Family Camping Handbook

Family Camping Handbook, 2 nd edition 1

© 2011 Katie Kimball | Kitchen Stewardship, LLC


Table of Contents

Intro: The Kimball Family Camps ...........................................................................4

Getting Ready to Camp............................................................................................5Camping is FrugalCampin’ AttitudeHow to Find a Place to CampCamping Rookies: Basic Supplies

Eating Real Food in the Woods.............................................................................10Plain Old Campin’ FoodSample Two-Night Menu PlanCamping Food with Healthy Upgrades & Real Food OptionsCampfire ManagementBuilding the FireTips for Cooking Over a CampfireLet Your Cooler Love Your Food: Tips for Cooler Camping

The Prepping and Packing Process......................................................................16You Need ListsManly Prep ListsCamping ClothesPacking UpLoading the Vehicle When to Leave

The Arrival: Camping Routines for Smooth Sailing.............................................18Setting UpHabits of Order

Technical Details for Comfortable Camping.........................................................21Routine CleaningPersonal Care in the WoodsLiving with Bugs and BeastsRetain the Right to LeaveDealing with the weather

Enjoying Your Time.................................................................................................25Camping with BabiesCamping with Toddlers and PreschoolersCamping with Middle Elementary Kids and Teenagers10 Things to do in the Woods at any Age

The End: Going Home.............................................................................................29Packing UpGetting Home

Eco Note: If you print this eBook, please consider printing doublesided and using grayscale printing to save on color ink.



Campfire Recipes and Methods.............................................................................301. Campfire Baked Beans 2. Best Steakhouse Style Burgers 3. Bacon on the Campfire 4. Homemade Whole Wheat Buns 5. Grilled or Campfire Corn on the Cob6. Soaked Camping Pancakes7. Homemade Mayo8. Egg Salad9. Potato Salad10. Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing11. Cold Spelt Salad12. Sausage and Farmer’s Market Foil Packet Dinners13. Famous Campfire Sausage and Egg Breakfast Sandwiches 14. Homemade Whole Wheat English Muffins15. Grilling Brats16. Garlic Veggie Dip

Beyond the Weekend…More Camping Recipes…..........................................….381. Fajita Foil Packets2. Campfire Chicken Fajita Skillet Meal (NEW!)3. Homemade Ranch Dressing (NEW!)4. Sourdough Pancakes (NEW!)5. Homemade Fruit Rolls (NEW!)6. Homemade Beef Jerky (NEW!)7. Granola Bars (NEW!)

Customizing Your Menu Plan...Quick Notes for Extra Real Food Options........451. Simple Campfire Quesadillas (NEW!)2. Kebobs on the Grill3. Tacos in the Woods4. Other Foil Packet Fillings (NEW!)5. Camping Jar Meals (NEW!)6. Skillet Meals7. Trail Mix (NEW!)8. Baked Potatoes9. Limey Black Bean Dip Makes a Meal (NEW!)10. Homemade Marshmallow Options (NEW!)11. Hobo Pies12. Ice Cream Ball Mix (NEW!)13. Banana Split Sans Ice Cream (NEW!)

How to Make Homemade Wipes............................................................................50

Appendix: Printable Lists.......................................................................................51Basic Camping Supply Shopping/Borrow List for RookiesGrocery Shopping List: Sample Two-night Meal PlanTo-Do List: Food to MakeFood Packing Checklist Camping Supplies Checklist



Intro: The Kimball Family Camps

hen reading about history, I often wonder how Native Americans, tribal Africans, and early pioneers on the wagon train managed with young children

and the unknowns of the wilderness. How did they cook? How did they store food? Did their babies eat a lot of dirt? How did they get clean? (Did they ever?)

WI enjoy taking a few days to live the “woodsy” life and reconnect with those from the Little House on the Prairie era. I’m also always glad to get home and take a shower, counting my blessings that I can taste the outdoor life but don’t have to live it day in and day out.

Camping is fast becoming a Kimball family tradition. My husband and I appreciate the beauty and tranquility of nature and love sharing that with our children. We hope that when they become young adults and start their own families, they will look back on yearly camping trips with fond memories and recognize the value of their early outdoor learning opportunities.

Whether you have a new baby, a busy toddler, or even grumpy teenagers, it is my hope that this book will inspire you to be courageous and give camping a try. It is packed with the information you need to help make family camping a painless and even delightful activity.



Getting Ready to CampCamping is Frugal

hy camp instead of another kind of family vacation? For the same price as a vacation for a family of four including two nights in a hotel with a pool and all

meals “out,” you can invest in all the supplies you need for camping, especially if you can borrow one or two big items or find them secondhand. Once you’ve got them, you’re ready for even more frugal camping in the years to come.

W

You also save a mint making foods from scratch instead of eating out or even buying processed foods on the go. Plus, you’re still in charge of your family’s nutrition, which just doesn’t happen when relying on restaurants.

Campin’ Attitude

amping might not be for everyone. My mother would never have survived a weekend in the woods; she visited us for a few hours and had dinner once while

we were camping, and for days afterward was emphatic that “That was enough!” for her.

CHowever, if you’re living the organic lifestyle, you can handle a little bit of dirt and a few bugs. You’re perfectly suited for camping! No matter your children’s ages, your family can survive and even thrive out in the woods. You just need the right attitude going into it.

I realize many people truly need a break, and that’s why there are hotels with a pools, room service, and activities for the kiddos. You will not get the same experience camping. You will get a new appreciation for the phrases “working up an appetite” and “sleeping like a log.” Camping is a lot of work, but our family believes it’s well worth it.

Some may say camping is a vacation that’s not a vacation, but there are so many parts of it that couldn’t be more idyllic. When my husband and I are sitting by the fire after the children are sleeping, there’s something about the dark woods, the flickering fire…we always have the best conversations. Maybe it’s because there’s no technology to tempt us to sit and be passive viewers, or maybe it’s because you feel more youthful out in the woods, but there’s truly a magical sensation about a camping vacation. I don’t mind the work and even thrive on the usefulness of my labor, as long as I put my “campin’ attitude” on:



Most of the above refer to the back woods sort of camping that my family now enjoys, with few to no amenities and more wildlife than people. On the flip side, my husband reminisces fondly of his childhood camping times, when his mother, all her sisters, and his favorite cousins met once a year for a whole week at a “resort campground” that had fun things like miniature golfing, a pool with a water slide, and organized activities for the kids. That kind of camping provides the best of both worlds: the amenities of a hotel without the high cost, and the benefits of the natural experience without some of the unavoidable challenges of the back woods.

Either way, it’s wonderfully liberating to stop worrying about make-up, hair-dos, and fashion sense. I love waking up with the sun and knowing it’s time for dinner because it’s getting dark.


The camping mindset:Frugal, fun family vacation

with benefits like… Nature appreciation

(falling asleep to crickets and frogs)

Getting in touch with natural rhythms of light

and darkness Togetherness

Time away from technology

Living simply

You WILL: Get dirty Get sandy

Eat dirt, ash, and other people’s germs

Get hairy (shaving isn’t a priority!)

Not need to wear makeup

Have dirty clothes that smell like

campfire Encounter bugs

Don’t fret it!


How to Find a Place to Camp

hether your camping goals include a rustic adventure in the wilderness, an all-amenities campsite in a big campground, or the middle ground with toilets, showers, and potable water available, the very best way to find a winning campground is to ask around at your church, school, or within your group of

friends. Otherwise, check out these sites:

Be sure to ask about the maximum number of people, vehicles, and tents allowed on a campsite, what facilities are available, and if pets are allowed. Some campgrounds have group sites for multiple families camping together, which can be a really fun option. Googling campground reviews is a great idea if you don’t have a personal recommendation. Holiday weekend alert: Be sure to leave lots of extra time for traveling and even literally getting into the campground on a summer holiday weekend. We try to avoid holidays for our family, and even prefer camping Sunday-Tuesday to get the best sites and fewer rowdy neighbors. Get organized: Now is the time to start a camping folder. It contains all the information about your chosen campsite, including maps/directions, as well as directions to any area attractions, local churches, etc. Checklists and camping family evaluations (see p. 29) get stored in the camping folder, too.


W

Campground Options✗ National Park or Forest Campgrounds or National Forest

Campgrounds FREE-$20/night, some accept reservations, some are first come, first serve

✗ State Parks $25-40/night, be sure to understand daily park pass fees; reservations highly recommended/necessary. Most have water, toilets, showers, and electrical hookups.

✗ Parks Canada Reservations or search Canadian parks here or here.

✗ Resort Campgrounds: Jellystone Parks, KOA Campgrounds✗ U.S. Nationwide campground searches here and here, and

the whole world here.

http://www.recreation.gov/recFacilityActivitiesHomeAction.do?goto=camping.htm&activities=9&topTabIndex=RecreationArea

http://www.allcampgrounds.com/

http://www.reserveamerica.com/

http://www.campgrounds.com/

http://www.koa.com/

http://www.campjellystone.com/

http://www.camping-canada.com/camp_search_e.asp

http://www.campcanada.com/

http://www.pccamping.ca/parkscanada/

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

http://www.forestcamping.com/dow/list/nflist.htm

http://www.forestcamping.com/dow/list/nflist.htm


Camping Rookies: Basic Suppliesazing around a sporting goods store or the camping section of a big box store, you can easily be tricked into thinking you’ll need a few cartloads of supplies to survive in the woods. Certainly some essentials are necessary, but there are a lot of camping supplies that are non-essentials, just like in the rest of life.

Here are some estimated costs for major camping supplies I recommend:

➢ Tent: $50-200 and up There are some pretty fancy tents! Ours is huge and has a built in light on top, and it was only $200. Do your research online for user reviews, and watch for end of season sales. Keep in mind that the “number of people” ratings on the tents are for sleeping bag space only, so bigger is likely better.

➢ Screen tent with sides: $100-200 For a family out in the woods, it’s awfully nice to have a screen tent as a home base for food and supplies, which allows the sleeping tent to be reserved for sleeping bags, changing clothes, and sleeping. Side flaps can keep out not just bugs, but wind and rain too.

➢ Sleeping bags: $20-50 each Many people have a sleeping bag already or can find one to borrow. You can also use blankets and sheets from home. Google for instructions for a homemade “warm weather sleeping bag” using old sheets.

➢ Air mattress: $15-80 Not an essential item, but extremely nice for the adults in the tent! Make sure there is a way to inflate it that is possible at your campsite (i.e., battery powered if you don’t have electric hookups). There are also rolled up spongy mats for a few bucks that at least mitigate the pokes from sleeping directly on the ground.

➢ Travel grill: $30-200 We happen to have a nice tailgating grill that has a griddle and runs on mini-propane tanks (~$150-200). It’s perfect for camping, but a tabletop grill made for traveling can do wonders ($30-70). Some campgrounds also have grills available if you bring your own charcoal. If you’re a real DIY type, Google “solar cooker”.

➢ Mini propane tanks for the grill: $3 each or less for packages. Plan for 2-3 for cooking and one per lantern for a weekend.

➢ Griddle, grate, and pot for campfire: $30-40 all together. A cast iron pan


G

Toolbox Tip: You can camp for far less if you can borrow from friends or find great deals at a garage sale or Craigslist. We got our air mattress and a battery-powered pump for $3 each and borrowed many supplies from my in-laws, who no longer camp. We registered for a tent and sleeping bags for our wedding (this gives “cool bachelor” friends something they feel good about buying in the sea of kitchen items or fancy china). Our first camping years were incredibly frugal that way, and we’ve added new large items (tent, screen tent) as the years have passed. I put them on my birthday and Christmas wish lists!


from your kitchen or an old, beat up one from a secondhand sale are made for the open fire.

➢ Lantern: $20-30 Both battery powered and propane work great. Battery LED lanterns are easy on batteries and safe to use in the tent, unlike any with a flame.

➢ Bag chairs: about $8-20 each Most people already have some sort of outdoor chair; the ones that fold up into bags are the easiest for packing.

➢ Five-gallon jug for water: $10-20 Also go “free” and just bring soda or juice bottles, washed out impeccably well and filled with tap water, or purchase gallons of water at your destination to save space. Shop around for the right price if you’re buying a big jug, which is awfully handy in my opinion because of the button-action spout you can hang over the edge of the table. I saw one for $50 at a sporting goods store, then nearly the same item at a big box store for $10.

➢ Cooler (or two), heavy duty: $20-50. Our family loves our campin’ food, doggone it, and we pack two full coolers for 3.5 people for 3 days! Some people dehydrate food and backpack miles from their vehicle to the campsite. This book is not about that kind of camping.

➢ Toilet seat: $10-25 If you’re going truly far from civilization, you might want a “real” seat that goes on a 5-gallon pail, the “Luggable Loo” recommended by many readers, or a folding “chair” toilet that uses plastic bags.

➢ Consider buying inexpensive dishes secondhand and dedicate them as “camping dishes”. If they break, nobody cries.

➢ “Hobo pie” makers: $10 each Certainly not an essential, but awfully fun. Made of hinged cast iron with wooden handles, they allow two pieces of bread with filling inside to be roasted over the fire. See recipes section for ideas to get you drooling!

➢ Marshmallow/hot dog roasting forks: $1 each for cheapies, $2 each with wooden handles. A sharpened stick sterilized in the fire works great, but it’s nice to have the “real thing”, too. Worth spending the extra buck so your dinner doesn’t end up in the fire because the cheapie version bent.

➢ Torches and fuel: under $10 for a few torches and a huge jug of fuel. Another non-essential, but adds atmosphere to the campsite. Tip: Use the sawed-off top of a plastic bottle as a cheap funnel to fill the torches.

➢ Total: ~$420-1000 for a family of four (quality of tent and grill makes a huge difference, but the first number seems incredibly frugal considering it includes sleeping bags and chairs for 4 people, which many families already have.)

