrubber

First Aid Kit
__ personal medication
__ bandages
__ aspirin, Tylenol
__ medical tape
__ sterile gauze
__ elastic wrap
__ antiseptic wipes
__ antibiotic cream
__ burn ointment
__ sunburn lotion
__ hydrogen peroxide
__ scissors
__ tweezers
__ eye wash
__ sanitary napkins
__ snake bite kit Chuck Box
__ salt and pepper
__ herbs and spices
__ cooking oil
__ pot holders
__ paper towels
__ napkins
__ plastic trash bags
__ tongs and spatula
__ aluminum foil
__ measuring cups
__ plastic silverware
__ paper plates/bowls
__ plastic cups
__ zip lock bags
__ knives
__ cutting board
__ cork screw

Miscellaneous Items
__ binoculars
__ bird guide
__ bug spray
__ bungi cords
__ camera
__ candles
__ cards, games
__ cell phone
__ clothes pins
__ compass
__ duct tape
__ fishing gear
__ flashlight
__ frisbee
__ GPS
__ kites
__ knife
__ lantern
__ matches
__ pen and paper
__ rope
__ shower bag
__ sun block
__ tools
__ water filters
__ whistle

taking kids camping..?

Me and my hubby love to camp but we never took the younger kids camping and this time he camping near water can anymore give me some tips to help us we have a 10 year old and 6 years they both have been before also have 3 and 1 years old and i am pregnant

Answer
The first thing I do is establish "boundaries" with my kids: we walk the perimeter of the space around our campsite with which I'm comfortable exploring. Make it as large as you feel comfortable so they can have some exploring time without you hovering - that's part of the joy of the outdoors. I taught my two and four year old that if they hear an adult calling their names, they are to immediately freeze and shout, "Here I am." It allows us to keep tabs on them during that moment of panic when they're on the other side of the big rock or the kneeling to look at ants under a tree stump and you don't immediately see them. With the older two, I recommend walkie talkies, which work great for exploring after they've become familiar with their surroundings.

I'd definitely recommend a baby carrier/backpack that your husband can carry the one year old in so that you can hike as a family. REI has some wonderful free scavenger hunt/outdoor journals for kids. My family also loves geocaching: looking for "treasure chests" helps break up a longer hike into manageable chunks and keeps the kids going. Unless your 3 year old regularly hikes, I wouldn't plan anything longer than a 2.5 miler, unless you want to carry him back (my rule is one mile for every year they are old, but you have to plan for a little less than that because no kid hikes in a straight line). Enjoy the journey - not the destination.

Ditto on the glow sticks (they're nightlights in the tent), but cheap glow necklaces also work great for locating your kids at twilight and making them feel more secure too. For sleeping, we still bring a pack and play for my two year old. A matress pad/blanket under the sleeping bag will add to the warmth factor and we have our kids sleep in double pajama layers (long john types with socks inside of footie sleepers) and knit hats when they sleep. We always keep a little porta-potty inside the tent at night: my potty-training daughter uses her little potty seat regulary, but her older brother has been known to "borrow" it while camping when it's too cold and dark to make it to the outhouse.

coleman kids dome tent?

Q. can you close the netting so that no air gets out?
im painting my room and i need a cheap one and i can fit in that one. and i can make it cool if it zips.
so where it has the mesh material does it zip up so no air gets out?
or is there any other one like under 20$ that can zip?
at academy, walmart, target?
can you put a double bed in it?

Answer
Get a pup tent. They don't have mesh vents. You know, the small triangular type that look like army tents or old boy scout tents. I think academy carries them, and they are usually cheap.

Best kids camping tent?

Raul

Inside Games?

babyj06

OKay, the B-Day is on saturday...slight chance of rain. Does anyone know any inside games for kids to play in case it rains! 5-7 years old

Answer
Here's what games we played at my son's 8 yr bday party (it was night time so most of them HAD to be inside!)

We had a relay race across the living room. They started at one end and had to crawl (since you dont want them running inside) to the other side of the room where they had to put EVERY piece of clothing that was in their pile on (they were all ADULT clothes and each pile consisted of a t-shirt, shorts, ball-cap, shoes and gloves!) Then they had to HOP back. The first person back won a small prize!

Another game we did was the "jello jiggler!" I made enough jello for each child and gave them all the SAME amount on a paper plate. Each plate was put on the floor and they had to eat it as fast as they could (without using thier hands EVEN to hold the plate still). Whomever finished first won. This was REALLY funny to watch!! Do it on a floor that can be wiped off easily though!

We also played musical "mushrooms" I didnt have enough chairs so we used pillows instead! I was in control of the music for the first round. Then once a child had been "out" then THAT child got to do the music for the next round, and so on. That way each child got a turn at helping w/ the music. And the rest of the kids that were "out" helped me figure out who was "out" next! (if you arent sure on how to play musical chairs, email me and I will explain)

Twister, of course, is ALWAYS a good, TIME consuming game!! It takes FOREVER to play!

