Survival Camping–A Vacation at Home?

June 4th, 2009 |

Author: John

Even though gas prices aren’t as high as last summer, a lot of people are cutting back on vacation plans and staying home. “Staycation” is the new term for it. My thanks to a recent edition of Mary Hunt’s Everyday Cheapskate newsletter for several of the following suggestions to help make your “staycation” successful.. I’ve modified some of them so they’re oriented for survival preparedness.

First, make a plan. Decide when you’ll be doing this. Get the kids involved in planning activities.

Let friends and family know, then be unavailable just as you would be on a travel trip. Don’t let in intrusions from friends or work.

Think like a tourist and a survival camper. What activities can you do locally that you haven’t done? Have fun, but be strategic, too. How well do you know local geography, such as back roads, waterways, etc.? Are there places near you that could have advantages for survival if things get crazy? Are there areas to avoid?

Change the rules. Break the normal routine. Shut off access to electronics and gadgets. Eat different food than you normally would. Try out dehydrated food, emergency food bars and MRE’s.

Camp out. Pitch a tent and build a fire pit in the back yard.

Make this a genuine family time. Give attention to one another. Talk. Tell stories. Read books aloud. Think how you’d get along with one another without radio, TV, computers, cell phones, etc.

Preserve the memories. Take pictures and make a scrapbook if you like. You may look back one day and realize you not only had a lot of fun, but you’ll see what great preparation this was.

For more ideas on turning preparedness into fun family activities, click here for a free report, normally valued at $14.97. It contains practical activities you can do on the weekend or rainy afternoons to build preparedness skills and family ties.

Or click here for camping tips from the Camping Guy to make your next camping experience even better.