Find a printable checklist of these basics on p. 52.These and other camping supply recommendations can be found at Kitchen Stewardship (in case you need to see photos – click “What to Buy” on top menu).


http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/



Eating Real Food in the Woods

Plain Old Campin’ Foodost people think of hot dogs, chips, marshmallows over the fire, and simple sandwiches and cereals when they think of camping food. It’s not a time necessarily known

for being “whole foods” friendly. My philosophy is to balance a little bit of each category, real food and processed junk. If you’re eating nourishing, nutrient-dense foods most of the time at home, your family deserves to let their hair down and have some fun foods when on vacation. See below for some time-honored camping food and a variety of real food upgrades, from “a bit healthier” to “totally real food” (recipes and details in the Campfire Recipes and Methods section starting on p. 30).


M Added Bonus: If you have food allergies or

dietary restrictions, camping is great

because you are still absolutely in charge of the food your family is eating, so you can be

sure to keep those members of your family safe without the stress

of asking a zillion questions in every

restaurant you visit.


Sample Two-Night Menu Planhis menu plan is designed for those who have a grill to use, although most of the items are adaptable to campfire cooking,

especially if you’re an experienced fire maker. You can use the grocery list and prep list in the appendix to make this meal plan happen, but if you don’t need so much hand-holding, make your own plan using my extra ideas or your own creativity.

Friday DinnerHamburgersBaked beansCorn on the cobFruit

Saturday BreakfastSoaked pancakesBaconSyrup/Butter

Lunch # 1*Egg salad sandwiches or peanut butter & honeyCold spelt saladYogurt w/ applesauce/fruit

Saturday DinnerFoil packet dinner: polish sausage, potatoes, mushrooms, carrots, onionsTossed Salad

Sunday BreakfastSausage and egg breakfast sandwiches with cheese

Lunch # 2Brats and bunsPotato saladVeggies and dip

Snacks & Desserts• S’mores• Hobo pies • Granola bars• Crispy nuts, dried fruit rolls• Pumpkin Muffins• Cups of milk for kids• Apples & bananas, cut melon is

easy and refreshing • Peas and cheese (toddler food)

Condiments• Sliced tomatoes• Lettuce• Mustard/ketchup/pickle slices• Peppers and onions for brats• Dressing

*Note: Lunch #1 is a portable lunch for a picnic on the beach or a hike.Take a moment with your actual menu and make sure you have enough pots, pans and utensils as you’ll need at one time.Check the recipes section and appendix at the back of the book for a printable grocery list and food prep list for a two-night weekend camping trip plus all the recipes you’ll need to achieve this sample menu plan.


T Toolbox Tip: Post the menu on the inside of the screen tent so everyone knows what they can grab for a given meal and how to help out. This would

be especially important if there are teenagers around who might eat up

all your food on day one!


Camping Food with Healthy Upgrades & Real Food Options*The sample menu and grocery list use the starred options. See Campfire Recipes section starting on p. 30 and more ideas starting on p. 38.

You could eat the conventional…

or choose a healthy upgrade…

or choose the Real Food option.

Breakfasts Over the fire or on the grill…

Pancake mix in a convenient single “add-water-and-shake-it-up” package, syrup

A homemade mix with butter and real maple syrup

Homemade, soaked whole wheat pancakes, butter and real maple syrup*

Breakfast sausage links* (we call them “smoky links” in Michigan) with cheese singles, cooked over the fire and made into English muffin sandwiches

Nitrate free breakfast sausage, real cheddar cheese, sliced yourself*, part whole wheat English muffins; add an egg

Pastured organic breakfast sausages, raw cheese, pastured eggs*, homemade soaked whole wheat English muffins*

Simple, no heating required… Poptarts or single serving cereal with milk

Homemade muffins Soaked granola with milk, fresh fruit and homemade yogurt

Lunches Over the fire or on the grill…

Hot dogs or bratwursts on white hot dog buns

Nitrate free hot dogs and part whole wheat buns (find a bread outlet store for frugal prices)

Local, nitrate free hot dogs or sausages from an organic farm on soaked whole wheat homemade buns*

Chips Pasta salad, tomato basil pasta salad, or potato salad

Potato salad with homemade mayo* OR cold cooked grain salad*

Simple, no heating required… Lunchmeat sandwiches Nitrate free lunchmeat on

homemade bread Local, nitrate free hot dogs or sausages from an organic farm on soaked whole wheat homemade buns*

Tuna salad on crackers Salad with canned tuna, chicken, salmon

Pastured chicken, roasted and shredded with Caesar dressing

Additional Sides Packaged macaroni and cheese

Cooked whole wheat noodles topped with butter and melted shredded cheese

Quinoa pilaf (no recipe included, sorry – my husband won’t eat quinoa!)

Corn on the cob* Lots of butter! Dinner salad with lots of cut veggies

Make homemade dressings


http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2010/02/02/a-gathering-of-homemade-dressings/

http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/recipes/homemade-caesar-dressing/

http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/recipes/homemade-caesar-dressing/

http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2010/09/02/in-season-recipe-connection-tomato-basil-pasta-salad/

http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2010/09/02/in-season-recipe-connection-tomato-basil-pasta-salad/

http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2009/06/25/feeding-a-crowd-pasta-salad-variations/

http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2009/04/13/monday-mission-homemade-yogurt-the-easy-way/


http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2009/06/12/recipe-connection-banana-flax-muffins/


Veggies and dip Make homemade dip* or ranch dressing

Fruit snacks or dried fruit Fresh cut fruit Organic, local; home dehydrated fruits

Dinners Over the fire or on the grill…

Spaghetti and sauce with meat; cook the meat at home and bring in a bag

Use grassfed beef and homemade sauce

Frozen hamburger patties on white buns

Make your own burgers and use part whole wheat buns

Grassfed Steakhouse Style Burgers*, soaked whole wheat buns*

Canned baked beans* Homemade baked beans Walking tacos with Fritos Grassfed beef tacos Homemade tortillas or chips

with grassfed beef Foil packet dinner: polish sausage, potatoes, mushrooms, carrots, onions*

Use quality sausage or shredded chicken, cooked beef

Foil Fajitas with packaged seasoning, tortillas

Homemade marinade for fajitas, whole grain tortillas

Grassfed beef, homemade soaked tortillas, organic peppers

Pizza Pies (White bread, pizza sauce, pepperoni and mozzarella cheese in a hobo pie maker)

Whole wheat bread, nitrate free pepperoni

Homemade sourdough bread, raw cheese, homemade pizza sauce

Kebobs with meat, onions, peppers, mushrooms

Pastured or grassfed meat

Packaged rice dinner Boil-in-bag rice and cooked meat

Chicken Fajita Skillet Meal

Snacks/Desserts S’mores (marshmallows, chocolate, graham crackers)

Tortillas wrapped around traditional S’mores ingredients, wrapped in foil and cooked in the coals

Homemade whole wheat graham crackers, dark chocolate, homemade marshmallows (not really real food, but could be made organically)

Hobo pies (white bread, cherry pie filling in a hobo pie maker)

Whole wheat bread, homemade cherry pie filling

Homemade sourdough bread, fresh fruit, honey, and yogurt cheese filling

Packaged granola bars Homemade bars Soaked version Trail Mix Mix your own trail mix Crispy nuts, dried fruit Pumpkin Muffins Yogurt Soaked Spelt Biscuits Nitrate cured meat sticks Local, pastured meat sticks Homemade beef jerkyBe unique: Homemade ice cream, made on site (see p. 48)Fresh fruit: apples, bananas, oranges, cut melons, etc. For toddlers: frozen peas, sliced cheese, avocado


http://gnowfglins.com/2010/01/20/not-so-tough-jerky/

http://gnowfglins.com/2009/04/23/divine-spelt-biscuits/

http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2009/10/13/recipe-conection-one-bowl-pumpkin-breadmuffins/

http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2010/04/21/how-to-make-crispy-nuts-to-reduce-phytic-acid/

http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2010/04/08/recipe-connection-soaked-granola-bars/

http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2009/06/16/recipe-connection-granola-and-granola-bars/

http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2009/12/02/what-is-whey-where-can-i-get-it-how-to-make-yogurt-cheese/


http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/recipes/soaked-breadmaker-bread/

http://www.frillsinthehills.com/2009/08/make-your-own-eggless-marshmallows.html


http://heartlandrenaissance.com/2009/08/whole-wheat-graham-crackers/


http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2009/05/01/recipe-connection-katies-frugal-homemade-pizza-sauce/

http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2009/05/01/recipe-connection-katies-frugal-homemade-pizza-sauce/

http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2010/03/12/sourdough-recipes-galore-honey-whole-wheat-sourdough-bread/

http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2009/10/21/recipe-connection-100-whole-grain-homemade-tortillas/




Campfire ManagementThis section is courtesy of my husband, as I have a “learned ignorance” of fire-making skills.Building the Fire

✗ Gather small twigs and sticks into a bag upon arrival, especially if it hasn't rained in a while. The easiest way to get a fire going is with dry kindling. Fill the bag and put it in the screen tent with your newspaper to protect it in case of rain. If you’re in a heavily camped area, you might want to bring your own kindling so the forest isn’t left with too little “down” organic matter.

✗ When starting the fire, place a few lightly crumpled pieces of newspaper in the center of the pit.

✗ Build a tepee of kindling around and above the newspaper. Vary stick width to make sure there are both thin twigs that will catch early and larger sticks that will burn longer. Start with three slightly larger sticks that form the base and lean other sticks off those. Add several sticks, again varying width, that criss-cross the center of the tepee, resting on the paper itself. Just be sure not to smother the paper.

✗ When out in the woods where fallen trees are prevalent, add larger, wrist-size branches to the outside of the tepee.

✗ Light the paper and wait for some of the larger sticks to catch fire. If the wood is damp, it may take several iterations of paper, tepee, and lighting. (Iterations…can you tell he’s a computer guy? An iteration is an attempt or version.)

✗ Once the larger sticks have caught fire, it's time to add a couple pieces of firewood. If the tepee is stable, go ahead and stand them up on the outside, with pieces placed on opposite sides for balance. Take care not to get burned and leave a hole at the top of the tepee for the flames to escape.

✗ If the tepee is not stable or falls over, place a piece or two of firewood horizontally in the fire pit right next to the burning twigs. Additional firewood can then be placed over the flames, one side of the new piece touching the ground, the other resting on the first pieces. Again, remember to leave space directly above the center for flames to escape.


Toolbox Tip: Most any camping food can be

cooked over a campfire. It can be trickier than using a grill or electric griddle, but

we believe food tastes better when cooked over

an open fire. Campfire food is truly THE BEST food

you’ll ever eat, anywhere. We don’t know if it’s

because you get tired from playing outside or working hard to make the fire and cook the food, or if a little

ash and dirt is just the right seasoning, but nothing

beats camping food. You have to try it to believe it!

Fire Preparation & SafetyFirst and foremost, consider

fire safety, especially with young kids. Draw a circle

around the fire pit and tell little ones they are not to go into it

without an adult next to them...even when the fire is

unlit. Take care that sticks and other sharp objects or tripping

hazards are not in close proximity to the fire.


Tips for Cooking Over a Campfire✗ Fires don't have handy-dandy control knobs, so the biggest trick is getting the

temperature right prior to and during cooking.✗ Good cooking happens over hot coals as opposed to flames, so let the fire die

down somewhat prior to starting the cooking. The longer a fire has been burning, the hotter its coals are. Plan ahead!

✗ Hot dogs, sausage, or anything that can be skewered are the easiest to cook. Just put them on a "marshmallow fork" and roast away. Find hot coals, but take care not to get too close so that the middle has time to heat up before the outside gets too dark.

✗ Stay on your toes when cooking items such as burgers, pancakes, or toasting bread. Temperatures of fire vary widely, as will cook times. Also, some parts of the fire will be hotter than others, so constant checking and sometimes rotating food is required to avoid burning.

✗ Don’t try burgers over the fire if you’re a novice. It’s too hard to keep a consistent temperature and avoid flare-ups.

✗ If you’re using a cast iron skillet, you may want to invest in or borrow leather gloves. It will get HOT with no quick way to cool it down.

Let Your Cooler Love Your Food: Tips for Cooler Campingf you’ve never lived out of a cooler for multiple days before, you might be surprised by how many things accidentally get wet. Follow these tips to avoid catastrophe:

1. Everything eventually gets submerged in water. Plan accordingly!2. Eggs can stay in their carton, but make sure they’re always on

the very top (and let everyone else know that rule, too). A small basket that sits on top of everything else is a great way to keep butter, cheese, etc. dry yet still cold. Seal it all tightly anyway.

3. Don’t pack much more than necessary; the leftovers might not be safe to eat by the end of the trip.

4. Always double bag onions to contain the odor.5. Never use a sandwich bag, even zippered. They leak!6. Put ice in quart sized bags to keep it evenly dispersed among food, or use tightly

sealed plastic containers, frozen solid, so you can drink the ice water after a hike.7. Keep as much food as possible in plastic bags (heavy duty ones that won’t leak)

for two reasons: it saves space, which is at a premium, and it allows the ice and ice water to stay close to the food, which keeps food colder and ultimately safer.

8. Consider packing certain things frozen: raw meat (burgers), milk, even sliced peppers and onions as long as they will be cooked before eating.

9. Place raw meats on the bottom of the cooler. In spite of your best packaging efforts, any leaks won’t get raw meat juice on your other food.

10. Drain most of the water out before adding new ice.

Food Safety note: If there’s no ice left in your cooler, the food is not safe to eat. Food in coolers needs to stay below 40°F. Scope out the closest store to buy ice on the way in, and schedule a trip every two days or so depending on the weather and how tough your cooler is.