A treasure hunt is another fun thing to do! We usually give each "group" of 3-4 kids a list of what they are looking for. Then hide things in places like the dishwasher, the dryer, the bathtub, etc. We put DIFFERANT things on each teams list so that they arent all trying for the same things. We usually make a riddle out of it so that its a little harder to figure out (for example in the dryer we would put something like:
The next thing you have to find and get
Is located somewhere that you put something wet
When it comes out its usually dry
So go now and find! TRY TRY TRY!)
The first team to find all thier things win and get a goody bag or an extra cupcake or whatever!

Once it was dark outside we played flashlight tag where each child (was told to bring a flashlight to the party) took thier flashlight and that was how you got "tagged" in the game. Also if they were caught running they were AUTOMATICALLY out (this cut down on them getting really wild)

Another thing we did (which isnt really a game) is that we turned our living room into a "fort!" We got a bunch of sheets and let the kids use chairs, table-trays, and whatever else they could find to drape the sheets over to build a fort. Then we put on a movie and they all got under thier "tent" like fort and watched the movie in their sleeping bags, telling stories, giggling, etc until they FINALLY fell asleep!

If its a sleepover then designate a SEPERATE room for those kids that WANT to go to sleep. That way you dont hear a bunch of fussing and arguing all night b/c the ones who are tired can go in the seperate room and go on to sleep while the others can stay up and watch tv.

I hope that helps!! I just LOVE kids bday parties!! :)

Fun Vacation Ideas With Kids?

Tara C

I live in upstate NY and am trying to find somewhere good for a summer vacation with a 5 year old. I want to keep it pretty inexpensive, so I would like to be able to drive there. Any ideas?
Actually I am not looking for NYC at all, it's just the closest that I could find to all of NYS.

Answer
As a little kid I lived in upstate NY and I had the most fun there. I suggest going to Lake George, there are unless possibilities, I loved to walk around and see all the store, arcades, ice cream shops... etc. There is also a HUGE theme park called The Great Escape (I think the name was changed to Six Flags) but it is amazing. I have so many memories from that place. It is great for little kids, teenagers, and adults. There are rides and games for everyone. While living in NY I also enjoyed going camping, upstate NY has some amazing campgrounds. Find one close to where you live and if you don't mind sleeping in a tent go for it.. I prefer tents to RV's anyday.
I hope your 5 year old has a wonderful time.

what games could i have at my wedding reception to entertain guests and especially kids?

lynn

I want to have a fun relaxed wedding reception (with about 200 guests.) It is going to be outside under a tent on a big lawn at a golf course and there is a putting green next to it that i want to bring golf balls, putters and pitching wedges for people to use. I was also wanting to set up something fun for kids to play with thats not messy (i.e. no craft table) or too expensive (i wish we could get a bouncy house.) Any ideas?

Answer
http://www.weddingmountain.com/p-2737-coloring-book.aspx

http://www.weddingmountain.com/p-7510-wedding-activity-book.aspx

I don't know how many kids you plan on having but im am getting these for my flower girls they come with crayons so hopefully this will keep them having fun. If not then hire a "baby sitter" if your having over 10 kids you will pry want one anyway. parents tend to let their kids run around and not always keep them under control but if you give someone that as their job they can have the kids play tag.. or play other little games in a circle so that they are not being destructive

Road Trip In America but what about car hire?

M_Explorer

Me and my friends are planning a road trip around America in our gap year but you have to be at least over 21 to hire a car and in some 25

does anybody have any ideas or a solution to this?

we did think about travelling on tram but not sure how much that would cost and everything.

thank you x

Answer
I am assuming your from Europe since you use words like Tram , and hire ... We call it renting , when you get a car for a short time . I have driven from Cape cod , MA ( 45 mins south of Boston ) all the way along RT 90 to Seattle then north about 2 hrs . I also drive from British Columbia border down the west coast ( California ) to Tampa , Fl . It was amazing and I want to do more again when my kids are older ! If there is any advice I can give you I am more then happy to help ! I dont even know you and I am excited for you .

I dont know how old you are but i found this guide online , I hope it helps . http://www.autorentalguide.com/car-rentals-under-25.shtml

It also might depend on which part of the country you plan on starting in . There are some places that sell cars that might be willing to lease/rent/hire a car for a short time .

What did you mean by tram ? Bus ? Buses are fine , Greyhound is most popular , however you will see mostly highway and stop in less then desirable areas of the citys . Most bus terminals are downtown . Ticket prices vary of course . We dont have as many train stations are you do in Europe if you meant trains . Like in Florida there are none , they are trying to change it though .

I hear its cheap to travel like this in Europe , not so much here in America . There are these great campgrounds all across the our country though , they are called KOAs , they even have cabin rentals if you dont have a tent . They are nice and affordable and you do not need a reservation most of the time . Good luck !!!

Indoor/outdoor tents for kids?

dantheman9

I'm looking for a good quality tent for my ten-year-old niece, ideally big enough for anywhere from two to four kids. I'm planning on giving it to her for Christmas, so something that can be used both in the basement and in the back yard would be great. Also, money is a little tight these days (surprise surprise), so I'd like to keep it under $100 if possible. Does anyone have any suggestions where I might find something that would fit the bill?

