LAST MINUTE TIPS & TRICKS

• Child Pictures - bring photographs or school pictures of your children just in case they get lost.

• Day Hikes - always carry plenty of water, snacks, matches, a sport whistle, a flashlight, a park map, a First Aid kit and a compass when you hike even if it's a short one.

• Dental Floss - has many uses. It is a good toothpick, use as sewing thread for minor repairs, and / or emergency shoe laces.

• Duct Tape - has many uses. Bring some with you.

• Glad or Ziplock bags - bring some along in both sandwich and quart sizes. They have a 1001 uses, and you?ll find they come in very handy.

• Glow Sticks - can provide low cost light at night.

• Hang your Lantern - use the lightweight metal rods (that are used for hanging houseplants). Place them in the ground anywhere near your campsite.

• Hike with a Friend - ALWAYS. Never hike alone.

• Old carpet or throw rugs - make great doormats for wiping dirty, muddy feet. Place it at the entrance to your tent.

• Postage Stamps - Bring postage stamps along on your trip in case you want to send postcards. 

• Quiet Hours - Check with the campground about quiet hours. Be respectful of others.

• See Your Tent - To increase the visibility and to avoid tripping on, mark the guide lines of your tent or tarp with foil or colored fabric.

• Space Blankets - work great for unexpected cool weather. They are inexpensive and when folded up they fit in your pocket.

• Trash bags - Bring a box of plastic trash bags. They can be used for everything from trash disposal, storing dirty laundry, or as a vapor barrier for your sleeping bags.

• Wear a Hat to Bed -  Put on a hat or beanie and wear it while you sleep. 80% of your heat loss occurs through your head, and the hat will keep your head toasty and warm.