I

Frugal tip: Make ice and bag it up for a few weeks

prior to camping, if you have the

freezer space.


The Prepping and Packing Process

You Need ListsPrintable lists are available in the appendix for:

✗ Basic Camping Supply Shopping/Borrow List for Rookies

✗ Grocery Shopping List✗ To-Do List: Food to Make✗ Food Packing Checklist ✗ Camping Supplies Checklist

Manly Prep Listshile the mom and the girls are prepping homemade food in the kitchen, the boys and the dad can be tackling these issues:

1. Calling ahead: How far in advance do you need to make reservations for a site? Check on a hotel or two nearby for an emergency rain option.

2. Testing out the tent(s): Every year, set up any tents you have to air them out, check for tears/leaks, and to remind yourself how to do it to expedite the process once on site. Plus, it’s fun for kids to read some stories in the tent in the backyard. When your tent is new, take the time to seal all the seams. You’ll appreciate your work when it rains.

3. Finding firewood: Take note of where there’s firewood available for purchase near the campsite. Leave a little space in the vehicle for it if possible. If bringing your own wood, check your state’s regulations about moving firewood around. Usually you’re not supposed to transport wood to avoid spreading insect populations that harm trees. Read more here.

We typically spend the $10 on a bundle of wood and supplement with dry sticks from the forest. (Note: only use dead and “down” wood for your fire.) Private individuals selling wood usually have much better prices than gas stations. If you are bringing your own wood, make sure it’s nice and dry!

4. Packing Manly Stuff: I ran the packing checklist by my husband, and he pointed out the items I don’t include on my list because he takes care of them:

• Hammer, to pound in tent stakes• Ax, for chopping wood or cutting out roots from beneath tent• Rake, for making a clear space for the tent• Tarps, to cover the firewood and put under the tent• Outdoor carpet, for just outside the tent to put shoes on


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Have a Back-Up PlanA little rain is acceptable and even a fun

adventure when you’re camping. However, the downpouring, thunder and lightning kind sends you out of the woods in a hurry! You may want to have a back-up plan, including some numbers for local hotels if you’re far

from home, or ideas for an impromptu “stay-cation” back at your own home to

preserve the vacation and reduce the kids’ disappointment. For me, it’s important to

also have a mindset of flexibility going into a camping vacation. Be ready to accept changes and challenges and roll with the punches gracefully so your family keeps a

good attitude, too.

http://www.dontmovefirewood.org/burn-safe.html


Camping Clotheseep it simple. If you would cry if you ruined it, leave it at home. Our whole family wears the most horrible color combinations (see photo) while camping because I bring only our “play

clothes” that aren’t really worthy of being out of the house (or sandbox). You might want to pack one normal outfit if you would consider eating at a restaurant one night or going to church on Sunday.Think layers. No matter what, I always pack long pants and a sweatshirt, socks and extra shoes in case of rain or cold feet, and also sleeveless shirts, sun hats, shorts and sandals. If it gets buggy at night, you’ll appreciate lightweight long sleeves, pants and socks. Also pack a variety of pajama weights, as the warm or cool temps in the tent may be surprising.

Packing Uphe number one tip for packing for camping is to check and doublecheck what you need, and never rely on someone else’s list entirely (even mine!). Think it through. The checklist on page 56 is our family’s complete list for camping at a site with only a firepit (yes, not even a picnic table included). Some may see a

lot of non-necessities on the list, but for us, these items make camping smooth sailing.Close behind is this tip: Make a staging ground with a tarp on the floor of your garage and get everything out where you can see it. This facilitates the checking and doublechecking and makes logical vehicle packing possible since you can survey the size and shape of everything at once.

Loading the Vehicle bviously the first step here is to make sure your vehicle will fit all your supplies. With two children, we take the back seat out of our van and completely fill the vehicle. If/when we have another child, we will need to invest in or borrow a “bubble” (car top carrier) for the top or a trailer to pull behind. Only put

lightweight items in the bubble: sleeping bags and pillows, blankets, beach toys, etc.Load sensibly. Think about what will be needed first (tent, screen tent, broom, hammer for stakes, tables) and make sure they’re easily accessible. You might also choose to pack tarps near the door, lay them on the ground and unpack everything at once so you can see your gear and organize it. There's less thinking that way. Pack coolers and heavy, solid things on the bottom and squeeze soft things like pillows on top. Tuck shoes and small things around the edges at the end!


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If you’re bringing your own firewood, we found that putting down a tarp, layering the firewood across most of the bottom of the packing space, then covering with another tarp and proceeding to pack everything on top worked the best for us. If we had a trailer, the wood would definitely go in there.

When to Leavee like to pack up most of our supplies at night, then grab the cold food and leave after breakfast. We pack a picnic style lunch that we can eat upon arriving to the campground, then set up and play before dinner. You might also be able to work a half day and leave after lunch. Schedule according to your

drive time, but remember that setting up will keep you busy for at least an hour (or three!), so you won’t be able to “do” anything, including cook, until you get set up and get organized. Also keep in mind how quickly the “lights” will go out. Setting up in the dark (or eating dinner much too late on day one) is no fun.

The Arrival: Camping Routines for Smooth Sailing

Setting Uphen you arrive at the campsite, you’ll need to unpack, set up the tents, and organize supplies, in that order. Discuss with your family how to delegate responsibilities to get things done. It’s a great idea to have some munchies and water bottles easily available for this

stage of the process.In our family, the boys set up the tents while the girls set up the chairs around the campfire, the outdoor card table, and unload the outdoor toys and life jackets by a designated tree. As soon as the sleeping tent is up, the girls sweep it out (a nice way to start your camping time, not that it will stay so clean!) and set up the air mattress, sleeping bags, and pack-n-play if an infant/toddler is around. Meanwhile, the boys are setting up the screen tent with the banquet table inside. When it’s ready, the boys organize the firewood and scavenge for kindling while the girls set up the table, water jug, and miscellaneous supplies in the screen tent.


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the flattest space possible for the tent, and rake/sweep any

leaves or sticks out of the way. Check for

pokey things!


Kimball Family Campsitee make every decision about where to put things consciously so that our trip runs most smoothly, from the direction tent doors face to the fact that the grill is next to a stump we can set a pot on. It seemed important to demonstrate our campsite setup, but as I labeled items I realized it’s pretty simple. That’s

the loveliness of it all. Simplicity – and everything has its place.

Habits of Ordero often in my normal life, I yearn for the simplicity that would come with “less stuff”. I want the mail to stop coming, the paper clutter from school to cease, the

toys to diminish and the to-do list to finally be 100% fulfilled. Camping allows me this simplicity, because we only pack what we need. Everything is essential, and there’s not so much stuff getting in the way of organization. Even if you are not a normally organized person, you can pretend to be one while in the woods, and succeed!Make a place for everything, and put everything in its place for the duration of the camping time. You’ll be more efficient and have more fun if you don’t have to spend time looking for things. Recommendations:✗ Keys, camera, flashlights, clock: Many tents have a pouch hanging on the

inside, which is the perfect place for all these items. You might have a designated spot in the screen tent for an extra flashlight and/or lantern as well.

✗ Garbage bag: Tape it to the end of a long banquet table in the screen tent or card table outside.

✗ Water: We bring a 5-gallon jug that sits on the table in the screen tent. It’s best to put a bucket underneath the jug’s spout so you can rinse fingers or toothbrushes


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with the “running water” there. If bringing individual water bottles (reusable, please!) or gallon jugs, just make sure everyone knows where to get them and which water is for drinking vs. for washing, if there’s a difference.

✗ Live out of the back of the vehicle: Especially if you have a van parked nearby, it’s easy to open the hatch and grab things without worrying about them being on the wet ground or in your way in a small sleeping tent. Our suitcases and other supplies (see below) live in the van when we’re camping. Consider squashable duffle bags to take even less space as you wear clothes. If your tent is big enough, suitcases can certainly be in the tent, but it’s still nice to have the van as a staging ground for other items, so you don’t have to take your shoes off and go into the sleeping tent to get them. You also can avoid some of the campfire smell – sometimes – that way.

✗ Towels: We keep them all in a beach bag inside the vehicle. Hanging a simple rope clothesline between trees so you can hang towels to dry will make life a lot easier if there’s any swimming available on site.

✗ Laundry bag: The best decision I ever made for camping was that everyone’s dirty laundry goes into one big bag, kept in the van. When I get home, it goes in the laundry room, often straight into the washer, and I feel half unpacked already.

✗ Hand washing station: I bring a small dishwashing tub, biodegradable handsoap, and a hand towel that hangs from the water jug, which is overhanging the table so people can rinse fingers or fill bottles easily. The paper towel and hand sanitizer are also nearby as an option, always returned to the same place on the table.

✗ Supplies: How do you want to organize these? A box for food preparation tools, another box for other supplies? Find a system that works.

✗ Keep shoes outside tent: Bring a mat to remind people to take them off if that helps.

✗ Put bags for big set-up items close together: For example, all tent bags and sleeping bag cases go together, because you’ll need them at the same time for take-down. I usually store bags in the van so it doesn’t clutter up our living area, or sometimes under the table or pack-n-play. This makes life easier after your days in the woods are finished.

As a naturally unorganized person, I can’t repeat enough the habits of order: Have a place for everything, and put everything in its place. You want your vacation to be fun and lighthearted, and you don’t want to spend 15 minutes looking for the car keys or waste cooking time because you don’t know where the grill tongs are.


Make a Camp a HomeI like to personalize our campsite

with tablecloths (plastic, wipeable) and candles to give a little

feminine touch. We don’t have to be completely rustic just because we’re out in the woods! This along

with impeccable organization makes everything feel calmer and

run more smoothly. (Note: My candles include any candle that’s

seen better days. They are dedicated to camping because

they will get bugs stuck in them!)


Technical Details for Comfortable Camping Routine Cleaning

nlike most vacations, the maid doesn’t come with the campsite. You’ll still have to do dishes, wash off tables, and put things away. Some cleaning tips:

✗ Do wash your hands with water and your biodegradable soap whenever possible, but it’s okay to pack hand sanitizer. Try a natural one like Cleanwell or make your own (Google for a recipe).

✗ Put a pot of water on to boil when you sit down to dinner. You’ll have hot water (that may need to be mixed with cold water) to wash dishes as soon as you’re ready to do them.

✗ You won’t have many dishes if you give yourself a gift and just use paper plates; throw them in the fire when finished along with any food waste. Please, no Styrofoam or plastic!

✗ I do use yellow dishwashing gloves for the hot water. I dedicate a washcloth for dishes and always hang it on the dish tub with the gloves.

✗ Use baking soda for scouring, or even for all the washing, especially if you don’t have safe, natural soap. Sand and salt are other scouring options.

✗ Cast iron care: Remember that soap will strip the good “seasoning” from your cast iron pots and pans, so just use hot water and baking soda or salt to scour. Dry over the fire and rub in grease while hot. (Cast Iron Care)

✗ If using the real thing, pour some boiling water over your utensils.✗ I like to clear the table then wash the plastic tablecloth with a soapy rag or baby

wipe, and spread out dishes to mostly air dry there.✗ You can use a spray bottle of vinegar and water to clean surfaces just like

you would at home.✗ Pour dishwater out in the woods, as far away from sources of fresh water as

possible.✗ Finally, realize that you’re going to eat some dirt. It’s good, clean, organic dirt,

most likely. Don’t stress about it.Camping First Aid Kit

art of our “essential camping supplies box” (see p. 56) is a basket filled with first aid supplies. Keep them current. Include bandaids, hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol, calamine lotion or hydrated clay for itches/burns, ointment or essential oils for scrapes, and a sampling of basic medications you might rely on like

Tylenol, allergy meds, chest rub for congestion, etc. If you would want something at the grandparents’ house when your kids spend the night, you’ll want to bring it to the woods with you. (Homemade Natural First Aid Kit)


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Soap safetyFirst, use as little as possible of a biodegradable soap. Not sure if

yours is safe? Call the company to ask. A few drops for a dishpan of water will usually do, even if you don’t see suds. Remember, soap suds are just a chemical to make

us think things are getting cleaner. Even biodegradable soaps aren’t good for lakes and rivers, so try

your darndest to be 200 feet away from fresh water when dumping

soapy water on the ground.

http://simpleorganic.net/how-to-stock-a-natural-first-aid-kit/

http://www.naturallyknockedup.com/2009/12/08/cast-iron-cookware-pt-2-how-to-use-and-care-for/


Personal Care in the Woodserhaps the question people are most curious about when I tell them that my family camps literally in the middle of the woods, with nothing but a firepit, is how we attend to personal care issues like toileting and showering. They rarely ask outright, but I know they’re wondering!

Going PottyThe males in our family choose a “tinkle tree” for their number one business, and girls have to learn the “European Squat.” Pants or shorts go around the knees (this is key, not ankles), squat down, bottom below the knees, feet wide apart, and go. Our girls use the opposite side of the tinkle tree. Keep toilet paper in a bread bag and sanitizer handy. Be sure to throw away the used paper with the trash or in the fire. Bury any solid waste, far from trafficked areas, if not using a toilet.

You can buy a 4-legged fold-up frame with a seat on top and extra-thick bags, a seat that fits on a 5-gallon pail, or a Luggable Loo. All are good for number two in the woods.

If you have a little one who is potty training or just trained, it’s worth bringing the little potty if you have space. Line it with a plastic bag.

Keeping CleanWe have a pretty simplified take on body washing while camping: we just look forward to the shower when we get home. Other alternatives:

• Pack a natural soap like Shaklee H2 and use a tub for a sponge bath, rinsing as well as possible, then go jump in the lake. (See “Soap Safety” on previous page.)

