Resources
Now it's time to look at some online resources and books that will help you get ready for your trip. All books are available at the Westchester Public Library. It is important to study each topic.
General Camping Guides
If you've never been camping before, or it's been a long time, these books and online resources will help you learn more.
Questions:
Why do you want to go camping?
Who would you like to go camping with?
What does "Leave No Trace" mean?
Books
All books have a call number to help you locate them at the Westchester Public Library. Search using the words "camping," "outdoor recreation," or "hiking" to find more information. Also, you can check in the J 796.5 section.
Follow the Trail (2003) written by Jessica Loy
J 796.54 LOY
Look for hiking tips and some great activities in this book. Information about setting up camp and being safe are also included. Sections on wildflowers, trees, animal tracks, weather, and the stars will help you explore more.
Camping: Have Fun, Be Smart (2000)
written by Jacqueline Ching
J 796.54 CHI
Older kids will enjoy this book that has information to help you prepare for your trip. Learn about clothing, gear, finding a campsite, animals and plants, and first-aid in this book. The back of the book has some definitions and other organizations, books, and websites to research.
Sleeping in a Sack: Camping Activities for Kids (1998) written by Linda White
J 796.545 WHI
This book is packed full of information and illustrations that will help you plan your camping trip. Look for information on what to bring, setting up camp, outdoor cooking, camp safety, and lots of fun activities. This is a great resource for older kids.
Camping: Merit Badge Series (2005)
written by Boy Scouts of America
J 796 BOY (All merit badge guides are in alphabetical order by title)
You will find lots of information in this pamphlet, even if you're not a Boy Scout. This resource is great if you're thinking about taking a group of friends camping. Besides having lots of information about camping, there is information on how to share responsibilities at the campsite. Some great check-lists are included. Older kids can use this resource to learn more about wilderness camping or backcountry camping.
Online Resources
The FUNdamentals of Camping http://www.angelfire.com/ia3/camping/index.html
This website has some great ideas that will help you prepare for you trip. They suggest trying out all of your camping equipment before you leave for your trip
Joy of Camping TV
http://www.joyofcamping.com/tv/tv.htm
This website has lots of videos that will help you plan your camping trip. Videos include Take me camping, Choose your camping style, How to choose a tent, How to set up your campsite, Easy foil-wrap campfire desserts, and What's in your camping first aid kit?
Leaving No Trace: Outdoor Ethics for Kids http://www.dnr.state.md.us/outdooradventures/lntkid.html
This website from the Department of Natural Resources for Maryland tells you about a very important camping concept: Leave No Trace. Leave No Trace concepts teach us how to take care of the natural areas that we are visiting. Make sure everyone that you go camping with is aware of these rules.
Camping: It's Great for Families http://www.girlscouts.org/for_adults/parenting/articles/camping_its_great_for_families.asp
This article on the Girl Scouts website has some good reasons why girls and boys should go camping with their families. If you're trying to convince Mom and Dad to take you camping, this website could help.