Answer
For casual use near home, a pop-up tent may be a simple solution, $100.
If you want a serious backpacking tent, then you should spend $200 to $350.
Marmot Limelight 2 or REI Half-Dome 2 are reasonable, economical tents.

What is a good cheap tent brand? Greatland,Ozark Trail or Field and stream?

bridget36

Looking to buy a big enough tent for a family of 5. I don't want to spend to much money because I am not sure if I will even like camping.So I will like to buy a store brand. I am not sure what kmarts brand is. Anyway out of the brands I listed above our any of them good?

Answer
All very good advice above. I will give my two-cents worth. I have two, four-man (9'x7') Ozark Trail tents from Wal-Mart. For a family camping trip, these work great, they are easy to set up, pretty good bang for the buck and over-all have been pretty good tents that have lasted several years and are still holding up. Would I climb Everest or go on an extended backpacking or climbing trip with them, absolutely NOT! I have a quality, one-man backpacking tent for my more serious backpacking trips that I bought from REI. As somebody else said, a tent for the kids and a tent for you guys is the way to go, it's what I do. Two smaller tents are cheaper than one large tent and two small tents are easier to set up than one large tent. I tend to be very organized when I camp. My wife and kids scatter their "crap" all over the tent. Having two tents helps this a lot. The other plus to this is if something happens to one of the tents, it gets a tear, catches on fire, whatever, you have a back-up. Everybody has opinions based upon personal experience, and this is my personal experience. I hope your family develops a love of camping and the outdoors, it's a fantastic family experience.

Thursday, February 13, 2014

what do two 15 year old girls do at a sleepover?

Blahhtrick

okay, so my birthday (turning 15) is in 5 days. i just want to do something fun and unique with my best friend (shes 15). we need good places to go and games and activities and shit. oh yeah, and please donut say anything perverted, thanks. =]

Answer
pillow fight? haha I kid...how about you two have a campout in tent in your backyard or ssomething...

Bog/Girl sleepovers?

Melissa

Do you think it's okay for young boys/girls to have sleepovers with each other? I'm talking about kids around the age of 6 who want to have their friend of the opposite sex sleepover. My best friend has a little boy, and I have a little girl and we're wondering if this is appropriate. If you feel it is okay, would you have the kids sleep in seperate rooms? Any thoughts or experiences on this would be helpful. Thank you.
Wow, there are really 2 sides to it all. One person cant imagine why we would question the appropriateness of this, and another says it would be wrong and we wouldn't be protecting our children if we let them. I see that most feel it's okay, but that we should seperate them.

Answer
That's perfectly ok, just make sure you pop your head in and check on them from time to time.

Edit: OK, I had to add this. To all you saying it's a terrible idea, Pu-lease! Wow. If you cant handle the kids saying "but you let us when we were younger" then you shouldn't be parents.

As a camp counselor, we had co-ed camping trips where guys and girls shared tents *gasp* and none of them went hope with babies in their bellies! Just make sure you keep an eye on thing and that nothing is inappropriate, and everything will be fine. Problems arise when the adult is lazy and leaves the kids alone for extended periods of time.

Your kids are still kids at 6, and even if they were older it'd still be ok as long as you kept the door open and kept an eye on things. Sleeping in seperate rooms might be ideal when they are older and having sleepovers, but at 6 its not a problem.

I had a boy-girl sleepover party on my 13th birthday, and we had a boys room to sleep in and a girls room to sleep in, but we all crashed out and slept in the living room anyhow. So it's not like the seperate rooms were used until the next morning when we all changed for the day.

People saying it's a terrible thing either have no experience at raising children themselves, or do not know how to properly work with kids.

did you ever make tents out of sheets as a kid?

Answer
As a kid! I do every morning with my wood.

How many people fit in a 10x10 tent?

My boss let me borrow a 10x10 tent for my camping trip this weekend. I have no idea how big/tall it is. I was just wondering how many people will fit in it with a full size blow up bed.

Answer
Tents are advertised as two man, four man, six man and so on. However, at best this is the maximum number of persons you can cram into the tent for sleeping in close company with no personal gear. This rating method might make sense for backpackers who are traveling light, but it is terrible for all others.

Why be cramped? Divide the advertised rating by two, and you will have the real capacity of the tent. Therefore, most four man tents are really only comfortable for two adults, or perhaps two adults and two very small children.

You should plan a minimum of 30 square feet of floor space per person. Make this even higher for longer camping trips, unless reducing weight is important.

Actual length and width are also very important. If you are six feet tall, you will need a space of at least seven feet in order to stretch out and not be crammed against the tent sides. You will need at least two and one half feet in width just for sleeping. This equals only 17.5 square feet. A "two man" tent might be advertised which measures five by seven feet.

Adding space for clothing, and a space to stand up without walking on your tentmate, will result in a more livable situation. Think more like eight by eight feet as a basic two man family camping tent. This gives you 32 square feet per person. Still not overly generous.

A ten by ten foot tent is ideal for two adults. You will have enough space for cots or a double air mattress, plus space to stand up when changing clothes.

Kids can fit comfortably in smaller tents. Once they are old enough, about seven or eight, they will probably want to sleep in a separate tent anyway. Parents will appreciate the privacy provided by this arrangement too. A five by seven foot tent is adequate for young kind. Teenagers should be considered as adults when fitting a tent.