• Use a clean washcloth and just sponge off your armpits with water.

• Buy a shower bag to hang in a tree.• Our 3-month-old needed hot, sterile

water on an eye infection once. It wasn’t hard to boil water and make that happen. She went first before the dishes. We just designated a “safe space” for her washcloth and switched it for a clean one twice a day.

Uses for Shaklee Basic H2 How I use Shaklee Basic H2 in the woodsIf you don’t have access to some Basic H2, you’ll need to also pack:

• Dish soap and hand soap• Body soap/shampoo• Insect repellent

Make sure they’re all natural/biodegradable, and use sparingly. MadeOn lotion has a nifty bug bar for insect repellent. Search KS for “natural bug spray” for summer 2011 reviews.

A Word about Coconut OilI pack coconut oil for these uses:

• Lotion (especially after-sun lotion)• Sunscreen (but pack other choices if

you’re going to be in direct sun for a long time) Best Natural Sunblock

• Diaper cream• Cooking

Tea tree oil is a good natural item to have on hand for scratch care. Search KS for “natural remedies” for 2011's additions.

Brushing TeethJust choose a spit spot that everyone knows about and enjoy watching the glee on your kids’ faces as they spit their toothpaste out on the ground. Take a short walk away from your campsite in case your local bears like mint. Use the big jug of water to rinse the brushes over the ground or bucket. Feminine CareStep one: Start praying about three months before your vacation that it isn’t “that time of the month” during camping. Step two: If step one fails, remind your husband that women in Biblical times spent their menses secluded from others. With that in mind, you’ll be staying home. (Just kidding.)Take care of the waste just like toilet paper, perhaps with a dedicated waste bag for Mommy. It can go in with the rest of the garbage, away from the bears. The Diva Cup is touted as a greener option.


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http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2009/09/03/a-must-have-supply-for-camping/

http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2010/07/20/natural-sunscreen-review-do-mineral-based-sunblocks-work-2/

https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=116115&c=ib&aff=114298

http://babhoyer.myshaklee.com/us/en/products.php?sku=00015


Living with Bugs and Beastshe camping neighbors that have four, six and eight legs give some people the heebie jeebies, but it’s certainly possible to live harmoniously.

✗ Use your candles. A citronella candle (or two or three) is a must-have supply to keep the flying things away.

✗ Find a natural insect repellent. There are tons available with many online reviews. Use it! (I'm reviewing about 10 during summer 2011 – search Kitchen Stewardship for “natural bug spray” to find the post.) Bring some calamine lotion, Redmond Clay First Aid or Graham Gardens salve just in case the insects win a few rounds against your protection.

✗ Keep tents zipped! I can’t be any more clear. KEEP TENTS ZIPPED.✗ Manage your garbage wisely. When you leave the campsite for an

extended time, or especially at night, the best place for your trash bag is a vehicle. If that’s not possible, you’ll have to tie up the garbage hanging from a tree while you sleep, lest the bears and raccoons find a feast.

✗ Keep food to yourself. Anything in a paper bag or box is just asking for nocturnal animals to visit – store food in the car at night. Most coolers will keep critters out, although we camped once where our (human) neighbors told us the raccoons were crafty enough to get into them. All our food went into the vehicle that night! Most definitely get your dry goods like bread, crackers, and even chocolate under steel while you sleep. (Ask me how I know raccoons like chocolate.)

Retain the Right to Leavehe battery will get used up slowly but surely when the vehicle is a home base, especially with power doors. Set your interior lights to “off” during the day, and turn your vehicle on for a few minutes each day to recharge the battery. There aren’t many things worse than getting completely packed up and ready to go,

then finding you have a dead battery. Actually, when that happens and there’s not another soul in the entire campground and no cell reception…that’s worse. And yes, that happened to our family. Please learn from our mistakes!

Dealing with the Weatheramping is possible from 42°F to 102°F and everything in between, as long as you’re prepared. We had a one-year-old the year we woke up to frozen breath and 42-degree temps. We snuggled up and had a chilly breakfast and still waded in Lake Michigan that afternoon. Keep your good campin’ attitude on!

When it’s hot: ✗ Utilize sources of water and shade to keep cool. ✗ Keep the tent windows open at night and closed down during the day (at least

until it’s hotter inside the tent than outside, then by all means open it back up for some air flow).

✗ Soak a hand towel in cold water and wear it around your neck or make a homemade neck cooler.


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http://nettacow.blogspot.com/2010/07/keeping-my-cool.html

http://bit.ly/liJyIg

http://bit.ly/ieBGwo


✗ If you don’t even get relief at night, consider a battery-powered small fan.✗ Understand it’s going to be hot. Wear your deodorant!

When it’s cold:✗ If nights are cool but days are warm, leave your sleeping bags or blankets

rolled up during the day. Unroll right before climbing in and they’ll be much warmer.

✗ Pack hats and mittens, and lots of extra blankets.✗ Hot chocolate is excellent outside.✗ Use the fire to your advantage and imagine what the Native Americans did in

the dead of winter. It can’t be that bad in your forest!

When it rains:✗ Be prepared to spend some time in the screen tent: pack one “rainy day” bag

of toys for the kids. Our favorites: homemade playdough that can be trashed if it gets dirty, a new craft, coloring books, card games. Think small items that are big fun without needing much space.

✗ Tarp your wood!✗ Make sure bags, blankets, pillows, etc. are not touching the walls of the tent.

Keep the corners of the tent as empty as possible in general, because rain will seep through tent walls wherever something is in contact.

✗ Eat your picnic meal that doesn’t need the fire, or carefully try using your grill under the screen tent.

✗ Go for a walk wearing ponchos.✗ Choose clothing that dries quickly: thin windpants or shorts instead of jeans,

flip flops instead of tennis shoes.✗ Know when it’s time to surrender. If everyone is losing heart and no longer

having fun, call in your backup plan.


August 2009, 42°F


Enjoying Your TimeCamping with Babies

amping with a baby seems to scare people for some reason. When we took our 3-month-old camping in the deep woods, the general reaction was either jaw-dropping horror or respect, or a strange mixture of the two. Keep in mind that babies who aren’t yet crawling are ideal for travel, especially if you are

breastfeeding and know how to use a sling or carrier.Babies are natural outdoorsmen. If you’ve ever walked outside with a screaming newborn, you can testify to the fact that usually, the outside air and surroundings inexplicably calm a baby down. We weren’t originally created to live within four walls and a ceiling, and somehow I think babies are fundamentally wired to appreciate nature. I found that my camping baby was happiest outside, and even entering the screen tent would change her mood for the worse. Worn in my sling, she was as happy as a clam and a relatively easy camping partner.

If you aren’t a sling-wearing mama, find a friend who is and learn how to use a borrowed sling before your trip. Holding the baby is the easiest way to keep him/her out of the dirt and happy, but with a sling you’re able to help out, too. My favorite for infants under six months is the Moby Wrap.

If your baby is old enough to eat solid food, and especially for the 12-24-month crowd, I highly recommend packing a small travel high chair and folding chair. A contained, eating toddler gives moms and dads a nice break from stick-in-mouth (or eye?) patrol.The pack-n-play was our lifesaver when we had the 3-month-old with us. We used a very thin muslin blanket (found here) to keep the entire crib covered, and the white sheet was a welcome, clean sight when it was time to lay our little one down. Ours stayed in the screen tent that year, but by the next year we had our bigger sleeping tent, and it fit inside just fine.On cloth diapers: I don't use cloth (yet) but received some good tips from a reader: I purchased super-cheap one-ply cloth diapers to use while camping. They are huge 42”x42” squares like your grandma probably used and you fold them to put on baby. They work great for camping because being so thin they are easy to wash out just about anywhere and they also dry very quickly. I don’t boil diapers since the sun is a great disinfectant. Very cost effective and do-able. Although I do use disposables for babes if we are camping for a week or more.


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3 Essential Camping Baby Items1. Sling or Carrier2. Travel high chair3. Pack-n-play

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001V7QLX6?ie=UTF8&tag=kitchestewar-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001V7QLX6

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000N9H4RU?ie=UTF8&tag=kitchestewar-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000N9H4RU


Sleeping with the infant was the most treacherous part of the entire trip (but I’d do it over again!). When the pack-n-play didn’t fit in our sleeping tent, we were too nervous to have our baby 10 feet across the wilderness in a separate tent, so she slept with us. Even though we’re accomplished co-sleepers, the lack of edge support on an air mattress caused me to have trouble keeping her where she belonged and not rolling off between the mattress and the side of the tent. We ended up sleeping in the van for night two, the baby in her carseat and the mommy reclined next to her. If I had been thinking straight, I would have set her carseat carrier in the corner of the tent and slept on the mattress myself!For mobile babies, the play yard is a lifesaver again for temporary containment, and don’t be afraid to just lay out a sheet and play on the ground with baby. You can make a valiant effort to keep mouthable toys clean that way. There’s enough novelty to see and listen to out in the woods that most older babies are fairly entertained and less fussy.Ultimately, camping with an infant is a lot like daily life with an infant, just with a bit more dirt and less carpet.

Camping with Toddlers and Preschoolers

ere’s another age group that seems daunting. I hear people say things like, “Setting up will take at least three hours if you have little ones underfoot who need constant attention,” and “It’s terrifying to think of kids that age around an open fire.”

Honestly, we have so much fun with toddlers and preschoolers camping. It’s literally a whole new world for them, and if you can just be open to letting the magic wear off on you, your experience is enhanced by their presence.As my husband described in the campfire section, we are very serious about fire safety and allow no pushing the limits on that one. We practice walking toward and around the campfire many times in a row before the first fire is lit and repeatedly remind the kiddos about how “hot” it is. They have the fear of fire ingrained into them, and it works!There’s no reason for kids to be “underfoot” either. There’s always something a little one can do to help, even if it’s just “helping.” To the right, the 15-month-old helps unload the van. Do you know how thrilling it is to carry a big bottle full of water when you’re 15 months? The joy lasts for five minutes, as does the activity. Mom can get a lot unloaded in five minutes!


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Toolbox Tip: Wipe off everyone's feet with baby wipes or moist paper towels or rags before climbing into your sleeping bags.


We try to pack some child-sized tools that match the adults so the kids can play at their work when we are working: a small shovel, rake, spatula, etc. A stick or two can become many, many different tools and toys during a weekend vacation. It’s a time to spark the imagination and teach the children how to play without flashing lights, buttons, and batteries. You child’s favorite outdoor toys and sand toys are a great addition to the packing as well.Allowing the curiosity of children to bloom unhindered is a great benefit of camping. On a walk, what’s the rush? For once, the parent has no reason to say, “Don’t stop to look at everything you see, we’re in a hurry!” I make a conscious effort to foster nature appreciation while camping and make it a goal to allow a little dirt, too. The dirt will happen, and I’m convinced that part of enjoying camping with little ones is relaxing your “kids are dirty” stress reflexes. A little dirt is good for a kid!

We walk, we dig, we play in the dirt. A perfect way to spend mid-morning before it became warm enough to swim.

Camping with Middle Elementary Kids and Teenagersince I’ve only camped with teenagers as a youth group leader and never with elementary aged kids, I’m no expert, and this section is mostly philosophical. Before camping, both parents will want to determine answers to these questions:

✗ Can they bring a friend?✗ Can they bring electronics? (Guess what my vote is.)✗ Decide on a parenting approach before leaving, as far as how much

responsibility you’ll give a child, how much help you expect from them, and what the boundaries on their wanderings will be.

✗ Bring sports equipment.✗ Provide fun choices like fishing, swimming, backyard games, organized

crafts, treasure hunts, or competitions if you have enough kids. A group of families from my church camps together every year at a big group site and has enough kids and adults to play softball. They’ve organized “Survivor” style games, relays and challenges in the past and said it’s the most fun they have all year.


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10 Things to do in the Woods at any Age1. Work. Adults will have to do some labor to set up, take down, and prepare

meals. Expect and allow children of all ages to help in some way, and they’ll appreciate the meals more and cultivate a hard work ethic. Who knew a camping vacation could help your child land their first summer job? Even the littlest ones can carry items or retrieve things from the cooler or dry goods tub, or wipe the table (before the adult does the finishing touches).

2. Play yard games. Some favorites include ladder ball/ladder golf, Polish horseshoes, Bocce ball, lawn darts, washers, cornholes, etc.

3. Go for a nature walk. Young children can be expected to walk one mile per year of age. Don't underestimate their capabilities. Do stick close enough to camp to bail out tired walkers, and bring water. Be sure to point out the different leaves, insects, tracks on the ground, vegetation, etc.

4. Bring a kid-sized shovel. Dirt + something to dig with = contented kiddos. It's almost impossible not to start digging holes when you're three or four years old and surrounded by nothing but dirt. And actually, it’s kind of soothing to dig holes (and fill them in!) as an adult, too.

5. Make leaf rubbings. It's nothing to pack a few crayons and some paper. Once your kids see the plethora of different leaves in the woods, you'll have a hard time stopping their participation.

6. Bring a rainy day bag for the whole family. Pack small toys (see p. 24 for ideas), a favorite board game, cards and books for teens and adults. Cribbage is a classic.

7. Make midday S'mores. Nothing makes a kid – of any age – giddy faster than a surprise dessert before dinner, especially the kind that gets sticky goo all over their fingers!

8. Watch a sunset. You might have to let the kids stay up too late to do this, but just get the PJs on and appreciate it, especially if you’ve got a lake to watch it over. You don’t get to do this every day.

9. Lay on the ground and watch the clouds. Take the time to enjoy the formations and see who is the most creative in your family. For older kids at night, check out the stars. Particularly if you’re from a city and get far enough from civilization, chances are you’ll see exponentially more than you could at home.

