Camping is just one of the many activities older adults can enjoy. It is a great way to appreciate and take pleasure in the beauty of nature and the crispness of summer’s air. However, some older adults find it hard to prepare for this activity especially when they haven’t been camping for a long time. Things may be overwhelming for you but there are ways to make your preparations less stressful and complicated.
Pick the Perfect Campsite Before You Head Out
Before jumping into any activity, it is always important to pick the location that will work for you and your companions. First, you have to consider your safety and comfort. Choose a campsite with fewer rocks and terrains. It will be difficult for you to walk and roam around the site if it is too rocky. It may even cause accidents, which you don’t want to happen. Hence, a relatively flat site will make a great camping site mostly for older adults. Avoid campsites with lots of oak or poison ivy as they can be a threat to your safety.
Another thing to consider when looking for a campsite is the view. You can pick one close to the waterfalls if you want to fully relax and have fun. If you want to have a peaceful sleep, stay away from areas with lots of mosquitoes and other insects. It will also help to set up your tent away from other campers to provide each other with the privacy you need.
Plan Ahead and Make a Camping Checklist
Planning is definitely the key to happy camping. You have to plan ahead so you will have enough time to prepare the things you need for camping. You wouldn’t want to miss anything so make sure to create a camping checklist. The first things you have to put on your checklist are those that you need for your shelter such as tents, waterproof tarps for various applications, axe or hammer, extra stakes, brush for cleaning and mat for tent entrance.
The next thing you have to ensure is the stuff for your bedding including pillows, sleeping bag, sheets and blankets, sleeping bag or tarp, air pump and storage bags. You will also need cooking materials such as BBQ grill, charcoal, fire starters, box oven, plates and bowls, cooking utensils including knife, spatula, tongs and skewers and folding table. Don’t forget to bring things that will give you conveniences like a can opener, thermos, ice and water jug. The weather can be unpredictable so bring different types of clothes for your comfort and safety. Also include in your checklist personal items such as soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothbrush, toilet paper and other things you think you will need.
Remember to Take your Medication
After you have ticked all the boxes off your camping checklist, you may get too excited to head out and start your camping journey. Before you do this, however, you have to take any required medication to make sure that you are at your best while camping. It is important to take it before you go camping and also take it with you at the campsite. Make sure to bring your prescription just in case you run out or lose your medication. Also, check if you get the right medication before you leave your house to avoid any problems. Doing these will make you relieved, worry-free and healthy throughout your excursion.
Make Sure You Have Enough Food and Reliable Food Storage
Grilling and eating together with your friends are some of the best parts of camping. Thus, you have to make sure you have enough food for everyone until you bid goodbye to the camping site. Ask your friends about what kinds of food they prefer. It will also help to choose foods that are healthy and easy to cook. Have a shopping list of all the things you need - particularly meat, vegetables, spices and condiments. You’re lucky if there’s a supermarket or shop close to your camping site so it is still best to bring a lot. If you’ll go camping for days, it is necessary to bring enough storage for your food. Make sure they are sturdy and reliable for safe storage and food handling.
In a nutshell, camping can be safe and fun if you will plan ahead of time and make well-thought-of preparations.
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