Be cautious about tents that are larger than ten by ten. You will find three problems. First, it will be much more difficult to find a smooth and level spot large enough to set up the tent on. You need a spot as level as possible. Second, big tents can get heavy. This is not a problem for your car, but think about how much work it might be for you in loading and unloading the car. Finally, do you really want everyone to sleep, and dress, in the same tent. Privacy becomes an issue with the bigger tents.

The peak inside height is very important to you comfort. For most trips, try to have a tent that is tall enough to stand in. Plan for the taller persons in your group. A six or seven foot peak height is necessary for adults, and a four foot peak is about right for kids. Remember, the tent slopes downward at a sharp angle, so the actual spot where you can stand up will be small. Larger spaces will be provided in tents with taller peaks.

camping TENTS??? (pic)?

Madison B

Can i get those cute little kids camping sets a like wal mart? Or where else?
ones like these:
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51mZEsbU36L._SL500_.jpg
or
http://www.bossgoo.com/photo/product4/775319/product-Kids-Camping-3pcs-Set.jpg
and also: it doesnt have to be all cutsey, just like a smaller sizze.
thanks in advance

Additional Details
also, are they like SUPER small? cause its for my 13 year old, she said she wanted a tiny, cozy and content one like that. (x

ALSO: cause i am pretty sure i have seen them in the wal mart stores but they are not online so i was a little worried.
thanks guys.

Answer
These kinds of items like in the picture, including anything with a cartoon character on it, are more of a toy than a serious piece of camping gear. They probably are not weatherproof for one, and I bet they aren't very durable.

But you can get "real" tents that are kid sized for different amounts of money. Here is a youth tent from TexSport

http://www.amazon.com/Texsport-Brookwood-Youth-Dome-Tent/dp/B001C0GWUE/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1269683114&sr=1-14

You can also get an authentic bivy shelter or a backpacker's or bicycler's tent. These are all small, lightweight, and minimalist design so they are easy to carry. They are used by adults with almost no room to spare, but for a child, they would still be pretty cozy, and they are meant for real camping. Note that the term bivy is used to describe both a sleeping bag cover, which you don't really want for this, and a narrow tent. Here is a search result page for those.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dsporting&field-keywords=bivy&x=0&y=0

You also may have some luck with a beach type shelter, including some pop up cabana type things which tend to have a small footprint, since they are used by people in a sitting position. These are meant for real use, but not necessarily camping. Many are meant for shade, but may not be waterproof or durable enough for any sort of campsite other than sand.

Just make sure whatever you get is meant for real use as a camping piece, that is has all the right working parts just like a grownup's, and is meant to be used outdoors instead of being set up in the playroom, etc.

EDIT: Your 13 year old will not fit in any play tent I have ever seen unless she is super small. Even if she did, she is bound to hit a growth spurt any day now. Go with a backpacking tent or a bivy shelter! It will be plenty cozy...this is past the age of toy tents in my opinion. If she is showing interest in camping, get her some real gear and teach her how to do it right!

Is there any camping other than campgrounds on the Pacific Coast in Washington?

mhj

We have two old dogs that do not like to play with other dogs or kids, so campgrounds are not a good place for them. We can either car camp or tent camp- just not with close neighbors. We were thinking Olympic Peninsula, but that is negotiable. Any ideas? And thanks for looking!

Answer
You can camp in our National Forests... if you drive down and of the forest roads (the gravel ones) you'll see places along the side where people have camped before.. you'll see fire rings to use.. BUT these places do not have running water or bathroom, so you'll be primitive camping (where you have to bring all your water to drink and cook with).

I would highly suggest buying Don Wright's Guide to Free Campgrounds. It's a book (an east and west addition) that lists campgrounds in forests and other secluded places that are free and $12 and under for one night's stay. I use it as my camping bible.. I don't want to stay where RVs and generators are... I suggest you get a copy.. it will help you plan your trip better.
Good luck & have fun camping!

a glow stick opened all over our trailer lino..does anyone know how to remove?

Jenni4

We have a tent trailer and one of the kids glow sticks got a hole in it and dripped all over the lino floor. Now the floor glows yellow in those spots..we have tried vim and sos but nothing seems to work. We want to sell the trailer and don't think this will be a good selling feature...please help!!!

Answer
yeah those things are horrible my son broke one it went all over a playstation game and on his carpet..the carpet was a two foot high hump that eventually went down..it also got in his eyes which we got that out..the game was trash the carpet it was dark blue so you couldnt see it on the top but it was stained on the bottom when we removed it..best bet replace the lino...i dont think there is anything that gets it out..you could try goo gone or goof off..found in walmart hardware depts.

Any good babysitting crafts? Games? Just things that kids would like to do?