10. Organize a treasure hunt. Divide kids into teams or go solo. Direct them to find natural objects like a pine cone, an acorn, a picture of a spider web, a maple leaf, a pill bug, and more depending on their ages and your surroundings. You could also hide man-made treasures and make a riddle (or riddles) or draw a map. If you’re in a populated campground, it’s fun to challenge kids to interact with other campers: “Find someone wearing a Hawaiian shirt” or “Ask the host campers what state they were born in” or “See if someone will give you a cookie” (that last one is for the young and cute crowd).


Toolbox Tip: Get serious about your nature walks and bring an insect or

bird field guide and a bug house with you. Go on a bug hunt!


The End: Going HomePacking Up

ven the best vacations must come to an end someday. Two or three nights might be perfect for young families, but you may want to stretch your time as your kids get older so the preparation and setting up feels more worthwhile. Some quick tips for a pleasant packing up experience:

✗ Take your garbage with you or use designated dumpsters. Leave the campsite as pristine (or better) than you found it, please.

✗ Sweep out the tent. You can even lay the tent across picnic tables and chairs and sweep off the very bottom to get every last insect to stay in the woods instead of your car. If nothing has gotten wet, the tent is now all packed up for next time. If it has rained, you’ll want to set up the tent in your backyard when you get home to let it dry thoroughly and air it out.

✗ Put the entire family’s swimsuits and damp towels into one “wet clothing bag” – which goes immediately into the laundry when you get home.

✗ On packing wisely: If you have little ones, pack up fast and unravel the mess at night when they’re sleeping in their own beds and cribs. Otherwise, it’s worth a little time and effort organizing well so clean up at home is that much easier. If you’ve remained organized, packing shouldn’t be too haphazard.

Getting Homeaking some time immediately after a camping trip to unpack and also prepare for the next trip is another little gift to yourself that you’ll be sure to appreciate.

✗ Do laundry right away. Your wet bag and laundry bag will make this simple. ✗ Get the cold food back in the fridge. Keep food safety in mind when you

decide what can be kept.✗ Set up the tent to dry if it has gotten wet in the woods.✗ Lay out sleeping bags to air out the campfire smell (pack-n-play too).✗ Refill the camping box. I like to get everything out of my “essential camping

supplies box” and make sure all the items on the checklist are there. This usually means a run to the dollar store for paper plates and possibly adding paper towel or toilet paper to the box. When you’re getting ready for the next trip, you’ll be thankful you took care of those items before a looming deadline.

✗ Update packing list. I already warned you not to use someone else’s list for camping, and here it’s equally important to take a few minutes with your spouse and evaluate: What was forgotten? What wasn’t needed? What food worked/didn’t work? Update your list, either on the computer or inside your camping essentials box, and mark it “updated ___ date.” Taking care of these details when the experience is fresh in your mind is critical.

✗ Evaluate your vacation as a family, too, and take notes on entertainment, location, and food so you can improve upon the experience or replicate the perfect vacation next time. Store all of this in your camping folder (from p. 7).


E

T


Campfire Recipes and Methodsamping food is generally uncomplicated fare, but it’s hands down the best food you’ll eat anywhere. Striving for a 100% real food camping trip does mean a lot of prep work. You’ll have to decide for your family how much nutritional compromise you’re willing to take for a given vacation.

The recipes or suggestions below cover the entire sample two-night meal plan (p. 11). The next two sections include bonus recipes to exchange or extend your trip.


C

Campfire Baked BeansFor our family, baked beans are an easy compromise food. A can of baked beans, set on the edge of the hot coals, is so delicious while in the woods. If I ever find a homemade recipe we like, I think I’d still buy a can once a year for camping and have no regrets. Open the can first, by the way, and just leave the lid covering the food to keep (most of) the ash out. If you do make your own, I bet they’re divine heated in cast iron over the fire.

Bacon on the CampfireYou can just use a campfire griddle over a grate to cook bacon, or try it right on the grate if you’re very adept with the fire. If you like bacon, you will practically die with bliss when you try campfire bacon. It is exponentially smokier and better! You might consider putting some on your burgers and using the rest of the package for breakfast the next morning. My husband says, “Bacon goes on everything when camping!”

Best Steakhouse Style BurgersIf you’re making your own hamburger patties, you might as well infuse them with awesomeness. For each pound of burger, incorporate into the meat:

✗ 1-2 cloves fresh minced garlic✗ 1 piece of soft bread, crust removed, broken into small pieces and soaked in

¼ cup milk (sometimes I grab white bread from a restaurant or someone else's house in preparation and throw it in the freezer until camping week)

✗ 1 Tbs. of ground flax meal✗ Salt and pepper to taste (usually 1 tsp. and ¼ tsp.)✗ 1 Tbs. bacon grease

The result? The most moist, flavorful burgers you’ve ever met outside a restaurant.



Homemade Whole Wheat BunsIf you’ve already got a favorite family bread/bun/roll recipe, by all means go with what you know. This is one of our favorites (see more bread recipes here).Combine in a bread machine:

✗ 1 1/2 cups hot water✗ 1/3 cup olive oil✗ 1/3 cup honey✗ 1 egg✗ 2 tsp. salt✗ 4 1/2 cups whole wheat flour✗ 1 tsp. gluten✗ 1 Tbs. yeast

Use the dough setting and then form the dough into golf-ball sized balls (for rolls) or double and flatten slightly for hamburger buns, elongate for brat or hot dog buns. Allow to rise for another 45 minutes, then bake at 375F for 20 minutes. This recipe makes about 24 rolls or 12+ large buns. No bread machine? You can knead the dough for 5-7 minutes, rise for about an hour or until doubled in size, then form the rolls/buns and rise again for 45 minutes. I love to bake these on my baking stone for even browning.Soaked Option: (Why soak?) In the bread machine with a spoon, mix together the water, oil, flour and gluten, along with 2 Tbs. whey or yogurt or lemon juice, and let it sit at room temperature 12-24 hours. Leave the machine unplugged so it doesn’t do anything without you. Add the remaining ingredients, plug in, and turn the dough cycle on; my machine is quite adept at getting everything incorporated evenly after that. If the dough seems very sticky, feel free to add some flour when you shape the buns. My KitchenAid mixer also can get everything mixed, and I end up adding ~1/2 cup flour. Like the no-knead bread, there’s no need to proof the yeast. (Thanks to the The Happy Housewife for the original.)

Grilled or Campfire Corn on the CobThere are an awful lot of methods and detailed instructions for grilling corn, but I keep it very simple. Remove as much corn silk as you can from the tops, then (optional!) soak the ears for 10-30 minutes (or at least wet them thoroughly) to prevent them catching fire. (Dry, well de-silked ears that aren't too close to the flame do just fine.) Drain and grill over medium or so heat, covered, turning a quarter turn every 5 minutes until it’s delicious. Works over a campfire on a grate but likely will need more attention than a grill with a lid. Leave the shucks attached after peeling down and hold the shucks to eat the corn. And of course…use lots of butter! Yummy!

http://thehappyhousewife.com/whole-wheat-rolls/

http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2010/02/24/whole-wheat-artisan-bread-in-5-minutes-a-day-reviewand-soaked/

http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/seriescarnivals/soaking-grains-an-exploration/

http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2011/01/04/introducing-seeking-the-perfect-homemade-whole-wheat-bread/



Soaked Camping PancakesYou’ll need either a griddle to set over the campfire on a grate, a good frying pan with lots of grease, or a grill with a flat surface. When making pancakes over a fire, be advised that they’ll probably cook as fast as you can pour them if you’ve got a decent fire going, so don’t go anywhere!The night or morning before you leave, mix in a glass jar:

✗ 1 ½ cups whole wheat pastry flour (can use up to half traditional whole wheat)

✗ ½ cup buttermilk or raw milk or plain yogurt✗ ½ cup water✗ 2 Tbs. apple cider vinegar ✗ 2 Tbs. melted coconut oil

This mixture should soak 12-24 hours, so plan your pancake meal for the first breakfast. Pack the glass jar among the dry goods, not in the cooler, for the “soaking” process to perk along. (What is soaking grains?)Pre-mix in a plastic baggie or container:

✗ 1 ½ tsp. baking powder✗ ½ tsp. baking soda✗ ½ tsp. salt

Just before cooking, add:

✗ 2 lightly beaten eggs ✗ the contents of your baggie✗ water to thin batter if

necessary

Shake the jar like mad to combine. This is a great opportunity for little helpers to have fun with you. The jar makes pouring easy. Cook until bubbles appear on top, then flip and cook a few more seconds until the underside is browned.Notes: The mix expands to twice its volume or more! Don’t mix dry ingredients in until absolutely ready to cook or it might pull a volcano on you. The bubbles are immediate, so don’t flip when you see bubbles like a traditional pancake. Flip when they're dry on the edges.Eat with lots of butter and real maple syrup. Great fuel for a big day of fun!Makes about 15 pancakes (plenty for a family of 4; you don’t really want leftovers. We double this recipe when at home. More tips and photos here.

Adapted from The Nourishing Gourmet.

http://www.thenourishinggourmet.com/2008/11/basic-whole-grain-pancakes-soaked.html

http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2009/09/08/recipe-connection-soaked-100-whole-grain-pancakes-camping-variation/

http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/seriescarnivals/soaking-grains-an-exploration/



Egg Salad✗ Hard-boiled eggs, usually 1-2 per eater✗ Yellow mustard, about ½ tsp. per egg, to taste✗ Homemade mayonnaise, about 1-2 tsp. per egg✗ Salt and pepper to taste

Egg salad couldn’t be simpler. Mash. Mix. Taste. Yum. You can use a fork, potato masher, or small child. J You could add veggies like onion, celery, radishes, and more crunchy things, but I prefer simplicity. My kids call it “mashed up eggs” and we go heavy on the mustard. Perfect with sourdough crackers, homemade wheat thins, or on sourdough bread or no-knead bread.

Potato SaladEveryone’s got a favorite recipe for potato salad. If you don’t, and you do like mustard, here’s mine:Chop up one each per person:

✗ Cooked potatoes (baked or boiled, skins or no skins)✗ Hard-boiled eggs, peeled✗ Dill pickle spears (or whole, just use fewer)

Add mayonnaise and mustard. I eye it up – usually a Tablespoon-sized dollop or so of mayo per potato and a generous teaspoon-sized dollop of mustard per potato. Shoot low, because you can always add more, but you can’t take it out! Salt and pepper to taste. More instructions for potato salad here.

Homemade Mayo✗ 2-3 egg yolks ✗ ½ tsp. yellow mustard or mustard powder✗ 1 Tbs. apple cider vinegar or lemon juice✗ 1 tsp. sugar (optional)✗ ½ tsp. salt✗ 1 cup extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) OR blend of EVOO and sesame oil

Blend everything but the oil with an immersion blender in a tall cylinder-shaped container, jar, or cup. Add the oil, pouring slowly while blending constantly. Mayonnaise is also possible with a food processor or blender by streaming the oil in the top while it’s running.Lacto-ferment it for extra health benefits and longer lasting mayo. Add 1/2-1 Tbs whey after your mayo is totally finished and let it sit on the counter for 7 hours before storing in the refrigerator. See a video and more tips for success here.

http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2010/02/04/recipe-connection-homemade-mayo-vlog/


http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fie%3DUTF8%26x%3D0%26ref_%3Dnb%255Fsb%255Fss%255Fi%255F0%255F10%26y%3D0%26field-keywords%3Dimmersion%2520blender%26url%3Dsearch-alias%253Daps%26sprefix%3Dimmersion%2520&tag=kitchestewar-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=390957

http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2009/04/22/kids-in-the-kitchen-potato-salad-with-help/

http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2010/02/24/whole-wheat-artisan-bread-in-5-minutes-a-day-reviewand-soaked/

http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2010/03/12/sourdough-recipes-galore-honey-whole-wheat-sourdough-bread/

http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2010/02/05/finer-things-friday-homemade-cracker-recipe-at-long-last/

http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2010/02/05/finer-things-friday-homemade-cracker-recipe-at-long-last/

http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2010/03/08/sourdough-recipes-galore-whole-wheat-crackers/



Cold Spelt SaladA new idea for our family during our first “real food” family camping trip, a cold grain salad took the place of potato chips as a side dish. I wasn’t sure we’d like spelt, but the whole berries, cooked, are actually a bit chewy and quite fun to eat.There aren’t any measurements for this salad, because it’s just something you can throw together with whatever you have on hand until it looks and tastes right, rather like a pasta salad. In my opinion, it’s the red onion that makes the dish.

✗ cooked spelt berries (soaked overnight, covered with water and simmered for an hour after boil, then drained and chilled)

✗ chopped carrots✗ pea pods✗ diced red onion✗ cubed cheese (may want to add this on site as cheese gets soggy)✗ broccoli ✗ sliced green olives✗ garbanzo beans✗ homemade balsamic vinaigrette dressing (recipe above)

With the complex flavor of homemade balsamic vinaigrette and all the veggie tastes melding together, this is a refreshing summer side dish.

