My sister came to me and asked for ideas on traveling with her three boys to arkansas and staying in a tent. I told her I would ask my friends on here for usfull information for her. her oldest son is almost 13 her middle son is 10 and her youngest is 2. any help that I can give her would be helpful. and thanks for your time in this matter.
Cindye
The Bear II said
08:25 AM Apr 26, 2013
Here's a website with a copy of the Boy Scout Handbook from the 1900s.
There are lots of things to do in it that are fun, educational and will help them throughout their lives (like knot tying).
If she can find one in a second handshop or online from the 1960's it will have color photos to help in identifying flora, birds and animals.
I was one of four boys and each of us was assigned daily chores when we camped. Gather firewood, get water, pick up trash, wash the dishes/pans...etc.
Smore's, hotdogs and dutch oven cobbler are fun to cook over a campfire. Canned biscuits wrapped around a clean stick (or piece of wood dowling) and cooked over the fire, then dipped in cinnamon and sugar mix are a real treat.
One night for dinner we would each make a large patty out of hamburger, season it and place it in several layers of foil along with cut up potatos, carrots and onions. Wrap everything up tight to seal it and place it in the coals of the fire. We each had our own meal to look after. Turn them a couple of times and after a short time (can't remember how long) take them out, brush off the coals cut open and eat. No dishes to clean.
Before the trip our parents would have us research the areas we would be travelling to determine what sights to see. We would put together a lose itinerary. On the trip we would keep daily journals plus keep track of expenses and gas mileage. I now realize, all of this was done to help prepare us for later in life. I thought it was fun.
We were in the Ozarks in August one year and spent the night in a tent during a really bad thunderstorm. It rained hard all night with ligtning all around us. That was where I first saw "Ball Lightning". It rolled across the road and struck a barb wire fence. Weather can be unpredictable.
-- Edited by Terry and Jo on Friday 26th of April 2013 12:05:29 PM
Ranger guy said
11:36 AM Apr 26, 2013
well I would pack some ball gloves for sure and some racket games and a net that they can all play. make sure they have good hiking shoes and pray for nice weather you don`t want to be stuck in a tent for to long. Also if possible try and find a campground that has a rec-hall with some things for the boys to.
Mike and Myong said
04:12 PM Apr 26, 2013
Hi Cindye,
I'm originally from the north central Arkansas area and there is an area in the Ozarks there that is very beautiful and has lots of recreational opportunities. It's the Buffalo National River, with lots of canoeing and camping along the river. Check out www.buffalonationalriver.com for more info on that area. Lots of lakes also in Arkansas with water recreational activities. I'm sure she can find something there. Good luck!
kb0zke said
02:14 AM Apr 27, 2013
Don't know how far south in Arkansas they will be going, but Hot Springs in good for a day, at least. As former tent campers with three children, I can attest that the tent is best reserved for sleeping, and all other activities be conducted outside. Obviously, weather may force a move to the car or even to a hotel.
We're not all that far north, in SW Missouri. Don't forget that Branson is down there. Table Rock State Park is pretty nice (we've tented there), and everyone can wear themselves out at Silver Dollar City. A single day admission is pretty expensive, but there are deals to be had. Basically, a season pass is cheaper than two single-day admissions, or you can do SDC and Whitewater (a water park). Season pass holders also get discounts on food at SDC and on other area activities (ask first).
cejones4210 said
04:22 PM Apr 27, 2013
Remember to check out COE campgrounds, usually well maintained, and nice shower houses.
PIEERE said
06:44 PM Apr 27, 2013
Some campgrounds may still have lean-toos you can put the tent up off the ground. Make sure you pitch the tent on higher ground. The Boy Scout and Girl scout handbook is good information. Learn the wild life especially harmful critters and poisonous snakes and bugs. Have good sleeping bags; rated to 30 degrees or below. Make sure your campfires are completely out if you leave your site and before bed. Don't leave food out as this will attract animals; some non=friendly beasts you don't want to wake-up to.
shystywolf said
03:11 AM May 9, 2013
thNK YOU ll for the information. I will pass it along. and as always this is a fantastic place for information. :)
Hello dreamers,
My sister came to me and asked for ideas on traveling with her three boys to arkansas and staying in a tent. I told her I would ask my friends on here for usfull information for her. her oldest son is almost 13 her middle son is 10 and her youngest is 2. any help that I can give her would be helpful. and thanks for your time in this matter.
Cindye
Here's a website with a copy of the Boy Scout Handbook from the 1900s.
http://www.gutenberg.org/files/29558/29558-h/29558-h.htm
There are lots of things to do in it that are fun, educational and will help them throughout their lives (like knot tying).
If she can find one in a second handshop or online from the 1960's it will have color photos to help in identifying flora, birds and animals.
I was one of four boys and each of us was assigned daily chores when we camped. Gather firewood, get water, pick up trash, wash the dishes/pans...etc.
Smore's, hotdogs and dutch oven cobbler are fun to cook over a campfire. Canned biscuits wrapped around a clean stick (or piece of wood dowling) and cooked over the fire, then dipped in cinnamon and sugar mix are a real treat.
One night for dinner we would each make a large patty out of hamburger, season it and place it in several layers of foil along with cut up potatos, carrots and onions. Wrap everything up tight to seal it and place it in the coals of the fire. We each had our own meal to look after. Turn them a couple of times and after a short time (can't remember how long) take them out, brush off the coals cut open and eat. No dishes to clean.
Before the trip our parents would have us research the areas we would be travelling to determine what sights to see. We would put together a lose itinerary. On the trip we would keep daily journals plus keep track of expenses and gas mileage. I now realize, all of this was done to help prepare us for later in life. I thought it was fun.
We were in the Ozarks in August one year and spent the night in a tent during a really bad thunderstorm. It rained hard all night with ligtning all around us. That was where I first saw "Ball Lightning". It rolled across the road and struck a barb wire fence. Weather can be unpredictable.
-- Edited by Terry and Jo on Friday 26th of April 2013 12:05:29 PM
Hi Cindye,
I'm originally from the north central Arkansas area and there is an area in the Ozarks there that is very beautiful and has lots of recreational opportunities. It's the Buffalo National River, with lots of canoeing and camping along the river. Check out www.buffalonationalriver.com for more info on that area. Lots of lakes also in Arkansas with water recreational activities. I'm sure she can find something there. Good luck!
We're not all that far north, in SW Missouri. Don't forget that Branson is down there. Table Rock State Park is pretty nice (we've tented there), and everyone can wear themselves out at Silver Dollar City. A single day admission is pretty expensive, but there are deals to be had. Basically, a season pass is cheaper than two single-day admissions, or you can do SDC and Whitewater (a water park). Season pass holders also get discounts on food at SDC and on other area activities (ask first).
Have good sleeping bags; rated to 30 degrees or below. Make sure your campfires are completely out if you leave your site and before bed. Don't leave food out as this will attract animals; some non=friendly beasts you don't want to wake-up to.