A Few Camping Hacks
Camping is one of the best things about summer. Connecting with nature, spending time with family, getting off the devices and barbecuing. How relaxing!
If you want a natural tick deterrent that is safe for kids and pets, mix 1 part Tea Tree Oil with 2 parts water and keep it in a spray bottle. Shake and spritz on. Another natural concoction to repel ticks is apple cider vinegar. Combine two cups of water, four tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, and two tablespoons of organic neem oil. This spray works great on pets at controlling these menacing pests. Rub into pet’s fur after spraying. Be careful to avoid eyes, burns or damaged skin.
Other bugs like mosquitoes can ruin your night. Campfires can attract some insects while repelling others. If you want to keep the bugs at bay, especially mosquitoes, build a strong smoke barrier using dry wood, and toss in some aromatic herbs like sage. If you do get bitten by a mosquito, rub a stick of deodorant on the bite and the itch will go away.
Spice up your barbecue. Just because you’re camping in the woods doesn’t mean your food has to be bland. Save space and keep your meals flavorful by packing spices in empty Tic Tac containers or empty, clean prescription bottles. They’re compact, lightweight and hold just the right amount of spice for your outdoor culinary adventures.
You may find yourself without great kindling and in urgent need of starting a fire. Keep a baggie on top of your dryer at home and fill it with lint when you clean the lint screen. Take it camping with you. It’s very flammable and can help you start your campfire. Another fire starter is Doritos chips, believe it or not. Even stale ones!
If you’re camping, you’re bound to get dirty hands. Make a DIY handwashing station. Just use an old empty laundry detergent bottle, one of those huge ones with the spout and button to push and create the perfect place for kids and adults to keep those germs at bay. You can even add a paper towel holder to the top with rope or small bungee cords. Just fill the bottle with water, sit it on its side on a table, set liquid soap next to it, and you’ll be able to keep dirt and grime away easily.
Kids will love these s’mores! Instead of graham crackers, twist open an Oreo and then put a piece of chocolate and your roasted marshmallow. These are smaller than your average graham cracker, so they’re easier for kids to handle, and they are delicious.
If you need camping gear like RV supplies, camp chairs, flashlights, charcoal, lighters, BBQ rubs, torches, citronella candles, bungee cords, coolers, tarps and more, stop in to Longenecker’s Hardware in Manheim. We’ll help you get on your way to the great outdoors.