Balsamic Vinaigrette DressingWhisk together:

✗ 1 Tbs. Dijon mustard✗ 2+ Tbs. balsamic vinegar

Add 1/2 cup Extra Virgin olive oil in a stream, stirring constantly.Add:

✗ 1 tsp. onion flakes or powder✗ 1-2 cloves minced garlic (fresh is best)✗ ½ tsp. thyme✗ ½ tsp. salt (optional)

Shake well. Store in a glass bottle or jar at room temperature. Lasts at least 4 weeks, probably more!

http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2009/06/05/2009/05/18/food-for-thought-garlic-and-onion-health-benefits-and-nutrition/



Sausage and Farmer’s Market Foil Packet DinnersLay out a large sheet of heavy duty aluminum foil for each person (about 12” wide). Fold up the sides a little to keep everything in. Put a little olive oil or butter on the bottom.Cut into 1-inch chunks and place in the foil:

✗ Potatoes✗ Carrots✗ Onions✗ Mushrooms

Add:

✗ Fresh crushed garlic✗ Salt✗ Pepper✗ Pats of butter on top✗ Optional “heat”: cayenne, spicy peppers

Place polish sausage on top, sliced in two-inch chunks or bite-sized pieces, which is especially nice for children. (Avoiding cutting meat with a plastic knife on a paper plate is great!) Adjust amounts and seasonings based on each family member’s preference. I buy cheap meat on a great summer sale – this is a compromise meal for us, and we enjoy every bite without apology. Variation: you can also use cooked hamburger meat, seasoned in any style (Italian, Mexican, seasoning salt). Regardless of what kind of meat you use, make sure it’s fully cooked before adding to the foil packet. Make a rectangle with the food and bring the two shorter ends of the foil up and around toward the center, then bring the long ends up vertically like you’re making a lunchbag. Using two hands, touch the foil together in the middle and roll or fold down tightly to seal the package around the food. More is better; double wrap if it seems like the juices might come out if your pouch is flimsy. Label with names and store in plastic bags in the cooler. Cook at the edge of the coals or on a low grate over the campfire until done, usually about 30 minutes, rotating regularly. Check potatoes with a fork; when they are soft, it’s done.Am I squeamish about the ton of aluminum foil I’m using (and going to throw away) here? Yes. But this meal is THE BEST. It’s a super camping meal, because everything is done except making the fire. When we’re tired after a day of work and play, it’s nice to relax during meal prep a little bit while we eat our salads. The taste is amazing…augmented perhaps by that tiredness from the day!

http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2009/08/10/monday-mission-analyzing-aluminum-foil-in-august/



Homemade Whole Wheat English MuffinsIf you’re low on prep time, purchased white English muffins are a good compromise, but if you’re committed to going 100% real food in the big woods, this recipe is divine.4 c. flour (Or ½ and ½ or up to 3 c. whole wheat or white whole wheat and 1 c/ all purpose flour)1 c. hot water (yes, hot – the cold milk compensates to make “warm”)1/2 c. milk 2 tsp. honey 2 tsp. salt 2 tsp. instant yeast 3 Tbs. softened butter CornmealMix together water, milk, honey and salt. Add 2 cups of flour and the yeast. Mix until you have a loose batter. Cover the mixture and let rise for about 1 hour. It will look bubbly and active, like a sourdough starter (or beer). Add the butter and the rest of the flour and mix to form a workable dough. No kneading necessary. Roll out the dough about ¼-inch thick on a surface sprinkled with cornmeal and cut into circles with a small bowl or large glass or mug. Allow to rise again about 20 minutes. They will puff up quite a bit when cooking, so don’t worry about doubling the size of the dough at this point. Butter your griddle or pan and cook at 300-350°F until they are light brown (just less than 5 minutes), turning once.Soaked Option: Mix 2 c. whole wheat flour, ½ c. milk, and 1 Tbs. whey plus warm water to make ¾ cup. Allow to rest on the counter overnight. When it’s time to finish the dough, add ¼ c. hot water, yeast, honey and salt. Proceed with directions starting with the 1 hour “rise” for the batter and use white flour with the butter.Thanks to The Happy Housewife again for the original recipe.

Famous Campfire Sausage and Egg Breakfast Sandwiches Apparently “smoky links” are a Michigan thing, but I’m sure these sandwiches are equally as divine with any small breakfast sausage link the size of an adult’s finger.Skewer three sausages per sandwich on a roasting fork and slowly roast over a campfire (remember to let it get to some coals) until the outside is beginning to brown and the sizzling is making you hungry.Meanwhile, delegate one person to keep an eye on English muffins, split, toasting cut side down on a grate over the fire/coals. When the sausages are about done, add one square slice of cheese (buying pre-sliced – but not processed! - is worth it for me here to get the sandwich size) right on top of the meat and gently allow it to melt over the fire, holding the roasting fork level. Have a plate handy with the toasted English muffin halves and use the top of the muffin to push the steaming hot sausages onto the bottom.Bonus: If you can keep a griddle going at the same time, a fried egg is an excellent addition to the sandwich.We serve these with yellow mustard and a little lettuce on top, but they don’t need a thing. Honestly, here is the reason we go camping: to eat these breakfast sandwiches.

http://thehappyhousewife.com/english-muffins/



Grilling BratsMy husband didn’t even think he liked colored peppers, and now he’s addicted to eating them on bratwursts. Believe us, it’s worth a try. You can grill the sliced peppers and onions in a foil packet or simply on a griddle, flat grill or cast iron pan, then heap them liberally on each brat. Our recommendation? Go with pre-cooked brats instead of fresh meat for camping, or at least cook them at home first if you love fresh ones.

Garlic Veggie DipIt’s so easy to make your own veggie dip, and the probiotics in yogurt and health benefits of fresh garlic make buying processed stuff worthless.Combine:

✗ ½ cup yogurt cheese ✗ 1-2 minced garlic cloves (to taste; two is too strong for some little ones)✗ 1 tsp. dried, minced chives OR ½ tsp dried cilantro✗ 1 tsp. dried dill weed✗ 3-4 grinds of fresh black pepper✗ ¼ cup plain whole milk yogurt or sour cream✗ ¼ tsp. salt✗ 1 ½ tsp. lemon juice✗ ½ tsp. onion powder

That’s it! Bring a variety of pre-cut veggies in your cooler, and you’ll have a snack to put out during dinner prep that is as easy as a bag of chips. Kids will eat veggies best when they’re hungry and it’s the only option.Adapted from Nourishing Days.

http://www.nourishingdays.com/?p=1055



Beyond the Weekend...More Camping Recipes


Fajita Foil Packets

Use any favorite marinade and thinly sliced beef or chicken. Marinate in the refrigerator overnight and make packets the morning you leave. The meat is packed raw, and the liquid marinade needs to be pitched. You don’t want your foil packets leaking everywhere. Include sliced peppers and onions right in the foil, and be sure to really seal the packet well. You might even want another piece of foil around the outside to keep everything in. Close tightly in a plastic bag and pack at the bottom of the cooler.

You can make individual packets, adding jalapenos for the spicy crowd and fewer peppers for the kids who shun them anyway, or just one larger, flat packet for the whole family. I recommend planning this meal for the first night, just because I don’t trust raw meat in a cooler for longer than I have to.

Cook over the fire or on the grill. The meat will always take slightly longer than you expect to be done. Unless you expect it to take a long time. Then you are likely to overdo it. Ah, the joys of campfire cooking and uneven heat! When the meat is done to your specifications, serve each foil packet individually on a plate or dish out into homemade tortillas. To warm tortillas, wrap in foil and place over heat source for a minute or two until warm and soft.

My favorite fajita marinade: ½ cup Italian dressing (you can cheat with olive oil and Italian seasoning for

this purpose) ½ cup salsa a few Tbs. lime juice a splash of white vinegar spices to taste like taco seasoning, cayenne, cumin, chili powder (not all of

them, but one or two)

Campfire fajitas go great with a cold dip like guacamole or even a layered dip that you can make in advance. Try guac, refried beans, and ¾ c. mayo + ¾ c. sour cream + 2 Tbs (or 1 packet) taco seasoning in three layers with assorted veggies and cheese on top. The combo is divine and will give the family something to do while the meat is cooking.

http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2009/04/07/recipe-connection-homemade-refried-beans/

http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2009/06/02/recipe-connection-homemade-guacamole/




Campfire Chicken Fajita Skillet Meal

Ingredients:✗ Butter and coconut oil (or any heat-tolerant solid fat)✗ green and/or red (or other colored) peppers, about 1 whole, diced✗ 1 onion, diced✗ 1-2 zucchinis, diced or sliced✗ can of black or kidney beans or 2 c. home-cooked beans✗ 2 c. cooked, shredded chicken✗ 1 tsp. salt✗ 1-2 tsp. cumin✗ 1 tsp. chili powder✗ ¼ tsp. cardamom (optional)✗ pepper to taste✗ 1 c. chicken broth✗ 1 pint (or 15 oz. can) diced tomatoes ✗ Juice from tomatoes plus water to make about 1 cup✗ 1 c. white rice✗ optional: shredded (or sliced, if that’s what you packed) cheese on top✗ optional: fresh tomato toppings

Supplies needed:✗ Deep, well-seasoned cast iron pan or Dutch oven, lid✗ campfire grate✗ wooden spoon✗ measuring cups – or pre-measure ingredients at home✗ trivet (optional)✗ good hot mitts or leather gloves✗ Full face shield optional.

Method

Get a good cooking fire going – some hot coals and not too much flame – and situate the grate in a sturdy place above the heat. Preheat the cast iron (this may only take 30 seconds – see not about full face shield!) and add coconut oil (preferred as it won’t brown) and butter if you like that flavor. It’s hard to keep the butter from burning, though, since you can’t “turn down the heat.”

Saute onions, then peppers, then zucchinis in order with a wooden spoon.

Add beans, chicken, and spices. Mix well. Take a break and give someone else the spoon. You still can’t turn down the heat. Pour in the chicken broth, tomatoes, and water if needed. Add the white rice (see below for brown adaptation).

Bring to a boil. Don’t go far, this might happen as you blink. (Continued...)



(Chicken Fajita Skillet Meal, continued)

Stir well and boil for 10 minutes over as low heat as you can get it. However, likely you still can’t turn down the heat, although if you’re savvy and have leather gloves to pick up your cast iron, you might be able to move the meal to the side a bit.

Usually you’re not supposed to check rice while it’s cooking, but I would recommend giving this dish a quick stir and checking for food stuck to the bottom. Feel free to add a bit of water a few Tablespoons at a time to keep it all moist until the end of the 10 minutes.

Add cheese on top and melt briefly, if you like. Serves at least 4 people, likely 6 if served in a tortilla like a wrap. This dish makes a meal in itself!

*Brown rice: I chose to use white rice for this, because I really didn’t think I would be able to keep the temperature consistent on the campfire for brown rice’s 45 minute time period. If you’re making this meal at home or over a travel burner, feel free to use brown rice. Follow the same directions, but increase the cooking time after boil to 40-45 minutes and possibly add a bit of water at the beginning. You might want to soak your brown rice first like this.

One last option is to use instant brown rice with its 15 minute cooking time.

Note: prep all veggies at home and pack in plastic bags. This meal is a lot of dump-and-pour action once that's all done!

Homemade Ranch Dressing

My kids don't go anywhere without Mom's ranch. So easy to bring along to the woods, and vital for hungry kids when the meal takes a little longer than you'd hoped. Pack fresh veggies, already cut, and salad lettuce for easy first courses.

Ingredients:¾ c. mayonnaise (homemade, p. 33)½ c. sour cream or thick yogurt2 Tbs. red wine vinegar (optional)1-2 cloves crushed garlic or ¼ tsp. garlic powder½ tsp. onion powder¼ tsp. each parsley, dill and chivesblack pepper to taste

Stir everything together well and store cold.

http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2010/04/01/phytic-acid-in-rice-reduced-96-with-accelerated-fermentation/



Sourdough PancakesIf you've got a sourdough starter, it's a great way to make healthy bread products even while out in the woods. You can mix up the sponge for this recipe before you leave and have pancakes the next morning, or just take your starter with you. (How to Make a Sourdough Starter)

Make the sponge:Mix 2-3 cups of starter with 2 cups non-chlorinated, room temperature water and 2 cups whole wheat flour (any kind) in a medium size mixing bowl or half gallon jar (at least). Cover with a towel (tie or rubber band it down to keep out bugs) and allow to rest overnight.12-24 hours later, when you're ready to have pancakes, you should see that the batter has nearly doubled and is very bubbly. Pull a cup out as your starter, and to the mixture remaining in the bowl or jar, add:

✗ 1 or 2 eggs✗ 1 tsp. baking soda✗ 1 tsp. salt✗ 1 Tbs. sugar, sucanat or maple syrup✗ 2 Tbs melted fat (butter, coconut oil)

Remember that the baking soda will increase the size of the batter even more, so don't overflow your bowl! Be ready for it. Whisk hard to blend in all ingredients. Bake on a hot, well-greased griddle. Turn once when dry around the edges (they bubble the entire time, so your standard pancake “done” notification of bubbles on top is null.) Serve with real maple syrup. Originally from Heavenly Homemakers.

Another great recipe: Erin's oh-so-fluffy sourdough pancakes

http://heavenlyhomemakers.com/sourdough-recipes-for-ya

http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2010/03/01/monday-mission-make-a-sourdough-starter/

http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2010/03/01/monday-mission-make-a-sourdough-starter/

http://gnowfglins.com/ecourse/153-28-3-29.html



Homemade Fruit Rolls

It's fun to have fruit that doesn't need refrigeration, is backpack friendly for a hike, and is made of real fruit without costing nearly a dollar per piece like it does in a health food store. And you don't need a dehydrator to make your own (although you certainly can use one).

For applesauce rolls: Spread a layer of unsweetened applesauce, homemade or purchased, about ¼” thick on a piece of parchment paper or a silicone baking mat on a cookie sheet. Be sure to add cinnamon before spreading as you’ll appreciate the sweetness. Try to keep the fruit/sauce as even in height as possible. Do not use waxed paper.

For any other fruit: Wash fruit and place into a blender; blend well until completely pureed, adding water if necessary but only just enough to get all the fruit in the mixture. (I've never had to add water for strawberries, for example.) Get creative and combine fruits like apples and strawberries, or even add yogurt into the mix for some protein. Pour onto the baking surface as above, but usually only 1/8” thick.