Answer
Always bring activities for them to play. It's fun to have new toys! Now that I've babysat for most of my clients at least 3 or 4 times, the kids recognize the tigerstriped backpack I bring babysitting and saunter over to it and check out what games I brought while I'm talking to the parents!
Always bring books with you to read to them at night. Even if they can read themselves, all the boys I've ever babysat for have anticipated the books I bring to read to them. Sometimes, if the kids are 8 or 9, I encourage them to read the book to their younger sibling instead of me reading it to them. Be careful not to encourage competitions (who can run the fastest, etc.). It always ends up with one boy crying that he lost. Always bring stickers, too. You'll never know what they'll come in handy for. With school age boys, they really like things that involve creativity but also have rules. Have a "theme" day. It's really fun and keeps them interested the whole time. Here are some really fun themes to choose:
Baseball
-Make a jersey or wrist band that says their name and name of team they want to "play for"
-Play a 3 inning game of baseball
-Make hotdogs
-Watch "Everyone's Hero" (a cute cartoon movie about a boy and his talking baseball bat)
-Eat popcorn or peanuts
Bugs!
-Catch butterflies/fire flies
-Make "Ants on a Log" (celery topped with peanut butter and raisins/chocolate chips) or "Worms in the Dirt" (chocolate pudding, gummy worms, and crushed oreos)
-Watch "A Bug's Life"
Art (some boys like it and some don't... I'd babysat for this 5-year-old boy for about 3 months and he never seemed to be enjoying all of the sports games and movies I was bringing. Then I had an art themed night and that was really his niche!)
- Make and write a book (one kid can write the story, one can draw the pictures, etc.). Don't influence what they write and draw... I had one kid write a book all about a movie he'd seen and another wrote about playing his gameboy.
- Bring coloring and activity books. (Dot-to-dots and things like that).
- Make cookies and decorate with colored icing
Here are some random games to play:
Volleyball- lay a string on the floor to use as the center dividing line and blow up a balloon to use as the volleyball. You can play too or be the reff.
Go "camping" in the living room- make a tent in their bedroom or livingroom and get a flashlight to use as a bonfire. Tell scary stories and encourage them to make up stories too. Eat marshmellows (pretend to roast them) and, if you can, put some glow in the dark stars on the cieling and turn the lights off.

tent care, waterproofing a tent?

lyn

my family is going camping this summer and our old tent was some what wet still so there is milldue and stuff tht has grown on it and it doesnt hold out the water. they refuse to buy a new tent so is there anything that isnt to expencive we could use to waterproof the tent?
somone suggested AmorAll but i dont know if that will do the job.

Answer
Set up the tent in the yard give it good hosing down use dish soap and scrub it with a large car wash sponge. let it dry real good in the sun.

Next treat it with Tectron Wet Guard -- $7.95 -- Tectron Wet Guard restores a durable water repellent (DWR) finish to create maximum water and soil repellency on all fabrics. Contains no silicone, safe for GORE-TEXÂ®. Repels stains and contains UV screen to reduce fading and degradation. 11oz can
http://www.vtarmynavy.com/tectron-wet-guard.htm

Next go over all the interior seams with Spray On Seam Sealer -- $6.95 -- Spray On Seam Sealer Ideal for tents, backpacks, outerwear and all other synthetic fabrics Colorless, washable, flexible Non-toxic and odorless when dry Professional strength Guaranteed effective on all synthetic fabrics Protects new or cleaned fabrics from water, dirt, etc. Reduces fading caused by the sun 14 oz. per spray can.
http://www.vtarmynavy.com/spray-on-seam-sealer.htm

let all that dry repack the tent and you should be good to go!

Good Luck!

how to camp with children?

directimpr

Answer
THINGS TO TAKE; SURVIVAL EQUIPMENT:
Appropriate clothing & shoes, tent (for shelter), sleeping bag (air mattress if you have one), Several flashlights, Large bowl(s) (lots of uses),(lots of) soap,(extra)towels, bug spray, sun screen, First Aid Kit, snake bite kit, books & games (cards or...),safety matches, gloves, shovel, roasting sticks (for campfire cooking),clothes line & pins, & camp chairs. Can Opener, Sharp knife,Pots & frying pan, paper plates, plastic utensils, papertowels.
FUN FOOD(marshmellows smores, hot dogs,..etc.,and don't forget the condiments!).
HEALTHY food, and ...fruits...nuts, & such.
PLENTY OF FRESH WATER, AN EXTRA SET OF EYES AND EXTRA PAIR OF HANDS, ALSO LOTS OF PATIENCE, AND A POSITIVE ATTITUDE.

LAST BUT NOT LEAST YOUR GUARDIAN ANGEL, PRAYERS,
AND MAY GOD BLESS YOU ON YOUR ADVENTURE.

What are views on folding campers / trailor tents?

We have three small children and want to camp in comfort - we have seen a trailor tent for a very good proce on eBay - what are your views?

I want to go away for 3-4 weeks and cannot bear the thought of staying in a normal tent for that time, and cannot afford a hotel...

Answer
Pop-up campers are ideal for families with small children. Most are light enough to be easily towed behind a 6-cylinder vehicle without a huge sacrifice in fuel economy. Unlike motorized RV's, a pop-up does not need separate liability insurance or expensive maintenance (though inexpensive RV insurance is advisable on newer units that still have good value).

