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in the cooler.

Screen Tent: A screen tent gives you a bug free zone for cooking, eating, and congregating. They also make great retreats incase of rain.

Necessary Items: Don't forget the bug spray and the sunscreen!

Clothing: Pack according to the weather forecast. Extra clothes are always a good idea and so is a spare pair of shoes. The nights might get chilly, so bring a sweatshirt or two. Rain gear is a good investment. Ball caps protect you from UV rays. Everyone should bring a pair of shower shoes if they plan to shower in the campground shower house.

Don't forget to bring the toys too!

Pack the bicycles, roller blades, Frisbees, footballs, volleyballs, binoculars, cameras, portable radio, acoustic guitar, and whatever else you can stuff into the car. You will probably find playgrounds, ball courts, miniature golf, and more at the different campgrounds you visit.

First-Aid Kit: A first-aid kit is very important to have. It should contain everything needed to handle situations of stomach upset, minor cuts, headaches, and so on.

Maps/Compass: A good map could save you a lot of time and frustration. Know your route before you go and plan a few pit stops along the way.

Flashlights: Each person should have his or her own flashlight. Bring extra batteries.

Storing all your gear in one spot makes it easy to pack for last minute getaways. Keep your kitchen packed in the hard pack and have a separate mesh bag to hold the pots and pans. The mesh bag can also double as a drying sack. Put your tents and sleeping bags in the same general area, and when the time comes to get ready, all you have to do is throw the food in the cooler and pack your clothes, because your gear is already waiting.

PLANNING A MENU

Cooking on your trip can be as simple or as involved as you like. Many people take their outdoor cooking skills very seriously. There is an endless array of kitchen gear for the culinary guru and there are many books on the fine art of open flame cooking.

If you are not jumping for joy at the thought of cooking outdoors all weekend long, a little pre-preparation at home will make a big difference. Pre-pack the hamburger patties or buy meat already in patty form, cut your potatoes at home and place them in a zip-lock bags in the cooler, buy instant packaged food like mash potatoes and rice. A quick and easy meal for breakfast is biscuits and gravy: you buy the biscuits ready-to-eat and just add hot water to the gravy.

Menu planning is easy. Just figure the number of

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