Bake at 200-250 degrees F for about 2-3 hours. Check after an hour and a half and every half hour or so until completely dried out. Note: When using yogurt, know that the probiotics will be killed by oven temps over 150F.

The fruit rolls are done when you can lift up the end and see nothing sticky or gooey underneath, especially in the center. Flipping the whole roll over partway through may speed up the process.

Allow to cool, then roll, fold or tear into pieces that fit into a plastic bag.

It is possible to overbake fruit rolls, which first makes them crispy but still tasty, then starts to add a bit of burnt flavor, particularly on the edges. Don't forget what you're doing!

In a dehydrator, just use the sheets that come with your machine or parchment paper and dehydrate for about 8 hours at 135F. You can also dehydrate whole sliced fruits like apples, bananas, pineapple or strawberries for bite-sized snacks. More on how to dehydrate fruits back at Kitchen Stewardship.

http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2010/06/23/how-to-dehydrate-fruits-excalibur-week/



Homemade Beef Jerky

Another shelf stable, backpacking-friendly camp food is beef jerky. Most commercially produced meat sticks or jerky contain carcinogenic nitrites and often the excitotoxin MSG. Lovely. In addition, they tend to be quite expensive. You can make your own in about 10 minutes according to your family's spice preferences, and in a version that's easier for your kids to chew.

Ingredients:✗ 3 pounds lean ground beef, raw✗ (optional) up to ½ pound grassfed ground heart or liver✗ 2 tsp. salt✗ 1-2 tsp. pepper ✗ 2 tsp. garlic powder (or 4-12 cloves crushed fresh garlic)✗ 2 ½-3 tsp. ground cumin✗ pinch (or more) cayenne powder✗ (optional) 3-4 Tbs. soy sauce

Method:Mix the spices together in a small bowl. Spread the meat in a large bowl and sprinkle the spices evenly over the top. Use your hands to incorporate everything together thoroughly. Press onto two silicone mats or parchment paper on cookie sheets or baking stones, about 1/8-1/4” thick and as evenly as possible. (At this point you can sprinkle extra cayenne over top for those spicy eaters among you.)

Bake at 200F, flipping meat over once or twice after an hour to ensure even drying. If grease is pooling, carefully pour it off into a container, disposing of it after it's cooled. The process should take between 2-4 hours. Check the very center and look for a lack of moisture and a brown, not pink, coloring.

Allow to cool slightly, then use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to score into squares or sticks. Check for doneness again by pressing on one of the middle squares. If you see grease or moisture squeezing out in the center, bake a bit longer until each square passes this test.

Allow to cool completely, then store at room temperature or in the refrigerator for at least 3 weeks, up to 6 months if dried out completely. If you put the finished jerky in a plastic bag at room temperature and condensation forms on the inside of the bag, the meat is not completely dry. It will still last for a few weeks in the refrigerator, but you'll want to bake a half hour longer or more until no moisture is left if you really want to store at room temp for more than a day.

Using a dehydrator: It takes 12-18 hours to get completely dehydrated at 145F. When finished, bake in an oven for 10 minutes at 265F to get internal temperature to 160F to kill bacteria.



Granola Bars

Ingredients:

✗ 1 c. butter, softened✗ 1 c. honey✗ 4 1/2 c. rolled oats✗ 1 c. whole wheat or spelt flour✗ 1 tsp. baking soda✗ 1 tsp. vanilla✗ 2 cups of add-ins: mini semi-sweet chocolate chips, chopped walnuts,

dried fruit, sunflower seeds, coconut, other nuts…

Method:

Lightly butter a 9”×13” glass pan. In a large mixing bowl, combine butter and honey first and mix well. Tip: If your butter isn’t softened, use a rolling pin and roll it between two sheets of wax paper. Then add all ingredients except add-ins. Beat well until combined. Stir in add-ins by hand.

Press mixture hard into pan. (You can use your hands!) Bake at 325 degrees for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. They do not have to look or feel “done” but will be quite moist – remember that there aren’t any eggs in the recipe. Allow to cool for at least 10 minutes before cutting into bars.

Let bars cool completely in pan before removing and serving. Store at room temperature or freeze for longer freshness.

For crispy bars: Slice fully baked bars and spread apart slightly on a cookie sheet. Bake again at 200F for 30-60 minutes until crispy but not browned.

For more flavor variations, see the granola bar post. You might also enjoy the soaked granola bars.


http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2009/06/16/recipe-connection-granola-and-granola-bars/


Customizing Your Menu Plan…Quick Notes for Extra Real Food OptionsSimple Campfire QuesadillasBring some homemade tortillas and shredded or sliced cheese. In a cast iron skillet over the fire (or on a griddle) fry quesadillas until the cheese is melted. It won't take long at all over a hot fire! Serve with salsa. Go beyond simple and add any number of things in the tortilla:

✗ cooked beans✗ sweet or spicy peppers✗ spinach✗ corn✗ fresh tomatoes✗ feta cheese✗ any vegetables✗ taco meat or chicken (now you've got a meal!)✗ whatever your palate desires!

Kebobs on the GrillI’d highly recommend building the kebobs at home and using the same precautions for raw meat as with the fajitas, or just use a foil packet or grill basket. Tacos in the WoodsCook and season the meat entirely before you go. You could reheat in foil over the fire (on a grate) or even in a pot or cast iron pan. Simply heat and serve! A “walking taco” refers to an individual bag of Fritos chips, crushed, with meat and other taco toppings in the bag. You eat them with a fork. Fritos are not, unfortunately, real food. Other Foil Packet FillingsFollow the directions for creating foil packets on p. 35 and get creative with what else you might include:

✗ Italian chicken with cubed red potatoes OR cooked rice, covered in mozzarella cheese and spaghetti sauce – make it a quick reheat by cooking the chicken at home, or include a raw chicken breast or cut pieces, but cook longer until completely done. Be sure to use safe raw meat practices in the cooler – double bag the foil packets and place near the bottom.

✗ Chicken bruschetta – a chicken breast with fresh chopped tomatoes, fresh basil, olive oil and fresh garlic on top.

✗ Sausage and egg breakfast – grated potatoes, cooked sausage, and an egg or two cracked on top with salt, pepper and butter.

✗ Bean burritos – Homemade refried beans with cheese and salsa wrapped in a tortilla, then wrapped in foil

✗ Veggie bean burritos – cooked black beans mixed with sliced zucchini, tomatoes, chopped mushrooms, onions, peppers and corn. Sprinkle taco




seasoning or cumin and chili powder to taste. Heat and eat with tortilla chips or wrap in tortillas.

✗ Side dish veggies – Wrap seasonal vegetables in foil with butter, olive oil, fresh garlic, salt and pepper (or a fun spice blend of choice) and allow them to cook near the coals while you prepare the rest of the meal. Potatoes, carrots and onions may take up to an hour; softer veggies like green beans, broccoli or peppers are done in about 20 minutes. Even kids are more tempted to eat vegetables when they're done in the fire!

✗ Grain-free Baked Apples – Peeled, cored apples stuffed with chopped nuts, cinnamon, sugar or sucanat, nutmeg (optional), and a pat of butter on top. Will take 30-45 minutes to be soft in the coals.

✗ Get creative! What else would be fun cooked near the coals? Any of these can be made at home, double wrapped very well, stored in plastic bags and cooked without a speck of work at the campsite.

Camping Jar MealsIf you like the idea of cooking individual meals over the fire without the need to stir but want to avoid aluminum foil, try putting the same ingredients as above (always with cooked meat) into a quart-sized canning jar. Place a washcloth in the bottom of a large campfire pot and nestle the jars in the pot, surrounding them with water.

Put the pot on your grate over a hot fire with the lid on loosely, and once the water is boiling, it will only take about 10 minutes for the food in the jars to be heated up. Be sure to bring canning tongs to extract the hot jars from the water. Enjoy the meal and then use the hot water to wash dishes.

✗ Camping jar omelet ✗ Camping jar burrito ✗ Camping jar cupcakes (upgrade with white whole wheat or pastry flour and

sucanat)✗ How to Make a Meal in a Jar

Skillet MealsIf you’ve got a cast iron skillet, any one-skillet meal you can make at home, you can likely make over the fire, and it will magically taste better. Promise. Here’s one example from a reader that I haven’t tried, but would love to:Veggie, rice, & ground beef goulashDuring the day, cook some carrots, onions and celery in foil on the coals. Brown meat in a cast iron skillet. You may need to remove the pan from the coals to stir and cook the meat because it will get so hot. Pour in instant brown rice and water to box instructions along with Italian (or your favorite) seasoning. Add veggies and return to coals until heated through. Add water if things start looking dry. The food really does continue to cook in the pan even if it’s not sitting on the hot coals.


http://familyfun.go.com/recipes/make-a-meal-in-a-jar-898618/

http://familyfun.go.com/recipes/jar-cakes-898638/

http://familyfun.go.com/recipes/jar-burrito-898634/

http://familyfun.go.com/recipes/jar-omelet-898620/


Trail MixDon't forget the classic real food camping snack: GORP (Good Old Raisins and Peanuts). Think outside the snack bag and create your own with any combination of:

✗ Crispy nuts (peanuts, walnuts, almonds, pecans, cashews) Keep in mind that crispy walnuts should be kept cool for long storage, so leftovers after the camping trip ought to go in the fridge. Wait...leftovers? There won't be any.

✗ Raisins, dried cherries, or cranberries✗ Dried fruit: bananas, pineapple, strawberries, apples, etc.✗ Sunflower or pumpkin seeds✗ Coconut flakes✗ Dark chocolate chunks or chips

Trail mix is a great time for kids to help with the camping prep, as they can mix their own (and some for Mom and Dad) with very little supervision. Note: If you're packing trail mix for a serious hike, consider unsalted nuts so eaters aren't as thirsty since there may be limited water. Baked PotatoesIf you’re a potato lover like me, you can simply wrap them in foil and bake in the coals, turning a quarter turn every 15 minutes or so. This is a very inexact science, however. To save time and sanity, it’s easy to pre-bake the potatoes and simply warm them in the coals, watching closely so they don’t get crispy. It might be worth Googling for a baked potato method in a can that I’ve not tried but looks fascinating.Limey Black Bean Dip Makes a MealMix black beans, chopped cucumber, fresh lime juice, cilantro and some fresh salsa. For a simple lunch, just serve with tortilla chips, no utensils or plates needed!

Homemade Marshmallow Options✗ Eggless Marshmallows ✗ Just about “real food” - no corn syrup included✗ Basic Vanilla Marshmallows ✗ Get fancy: Toasted Coconut Marshmallows

I would recommend finding the recipe you like best and trying to “healthify” the sugar as much as possible. Use the corn syrup replacement method here, or try honey, and experiment with unrefined granulated sweeteners for the white sugar. Then again, if you're making homemade marshmallows, that's already a big commitment to get away from weird additives, so don't beat yourself up if you use white sugar. Warning: I understand these can make a pretty big mess in the process...I haven't gotten up the guts to try them yet!


http://www.underthehighchair.com/2010/02/toasted-coconut-marshmallows.html

http://www.underthehighchair.com/2010/02/marshmallows-basic-recipe.html

http://looksgoodinpolkadots.wordpress.com/2008/01/02/homemade-marshmallows-yum/


http://looksgoodinpolkadots.wordpress.com/2008/01/02/homemade-marshmallows-yum/



Hobo PiesIf you’ve never had a hobo pie, my friend, you’re missing out. Two slices of bread and a wide variety of fillings can combine over a fire to make a steaming pocket of goodness that will surely burn your mouth because you can’t wait another second to eat it.

Basic Hobo Pie MethodEither butter the inside of the sandwich/hobo pie maker or the outside of two pieces of bread. Place one piece of bread into the sandwich maker and spread desired filling on it, keeping the food a half-inch or more from the edge so the sandwich maker can seal the pocket. Place the other bread on top and close and latch the tool around the bread. It’s a good thing if the bread is smushed between the two halves of the cast iron, but if bread is really sticking out, it will burn in the fire. You may need to adjust the bread accordingly by opening the sandwich maker and pushing the rogue bread crust back in. Roast over hot coals, turning regularly, until the bread looks like browned toast when you open the maker to check. Flip the finished masterpiece out onto a waiting plate.

Here are our family’s favorite versions of hobo pies:PizzaGreat for a main course or a big snack, pizza hobo pies are a sure kid and husband friendly treat. Use only about a Tablespoon or two of sauce; you’ll be surprised how quickly the pocket gets too full and sauce seeps out. Add some shredded cheese (not too much) and pizza toppings of your choice. We keep it simple with store pepperoni, but the world is yours on this one.Cherry PieBring along a can of cherry pie filling or make your own. Spread a few Tablespoons on the bread. Less is more here, because pie filling oozing out of the bread pocket is just messy. The cherry pie is even better with cinnamon sugar on the outside of the bread with the butter! Another fruity option is yogurt cheese with fresh fruit and honey.Peanut Butter S’mores PocketGot S’mores ingredients along? Pack a jar of natural peanut butter and use it plus a few squares of chocolate, marshmallows optional, to make a gooey, delightful dessert between two pieces of bread.

Ice Cream Ball Mix

If you can find an ice cream ball or other fun ice cream maker that doesn't use electricity, it's so amazing to have a homemade, cold treat while out in the woods in the heat. Here's what we bring, all mixed up in a glass quart jar in the cooler and ready to go (If your ice cream ball can hold more, by all means, double or triple the recipe.):




✗ 1 c. whole milk✗ ½ c. cream (optional)✗ 1-2 Tbs. sugar or sucanat✗ 1 tsp. vanilla (or chocolate syrup, cocoa powder, crushed peppermint

candies, fresh fruit...)

