Camping tips for newcomers

By Maria Montemayor

Posted on January 31, 2022
camping

When newcomers come to Canada, they might seek fun social, overnight activities to keep busy during the summer. Camping is a fun outdoor summer activity where people can get fresh air and create new memories with their family and friends. Campers can explore Canadian campsites, sleep under the stars, and spend a night away from home. For beginners, camping can be a bit difficult, so below are some tips on how to get started.

1. Purchase a tent

Tents are portable and adaptable shelters for people to gather and sleep in. With a tent, it’s important to choose one that is a couple of sizes bigger than the number of people who will be sleeping inside it. A tent that is overcrowded can be uncomfortable and take away from the fun camping experience.

2. Purchase sleeping bags

For people who don’t have sleeping bags, it’s a good idea to purchase one, since the ground underneath the tent will be hard. Even during the summer, the temperature can drop at nighttime, so it’s important to have an extra layer of protection.

3. Practise pitching the tent

Once a tent is purchased, campers should try practising pitching the tent in their backyard, just so they have an idea of how long it will take and how to do it properly. This will help ensure campers know how to set it up and take it down, and will be equipped to handle any potential issues or mishaps before they get to the campsite.

pitching a tent

4. Choose the campsite

It is important for first-time campers to choose the right location for their camping trip. When researching a campsite, a camper can look for whether the area is child-friendly (if young children will be joining), dog-friendly, and has facilities like toilets and showers nearby.

5. Bring personal care, cleaning, and safety supplies

Some personal care items campers should be prepared with include:

  • hand sanitizers
  • soaps
  • towels
  • shower slippers
  • wet-wipes
  • toothbrushes
  • toothpaste
  • floss
  • feminine products

It’s also handy to bring:

  • trash bags
  • paper towels
  • a cleaning sponge for dirty dishes

Lastly, anything can happen during a camping trip—like an injury or a mosquito bite—so it’s essential to bring items like:

  • a flashlight
  • bug spray/insect repellent
  • aftercare for insect bites
  • water bottles
  • sunscreen
  • a first aid kit

6. Bring extra gear and clothing

Campers might also want to bring rain gear like boots, a raincoat, and an umbrella in case of unexpected weather. They can also prepare swimsuits and swimming trunks for taking a dip in a lake nearby. Bringing sunglasses, a sun hat, or visor would also be helpful for bright and sunny days. Lastly, it might be a good idea to bring hiking boots or comfortable running shoes for exploring the camping grounds.

7. Pack snacks, meals, and cooking essentials

Before campers go on their trip, they should plan their meals. They can bring some snacks like chips, pretzels, fruits, cut-up vegetables, and ready-made meals like boiled eggs, canned beans, and sandwiches. Some campers like to bring items to boil and cook, like soups and hot dogs. They can also bring wooden sticks to roast items like corn, sausages, and marshmallows. Other cooking items to bring include tongs, condiments, and sauces. Lastly, they shouldn’t forget to bring paper plates, cups, napkins, and utensils.

8. Bring entertainment

camping

There are plenty of fun ways to enjoy the outdoors! Campers can bring binoculars for bird watching, trekking poles for hiking, and cameras for taking photos. For entertainment close to the campsite, some campers like to bring books to read and cards, board games, and musical instruments to play. 

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