Camping Cup

May 10th, 2009 at 16:46

Camping Cup
Don't want to let boyfriend down!!! Camping advice needed!!! Help!!!?

My Boyfriend had invited me to go camping with his family in 2 weeks. His Mum and Dad run a Cup scout group and its their week camp. Its in Llangollen (wales). I've never been camping before and though I like outdoors and Im not bothered about getting my hands dirty. I haven't had any experience at all. And I just want to impress my boyfriend and not let him down. Or embarrass him in front of his family.

So I really need advice on:
1) what to pack. We are there for seven days and go swimming one day.
2) Advice on how to cope/whats usually involved.
3) I am one of those annoying people who always get cold. Any advice how to keep me warm so I don't complain?

I know this is stupid but I want to make a good impression. I don't want to be the only one who cant do the activities or chop the wood.

Serious help needed! Thank you!

OK here are some tips, and I hope they help

First your not-annoying you just get cold

So don't wear any cotton if you can help it. Cotton holds moisture and will make you colder, this is especially true for your socks and base layer (long underwear).

A wind / water proof outer shell can really add a lot of warmth and also keeps you dry. And I also tend to get cold, especially my hands, so you can bring a light set of glove liners in case your hands start to chill. And even a light hat or hood keeps in a lot of heat. Not sure about the climate where you are going, but they also make chemical heat packs to help warm you up.
http://www.heatmax.com/HotHands/index.htm

Layers add warmth and are very versatile.Jeans can be uncomfortable and can be very cold while camping. But if they are all you have bring an extra set, so you can change if they get wet. And have non-cotton long johns you can wear under them. IN cold weather I like polar fleece or capiline, but in warmer weather you can get by with light weight poly propiline or silk.

So pack layers of non cotton clothing so you can add, subtract, and adjust for different conditions. Bring good walking shoes or hiking boots (and ask about outdoor activities bring anything you need for those, like a bathing suit for swimming)

Whats involved will depend on the type of camping you are doing, so don;t feel bad about asking your boyfriends parents questions in advance. it will only show them that you are wise enough not to go into the woods without a little preparation.

Make sure you know what kind of shelter , sleeping arrangements will there be? You need to know if you need a sleeping bag, and or mat. You could offer to help pack or prep food, and then you would learn more about what they do to prepare.

Some tips always work.
-Bring your own tissue and keep a stash with you. Not sure of you will have an outhouse or be going all-natural. In either case, it is a nice comfort to know you won;t have to go with out TP.
-you can get pre-moistened face wipes to wash without water, very handy
-a bandanna is a handy thing, from washcloth to head band.
-don't bring expensive sunglasses you will (or at least I always do) loose or break them.

Things to consider saying that will not make you look stupid

What is the geography like where we are going? what kind of wildlife plants will we see? - this will tell you what kind of country you are going to so you can pack better, and shows you have interest.

I am really looking forward to this, it will be such fun. Tell me about some of the funny / exciting / memorable things that have happened at camp. - give you an idea what kind of trip you are getting into, and lets them share their memories with you.

Ask family members what is their favorite part of these camping trips? it will give you an idea of what you will be doing.

Also it might impress them if you had an idea for a game or activity everyone would enjoy participating in together, this forum had some good ideas:
http://www.campercommunity.com/forum/around-campfire/262-camping-games.html

Also this book has a great title, and real serious info inside:
http://www.kathleeninthewoods.com/sitwsynopsis.htm