How to use the ice cream ball:Of course, read the directions that come with your new contraption. The basic method is to fill the chamber halfway with ice, add a generous amount of rock salt (we fill a quart bag from our winter stash and keep it in the pantry for the summer), then fill the rest of the way with ice, topping with another generous helping of rock salt. Tighten the lid on that compartment well.

Note: If you don't have rock salt, you can use Kosher salt or any large crystal salt. Use at least ¼ cup up to ½ cup salt. Read the directions with your equipment.

Pour the ice cream mix into the cylinder, tightening that lid well, too. Allow the kids to roll (not throw or kick) the ball back and forth for a few minutes. After 5 minutes or so, give the ice cream mix a stir, scraping the sides as well as possible. We find that the side get coated with ice cream and then will not finish freezing the rest. Continue rolling the ball until the ice cream is formed, either soft serve or at least on its way to hand-dipped consistency! Stir every 5 minutes or so to scrape down the sides. I recommend bringing a wooden spoon for this purpose.Serve immediately and enjoy! How to make ice cream without an ice cream ball OR a freezer:

✗ Put the mix above into a quart-sized zippered bag; seal well. ✗ Place a few cups of ice and ¼ cup rock salt into a gallon-sized zippered bag.

Put the quart bag into the gallon bag, then surround with more ice and salt. Seal the gallon bag well.

✗ Using winter gloves, hot pads, or towels to protect your hands from the cold, begin massaging the ice around the ice cream mix.

✗ After 5-10 minutes, you should have a decent ice cream in the bag. Be sure to wipe off the salt water from the outside so it doesn't get into your food.

Banana Split Sans Ice CreamMake a foil wrap like the Farmer's Market Sausage meal (p. 35) with a whole banana, a few pieces of chocolate, chopped nuts and anything else your heart desires. Peanut butter? You betcha? Fresh strawberries? Yum. Tuck into hot coals or over a grill for a few minutes until everything is warm and gooey. Eat at your own risk!For other snacks options, you might be interested in one of my other eBooks, Healthy Snacks to Go.


http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2010/04/26/healthy-snacks-to-go-ebook-now-on-sale/



How to Make Homemade WipesGreat for babies and diaper changes (and so frugal!), but also handy for quick table or grill clean-ups, washing hands before dinner, and getting dirty feet prepped for sleeping bag time. I always make a fresh box just before camping to make certain we won’t run out. (Is it coincidence that this “recipe” is listed just after the hobo pies?)

• Cut a roll of strong paper towels (I only use Viva) in thirds, then pull the cardboard roll out. Use a very sharp knife (not serrated) and sharpen it before and after cutting.

• Boil 1 ½ cups of water. Stir in a squirt of a natural soap like castile soap, Shaklee Basic H2, or a natural baby shampoo or body wash.

• Pour mixture over paper towels in wipes box and allow to cool. Start pulling wipes from the center of the roll.

• You can also cut up extra used cloth diapers, receiving blankets, washcloths or soft shirts to be used as reusable wipes.

• Store in an old wipes container OR an extra deep Cool Whip container OR a purchased container, preferably from a dollar store.



AppendixPrintable Lists


Basic Camping Supply Shopping/Borrow List for RookiesIf you have never gone camping before, here are the essential supplies you will need to find, along with a few of our favorite optional luxuries that you may want to look into.Accommodations

□ Tent□ Sleeping bags (or sheets and blankets from home)□ Air mattress w/pump or cot or pads (optional)

Cooking Supplies□ Jug for water (or buy gallons)□ Pot□ Cooler □ Roasting forks□ Sharp Knife□ Campfire griddle□ Campfire grate with legs□ Long-handled spatula and tongs□ Flame thrower/long lighter□ Sandwich (hobo pie) makers (optional)□ Cast iron pan (optional)□ Travel grill or tabletop grill (optional)

□ Mini propane tanks for grillFor the Campsite

□ Screen tent with sides□ Bag chairs□ Plastic tablecloth□ Lantern□ Flashlights□ Pocket knife□ Dish tub or bucket (or both)□ Rope for clothesline□ Toilet seat (optional)

See photos and more options at Kitchen Stewardship under “What to Buy”.


Toolbox tip: Buy a cheap knife secondhand or relegate an old one to the camping box. Make a free “sheath” out of folded up cardboard or boxboard.



Grocery Shopping List: Sample Two-night Meal Plan

□ Hamburger (Enough to feed your family a meal of burgers with none left over, preferably. Grassfed if you choose.)

□ Can of baked beans□ Corn on the cob□ Apples & Bananas□ Melon or other in-season fruit to cut

in advance (or pack whole if you don’t have enough cooler room)

□ Whole wheat pastry flour□ Milk to make yogurt or plain yogurt□ Fixin’s for your yogurt: homemade

applesauce, fresh fruit, etc.□ Butter□ Bacon (we take a whole pound and

use some on burgers or in pizza hobo pies, too)

□ Pure maple syrup□ Eggs – enough for pancakes,

potato salad, egg salad, and one per breakfast sandwich. For our family of four, that’s over a dozen already.

□ Bread or bread baking ingredients (enough for hobo pies and sandwiches)

□ Whole spelt or other favorite grain□ One can garbanzo beans□ Assorted vegetables for spelt salad

and veggie tray: ◦ Carrots◦ Broccoli◦ Pea pods◦ Cucumbers◦ Cherry tomatoes◦ Colored peppers (what’s in

season?) □ Mustard & ketchup

□ Onions□ Green and red

peppers□ A tomato for slicing□ Pickle slices (or

make lacto-fermented)

□ Lettuce for salad and burgers

□ Polish sausage, one pound□ New potatoes (in season) for foil

packets, more potatoes for potato salad

□ Fresh carrots, mushrooms for foil packets

□ Aluminum foil□ Link breakfast sausages (3 per

sandwich)□ Sandwich cheese (worth the

splurge to get large sandwich sized deli slices)

□ Fresh or dried herbs for veggie dip□ Fresh garlic□ Extra virgin olive oil□ Balsamic vinegar, homemade

dressings spices□ Bratwurst or sausage□ Graham crackers (or homemade)□ Marshmallows□ Chocolate bars□ Pepperoni□ Pizza sauce (a squeeze bottle is

worth the splurge, or transfer your favorite sauce into a squeeze bottle)

□ Shredded mozzarella cheese (or shred your own)

□ Raw nuts□ Granola bar ingredients (oats,

honey, butter, mini chocolate chips or raisins, etc.)


Toolbox Tip: Keep in mind that you may be

able to stop by a roadside stand to grab some truly local fruits;

this tip works best your second time to

an area.


To-Do List: Food to MakeThis list is comprehensive for the sample weekend menu plan on p. 11 and as “real food” as possible with many homemade items.

□ *Freeze water in plastic containers for the cooler (optional)

□ *Soak nuts; dehydrate for Crispy Nuts

□ *Soak and dehydrate oats for granola bars

□ *Make granola bars□ Form hamburger patties; package

in a tightly sealed plastic bag or waterproof container; waxed paper between stacked patties helps.

□ Wash lettuce for burgers, wash and cut for salad

□ *Make mayo (lacto-fermented recommended)

□ *Package butter, syrup, peanut butter, and honey for travel

□ *Bake bread for sandwiches, hobo pies

□ Slice cheese□ Cut fruit□ Boil eggs for

potato salad and egg salad

□ Make egg salad□ Boil or bake

potatoes□ Make potato salad □ *Make homemade dressings

(balsamic for spelt salad)□ Soak spelt□ Cook spelt

□ Make spelt salad□ Make homemade yogurt□ Drain for cream cheese □ Divide yogurt into individual cups (if

you’re packing a picnic lunch # 1)□ Make veggie dip□ Cut veggies□ Slice tomatoes□ Slice peppers and onions; double

bag for the cooler□ Assemble foil packet dinners; label

with names if people prefer different seasonings or amounts; seal well in plastic bags for the cooler.

□ *Shred mozzarella cheese for pizza hobo pies

□ *Soak English muffins, buns and graham crackers

□ *Make English muffins□ *Bake buns (1 batch or enough for

burgers and brats)□ *Bake graham crackers□ Pour milk into individual cups for

kids, extra in a jar for traveling. (When traveling with raw milk, keeping the cold chain consistent can be tough. For food safety, you may want to home pasteurize raw milk or only travel with cultured/clabbered milk.)

□ The night before leaving: soak pancake batter; pre-measure and package up other ingredients

Most of these tasks should be done no more than a day or two before you leave. Those marked with an (*) could be done a week before, if you’re willing to freeze the bread products.


Toolbox Tip: Reuse the same

sealed milk cups for the kids the whole trip, storing them in

the cooler.

http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/recipes/safe-handling-of-raw-milk-keep-it-fresh/




http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2010/02/02/a-gathering-of-homemade-dressings/


http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2010/04/08/how-to-soak-and-dehydrate-oats/




Food Packing Checklist Dry Goods

□ Hamburger buns□ Can of baked beans□ Apples, Bananas□ Corn on the cob□ Jar of pancake soaked mix□ Pancake dry additions□ Bread □ Peanut butter□ Honey□ Dressings□ English Muffins□ Graham crackers□ Marshmallows□ Chocolate□ Nuts, fruit rolls, muffins, etc.

Cooler Food

□ Hamburger patties□ Cut fruit□ Bacon□ Butter□ Maple syrup□ Cold spelt salad□ Yogurt, applesauce□ Foil packet dinners□ Cut lettuce for salad□ Dressings □ Link sausages□ Cheese□ Eggs□ Brats□ Egg salad□ Potato salad□ Veggies□ Veggie dip□ Sliced tomatoes and lettuce for the

burgers□ Sliced peppers and onions for brats□ Mustard □ Ketchup□ Pickle slices□ Cups of milk, if packing□ Ice


Toolbox Tip: Label each bag/tub of food with its contents so

everyone of helping age can assist with meal

preparation.


Camping Supplies Checklist Always in box:

□ Camping candles□ Plastic Tablecloth□ Washcloths and old

towels□ Garbage bags□ Can opener□ Collapsible bowls□ Plastic Ziploc bags□ Duct tape, masking

tape□ Aluminum foil□ Knife and cutting board□ Salt and pepper□ First Aid Kit (see p. 21)□ Pot holder(s)□ Cards□ Hand sanitizer□ Dishwashing gloves□ Clothesline, rope, clothespins□ Swiss army knife□ Paper plates and bowls or real

dishes□ Plastic utensils or the real thing□ Plastic wrap□ Baking soda, vinegar and water

spray bottle□ Toilet paper

Also pack:□ Picnic blanket or sheet for beach□ Plastic spatula for pancakes□ Teapot (for tea, hot chocolate, or

hot water)□ Backpack(s) for hiking□ Box of fresh wipes (p. 50)□ Plate holder baskets□ Flyswatter□ Tent, outdoor carpet, tarps□ Hammer, ax, shovel

□ Drinking water□ Coconut oil (see p. 22)□ Bucket□ Paper towel□ natural insect repellent □ Sunblock, sun hats and

other sun protection□ Bug candle□ Dish tub, pot scrubber □ Measuring utensils □ Bag chairs, folding table□ Pots, pans and cooking

utensils (optional: ice cream ball)

□ Matches, flame thrower/lighter

□ Battery-powered alarm clock□ Extra plastic grocery bags□ Stainless steel water bottles□ Sleeping bags, pad, pillows, pack-

n-play, lots of blankets, sheets, air mattress and pump

□ Grill and propane bottles, long-handled cooking tools

□ Suits, life jackets etc., fishing gear□ Towels, face washcloths□ Handheld broom and dustpan□ Rain ponchos, umbrellas or other

rain gear□ Kids’ outdoor toys, adult games,

Frisbee□ Books & rainy day bag□ Binoculars, camera □ Water shoes/sandals□ Flashlights (reading light)□ Lanterns, torches, oil, funnel□ Rake□ Newspaper/firewood (see p. 16) □ Laundry bag□ Extra batteries


Essential Supplies: Your Permanent

Camping BoxYou will appreciate this

little gift to self. After your first camping experience, gather together the basic supplies that you’ll

always need for camping that can be

stored together and not accessed until camping

time next summer. Create a “camping

supplies box” with those items, and attach a

checklist to the outside so you know what’s in it.


Acknowledgements:In my mind, this camping handbook was going to be a tiny, 20-page tip-filled ebook, and somehow it grew into something (ahem) much bigger. I’m very grateful for my readers who helped to edit the book and gave extra ideas (although it’s not really their fault that the book grew so much larger). Thank you to Lisa Pierik Neutel, Jessica Hoffman, Sarah, Lois, Camille, Lisa B, Angela, Casie, Andi, Cari, Theresa, and Lori. I’m forever indebted to Lenetta of Nettacow, my colleague and friend, who is an amazing editor, catches everything, and is always willing to help me out.

Photo credit: S’mores photo on cover from Jodi Schaap at jodimichelle.com.

Disclaimer: There are affiliate links to Amazon in this eBook from which I will earn a small commission. Really, I just want you to be able to see a photo, and Amazon has everything. I’d prefer you to buy used or local, but if you’re buying online anyway, thank you for starting here.

Copyright 2011 | Kitchen Stewardship, LLCAll Rights Reserved

Material is not to be copied, shared, or republished without prior written consent of the author. All recipes are original, cited as “adapted,” or used with permission.

Please visit KitchenStewardship.com for nutritious recipes, green living ideas, kitchen tips and a healthy dose of wit, or if you’d like to purchase more copies of the Family Camping Handbook. Although in electronic form, an eBook is meant to be the personal property of the purchaser. Feel free to share a recipe with a friend, but it is a violation of copyright and purchase agreement to forward the entire book to another person. If you find an error or have a suggestion for improvement, please contact Katie at [email protected].



http://nettacow.blogspot.com/

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Family Camping Handbook