by Scott Freeman

Created on: August 20, 2009   Last Updated: August 22, 2009

"Is it Friday yet?" the kids seem to ask every morning. They are looking forward to your weekend camping trip. To them it seems it will not arrive soon enough. You are wondering if you have enough time to get everything done before you go. Good planning and preparation are the keys to getting everything done in time and without exhausting yourself.

Every spring, my wife and I go through all of our camping supplies and equipment. Does all of the equipment work, is the trailer de-winterized, water system sanitized and flushed? We go through all the lotions and potions we seem to need. Dish soap, shampoo, toothpaste, sun block, oil, vinegar, spices, can foods [be sure to check expiration dates] are all checked. Knowing that we have a full set of the basics is a great help. Over the years we have developed a checklist of what we carry and where we carry it.

That is how we do a general prep. When we make specific plans for a weekend, we need to move into the specifics for that weekend. Who is going, how long we are going, where we are going, what is the weather we expect to encounter, what we are going to do there? All of these impact what we need to do to prepare. First step is to determine the menu. This and our checklist give us what we need to shop for. Non-perishables we usually gather the week before the trip and perishables a day or two before we leave. Two days early, I start the refrigerator in the trailer to pre-chill it. Everything we want in the refrigerator we pre-cool in the house. 2-liter bottle of water go in the freezer for use in the cooler as bagged ice melts too fast and the water ruins everything.

Next we need to gather clothing. Be sure to include rain gear regardless of what the weather people say. They are only accurate in telling you what the weather was not what it will be! We try to figure it will be both cooler and hotter then we expect. This probably means we over pack but it has saved us many times.

Bedding needs to be packed as well as all your other gear. We try to have all the gear packed the night before and just unplug and pull out on Friday.

Do not forget your poor house. While it may be left empty all weekend, if you are like me, this is normally when you would mow the lawn and water the gardens. I try to get this done on Wednesday or Thursday before we leave. It is better to mow early then leave it too long. Also, we normally have a neighbor pick up the mail and the newspaper so I need to arrange that with them. We also have neighbors nice enough to keep an eye on the place.

Are you bringing your dog or cat? If so, you will need a copy of their rabies certificates and if not you need to arrange for their care.

Lawn mowed, plants watered, gear and supplies packed, truck is gassed up, tire pressure checked, directions, maps, money, lights off, house locked and we are OFF! Enjoy the weekend for Monday we work!

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