One big advantage of a pop-up versus tent camping is your camper can be cleaned and re-stocked after each trip so you just need to add perishable foods and clothing to head out on your next adventure. There is enough storage space to keep all of your gear permanently inside the camper, either in the cabinets or in storage bins on the floor. So you don't need to shoe-horn your tent, sleeping bags, cooking gear, food and clothing in the car with the family, making the driving portion of your trip more comfortable and enjoyable.

The other big advantage is the additional comfort and protection. Thick foam mattresses and heavy canvas tent material, combined with the solid roof, floor and partial walls of the main body, offer additional insulation, weather protection and security versus a tent. You can choose a model that has a propane furnace to safely heat your camper in cold weather, and fans or even air conditioning to keep cool in the summer.

Most pop-ups have a galley with a sink, fresh water supply, and a propane stove that can be used inside or outside. They carry one or two 20Lb propane tanks externally so you don't have to deal with disposable propane canisters (you might need adapters and extra hose if you want to use a gas BBQ grill). There is a 12V battery to run lights and small appliances when no AC electrical hook-ups are available, but you also have the option to hook-up to "shore power" to run your air conditioner (if equipped or added), microwave oven (again, if equipped or added) or other higher-power devices. Small 3-way refrigerators are common in larger pop-ups.

Some things to consider when choosing a pop-up:

1. Where will everyone sleep?
_ a.) Small kids can share a bed, 3 small kids fit on a king-size mattress.
_ b.) The dinette folds into a bed, but only 48" wide, so sharing is "intimate."
_ c.) The dinette might be too short for a single teen/adult. Check before you buy.
_ d.) Older boys don't like sharing beds. Make sure you have sleeping options.
_ e.) Kids like to invite relatives and friends. Complicates all the above.
_ f.) An add-a-room and some cots can provide additional sleeping options.

2. Bathroom or not?
We never had a bathroom in our pop-ups and didn't miss it. Worst case is you setup a chemical toilet and shower bag in a privacy shelter outside, but mostly we relied on the campground facilities for toilet and shower needs. Our hybrid camper (a full-box travel trailer with fold-out bed ends) has a small bathroom, which we use when dry camping, but we prefer to use the campground facilities when available to avoid adding humidity or smell to the camper. No built-in bathroom also eliminates the most hated of RV chores: dealing with the sewer line and holding tanks.

3. Water heater or not?
Even without an inside bathroom or nearby facilities, a quick hot shower is a welcome luxury. When dry camping it is much preferred to bag showers, and at a full-service campground it makes quick clean-ups after swimming more convenient. The only disadvantage is a shower will use up water quickly when dry camping, and takes-up storage space.

4. Air conditioner or not?
They often ice-up and stop working when you want them the most, particularly in a pop-up camper that's not as well insulated as a full-box travel trailer or motorized RV. The A/C requires an electrical hook-up or a minimum 3500-watt generator. A/C is noisy and a generator makes things worse. We found that even in the desert during summer, once we acclimated to the temperatures, nights were comfortable with only fans. But in hot and humid, A/C might be desirable.

5. Awnings
One awning is highly recommended. Two is even better. We rarely ate or just hung-out inside our campers, even with the large hybrid, even in the rain and cold weather. With our last pop-up we had one awning on each side. The "front" awning was used as our hang-out area, sometimes with an add-a-room to keep out the bugs. The "back" awning was where we setup our kitchen and dining area.

6. Storage
An outside storage trunk is a great feature. Just remember to unload it before extending the front bed slide. Some pop-ups have a slide-out drawer that can be accessed when the bed is extended, but this cuts down on storage capacity and doesn't allow large items. Use stacking storage bins to storage space; small in cabinets, large to stack on the floor during transit.

Always buy used. Most people use their camper 2 or 3 times a year, so even a 10 year old camper - if well maintained - can be in great condition at huge savings.

so, if your four kids were sleeping in a tent in the back yard?

desmeran

and one of them was only 3 so you put a baby monitor out there with them in case he wakes up and gets confused, but the baby monitor massively magnifies every slight sound ... and your kids were now peacefully asleep but there was this one mosquito obviously trapped inside the tent that sounds on the baby monitor like something out of a hitchcock movie

would you:

(a) turn off the baby monitor because you know you'd hear the kids through the open window anyway if there was a problem;
(b) go outside and try to get rid of the mosquito, doubtless waking up the kids and letting ten more mosquitoes in the tent in the process; or
(c) stay on y!a all night because you're way too light of a sleeper to possibly go to sleep with that terrifyingly loud buzzing noise near your head?
ah, sorry boy wonder, should have given a (d) since obviously that one was coming. yes, he's admittedly in some serious danger out there between his siblings. once or twice a chicken has wandered into our yard. scary stuff. but i'm risking it anyway.

Answer
(c)

this is a happy, independent time for the kids. i don't want to go in that tent to (a) turn off the baby monitor and let in more mosquitoes in the process which in turn would 'bug' the kids more, nor (b) kill the mosquito and wake up the kids and ruin the whole camping aura with my hysteric presence, nor (d) chase the evil menace that is the chicken --camping trips are supposed to be a little scary. that's the whole fun of it. so i'd risk the chicken attack, so help me god.

oh and (c) because we'll miss you if you went to sleep. hehe.

TENT camping in southern california with kids

D N

We would like to take our very first camping trip with our 4, 5, and 10 year old. Any advice on where to go? Could you please state if you have actually been there, or if you heard about it from someone else? Thanks, hopefully this will be the first of many camping trips! Oh yeah, not on the beach, we live in san diego so the beach wouldn't be very new and different for us.

Answer
Mt Laguna

Laguna Campground is nice, and is a family oriented campground. I have camped there while section Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail....

Bluejay Cpgd in the Santa Ana Mtns is nice too.

I stayed there last March overnight before descending Hot Springs Canyon

Mt San Jacinto State Park in idllwild would be good too...

When my son was younger he didn't like the very remote camp site I like

what are good sites in central Illinois for tent camping with kids, 5 and 8?

dansmith12

I want to take my niece and nephew, along with my sister and brother in law, tent camping. the kids have done backyard camp outs in a little tent last summer, my sister is not real big on camping and the kids are little. so I need a place with real toilets and showers a playground and possibly a pool or lake for swimming. The problem is so many of the more commercial campgrounds that offer these amenities are geared more towards rv's and aren't particularly tent friendly.I live in Peoria and My sister lives in Bloomington. so that is the region we are looking at

Answer
Hi!
Shawnee national forest

http://www.destination360.com/north-america/us/illinois/illinois-camping

In Missouri, if you're ever down here, Lake Wappapello has FREE tent camping :) no showers & such (there ARE showers & running water for paid tent campers however)

try some of your local parks, too, because a lot of them you can camp in!

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Is it true that there are nudist camps for kids?

Rossem

If so, how do they protect them from perverts? Looks like that would be dangours.

Answer
There have been summer camps for kids since 1993 when the first was held in Florida sponsored by the Florida Association for Nude Recreation. Several others have been started in other parts of the country since then.

These camps are run for children aged 11-18, of families who are already nudists, so it's something the kids are familiar with and they would rather be at camp with their other nudist friends.

The camps are held on the grounds of a nudist club or resort with very strict security. The clubs are off-limits to the public and background checks are often run on members of the clubs before they are admitted.

Camp staff supervise all activities and the tents are always set up in an area separated from other club activities, with 24/7 security. Campers are required to always use the buddy system..

Counselors have come from many diverse educational and occupational backgrounds including medical personnel, teachers, police, lawyers, musicians, social workers, and many others. Many of the counselors are parents of current or past camp kids.

The camps for the 14-18 group are called Leadership Academy because they are learning strategies to become the leaders of their generation. The motto of the camp since 1995 has been "Show your Leadership". The kids also swim several times a day and enjoy canoeing, sailing, games, contests, and at least one field trip.

Kids over 18 who successfully completed the training were often appointed as junior counselors for future camps. The American Association for Nude Recreation took it one step farther and created Nude U for college-age young adults. and Youth Ambassador program for Nude U grads.

Many of the kids of this youth camp program have received college scholarships and other honors and awards.

how do i meet bands at warped tour? ANSWERS PLEASE(:?

kelllly

im hoping to meeting bands like
the academy is
cobra starship
motion city soundtrack
forever the sickest kids
all time low
ECT

any tips on meeting bands?

other than check their merch tent.
any further tips?(:

Answer
At warped tour to meet cobrastarship started at 3pm but people started showing up in line like two hours early. When my friend and I showed up around 3 we got KICKED OUT OF LINE BECAUSE ONLY A LIMITED AMOUNT OF PEOPLE COULD MEET THEM.

isn't that horrid.

So make sure you know the exact times for meet and greet for major bands.

Also merch tents are great becasue sometimes randomly you'll see a band member just chilling there.

I met from first to lasts drummer at the weirdest time. I was just walking and he was standing there and I was like oMG OMGOGMOGOMMOGMOGMOGMOGMGMOOMGMGOMGOMGMOGMOGMOGoGOMGOMG. And I like plowed ahead of people and I was like Please get a picture with me.

Omg I almost passed out when he put his arm around me lol.

I WAS SHAKING.

Ahah im a nerd.

Oh and also for some reason there were a little of people saying that you werent allowed to get pictures with cobra starship because it took too long? Idk it was weird.

When camping, what size tent is generally considered "too big"?

ne0heli0s

I am new to camping, and I am shopping for a large family tent. I have chosen to get a tent which is about 25x15 ft, but the only way I can use it is to rent a group site at a particular national park to which I shall be going.

I have read stories of rangers saying the tent is "too large, and do not bring it again", and I do not want to run into this at other parks down the road. Currently, the tent I plan to buy is either the Oberon 13-man or the Utah 10-man (please search Amazon.com for details).

Worst case scenario, I could get smaller fall-back tents, which would probably be the Cougar Flats II 8-person tent. This tent happens to be small enough to fit on the tent pads at the national park in question, and I suspect that due to its popularity would be widely accepted at most parks, as well.

After considerable research, I feel that I shall be happy with any of these choices, but I would still prefer to get the larger tent without the hassle of park rangers chastising me for the size of the tent.

Long question short: what is generally regarded as "too large" for "most parks"? Individual park regulations vary, I'm sure, but I do not plan to call a half dozen or more parks asking for hypothetical answers when such a considerable investment is on the line. Instead I suppose I shall get hypothetical answers, here, ha ha...

At any rate; opinions?

Thanks!

Answer
Your idea of the Cougar Flats II 8-person tent sounds like a better options given the constraints you've already figured out.. It's more consistent with the simplicity underlying camping. It also allows more camping options. I like the saying "Adequate is sufficient."

On the other hand, the larger tent would be appropriate if you want to park the car inside. You might also have room for a Starbucks.

What should you bring in an SUV for some camping on cross country trip?

agreeableo

I want to know what to throw in the generous space in my Toyota Highlander for me to camp, as much as I can stand, in both commercial and public (government owned) campgrounds. Readers answered my question about commercial campgrounds allowing an SUV with a tent to rent a full-service hookup spot. The answer was that they likely would and that non-commercial spots would be good too. I am still wondering how to do this because I am horrible at simplifying anything. My direction is to complicate everything. Now I am thinking any savings at the pay campgrounds with a full hookup will be offset by the cost of new equipment I would have to buy and in time and comfort. Since I might end up only camping out for 1-2 days at a time to save money and maybe even enjoy the outdoors, I am thinking it might be better to just plan on staying at a regular campsite that allows me to pull in with the SUV, set up a little tent and do without electric/water hookups and such at a full service spot. However, I've not camped at all since the Army in 1953, so don't know what to bring. My only other camping experience was in my own camper/truck RV that wrecked and nearly killed me and later a regular full size rental RV that was much more pleasant. Unfortunately, I don't have money for an RV. So to still get outside a motel, I am thinking the solution is more simple camping. Heck, I might need to just sleep in the back of the SUV on a good mattress,at the rate I'm going. I will be purposely homeless and living on that old fixed income (like almost broke) in June. Moving to try and find less expensive digs in Las Vegas.

Answer
Car camp "bumming" is not a big deal -- I have done it many times in my life. Even just crashing in your car it's nice to spend a few bucks for the campsites with an electric hookup. Buy the newest Rand McNally campground guide to the USA and pick small "mom and pop" campgrounds rather than the KOA and other commercial operations. Most of the family run campgrounds, especially out west, are quite nice. I've been at some where they had really nice private shower houses and bring you fresh coffee cake in the morning. Most such places will have a picnic table at each site as well as the electric connection. Get a cheap electric tea kettle or small Mr Coffee to heat water and an electric frying pan to cook in. I've even traveled with a tiny "half-pint" microwave oven. Anything you need to cook can be handled with those, Keep them stashed in a plastic dishpan that you can then use to clean up with (most campgrounds have bathrooms and shower houses for hot water.) Bring a couple of plastic tablecloths to cover the picnic table (you can get clips that will keep the corners from blowing up in the garden departments of places like K-Mart and Target.) Bring one of those $10 folding chairs. A couple of large cheap beach towels are handy for showering -- get skimpy thin ones and they will dry faster, draped over the car hood in the morning. Bring a small cooler, preferably the "soft" collapsible ones. A set of plastic dishes, bowls, cups and silverware and a plastic spatula and serving spoon -- all of them cheap at the K-mart or even large drug store picnic goods displays. A small bottle of Dr, Bronners liquid soap (I like the almond type) that they sell at health food stores is great for washing yourself and the dishes as well as rinsing out socks and underwear. Keep a couple of hanks of parachute nylon cord for rigging clothelines or tying up the tent. A swiss army knife or multitool that includes scissors and a small saw is handy. Also matches, since some campsites will have small barbecue grills you can cook on. Bring a couple of plastic gallon jugs (or just buy bottled water gallons and save them) to fill at the campground sinks for water for drinking and cleaning.

Sleeping in a spacious tent is more comfortable than the back of the car. Check Craigslist for a used one (I got a terrific 8' x 8' x 6' tall tent for $100 on CL last summer) or check out Campmor.com for a nice full sized 3 or 4 person one around that price. It makes a big difference being able to stand up and move around. You can get an inflatable mattress for under $20 -- very comfortable to sleep on either in the back of the car or in the tent. Pick one with the electric inflater included or buy a decent hand pump. Inflating one by blowing into it will make your head spin. Buy an LED headlamp or two for lighting around camp and in the tent. Places like Harbor Freight Tools and Autozone have nice cheap ones. I also like having a hand crank radio -- LL Bean sells them. You just crank them to charge the batteries and its nice to have something to listen to in the tent or at the picnic table. Also a small cheap plastic table fan (again, something to find at discount stores or drug stores) and an extension cord to run into the tent on hot nights.

Keep all your stuff in large tote bags or plastic milkcrates so it is easy to locate and to load and unload out of the car. use an old pillowcase to collect dirty laundry -- some campsites will have coin op washers and dryers.

Personally, I love the "gypsy" life of driving to a new campground every night on wandering cross country trips. Some of my favorite memories are of the times I did this throughout the Western States. There is a great sense of freedom in having everything you need stashed in a car and being able to set up your "homesite" each day in half an hour or so. Anyway, I hope you find some of my tips useful --have fun and good luck in Vegas!

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