Whether your kid is attending a one-week or an eight-week camp, packing can seem like a intimidating task .Here are few things to consider before you start for a camp, the luggage to use and extra items that you may forget.

1. Things to inquire before you start packing for a camp

•    Would I get a camp clothing list? This might be your best source of information for what the camp may require and doesn’t. On the list, you can find a number of recommended clothing items and other things to bring for particular events, like overnight campouts or themed activities. If you have not received a clothing list, you can call the camp or visit their site and see if the list is available.
•    What they should not bring? Each camp is different and has their own rules for what every camper is allowed. So enquire about it.
•    Do they want uniforms? Several camps try to lessen “competitive dressing” among campers by having uniforms. Some camps require all clothing to include their camp logo; some may require a particular shirt and short color. Be sure to clear up any questions regarding your child’s necessary clothing before your child leaves for the camp.
•    What stuff does the camp offer? Some camps will provide sheets, mattress, and additional blankets and some even supply towels. Review your clothing catalog for more information about things the camp provides.

2. Selecting your type of luggage: Now you have the items that are needed to pack, what type of luggage you should use? Here is the list of the most common luggage types and pros and cons of each.

•    A Duffel bag: It is large and sturdy but it can get damaged if shipped.
•    Trunk: Good for camps with longer stays and is also sturdy and does not damage easily if shipped though it is bulky.
•    Suitcase: It is best for short camp stays; simple to organize clothing, as most of it have many compartments; easier for a child to carry alone as most have wheels and handles.

Things that you should not forget:

•    Adjoin a nametag to each piece of luggage.
•    Write down lock combination or have extra keys for key locks. Place them in a safe place for your child or you could give copies to your child’s counselor or camp director (some may require it).
•    Find out whether you could ship luggage directly from your residence to camp. Now many camps have assigned trucking companies to consider shipping your luggage through another shipping company.

Extras that you may forget

•    Medications: Find the camp’s events for handling daily medications or refills.
•    Forms: Most camps need a vaccination and a health screening form. Enquire when you need to send the completed forms to camp.
•    Updated contact information: If your contact information is changed since you registered your child for camp then call and update the camp director with your new contact information.

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Let’s face it – sending your kids to summer camp can cost a fortune. But here’s a secret: you can save up to 25% or more off your camp tuition if you know the right people and use the right strategies.

Sending your child to camp can be just like buying a car – you don’t want to pay full price…and you don’t need to! So let’s start with 5 things you can do right now to save money at camp:

Early Bird Discounts

Camp directors want to fill their camps as soon as possible, and they want to get paid as soon as possible, perhaps more so than in other industries because camp directors only get a few months per to make as much money as they can. So you’ve got some leverage here. Most likely, a camp will offer you discounted tuition in exchange for your early registration (and sometimes prepayment). So make sure you ask the camp director about early bird discounts because you might be pleasantly surprised how much you can save.

Camp Coupons

Everyone uses coupons at the grocery store, but did you know you can save money with coupons at camp? There’s a website in development called campcoupons.com. It probably won’t be online for another few months, so it may not benefit you this year. But it’ll be loaded with all kinds of great coupon offers and discount opportunities from camps around the country. You’ll be able to print free money-saving coupons from your favorite camp(s) absolutely free.

Meanwhile, there’s another Website called gocamps.com that, last we checked, was offering offered discounts of at least 25% from participating camps on its site. Last we checked there were discount offers from camps across the USA. So visit www.gocamps.com, click on Registration Discounts and see what you can find.

Sibling Discounts and Group Rates

You might not see a sibling discount advertised, but don’t let this stop you from asking because you can probably get one anyway. Most camps I’m aware of will generally provide a 5% discount off the second child’s tuition…but they may not volunteer this opportunity is available. So remember, ask for a sibling discount!

Group discounts may be available for an even larger savings. How much of a savings are we talking about? The amount will vary from camp to camp and the size of your group. At a minimum, your group should save at least 10% off camp tuition. Why? Because it’s a camp director’s dream-come-true to register a bunch of kids at once, rather than expending the time, money, and other resources to seek out and enroll one kid at a time. You’re making things easier on the camp, so your group should be rewarded with a nice discount.

Lock-in your tuition rate the year before

Camps generally raise their prices every year, so here’s a little known secret that can save you lots of money. You can often freeze your tuition at this year’s rates so your rates won’t go up next summer, even though everyone else will be paying full price.

Similar to the Early Bird discount program described above, some camps offer Advance Registration discounts where, for a month or two after the current summer ends, you can prepay for the following summer at this year’s prices. Even though you’re essentially prepaying for camp year in advance, you’re also freezing your tuition at the current year’s rates and the savings can be tremendous.

Tax Breaks

Did you know you might qualify for a tax deduction (credit) on your income taxes? In our experience, those who’ve qualified for this credit are parents sending their kid to day camps, not overnight camps. You will need to consult your tax advisor for the specific details because we are not qualified to give tax advice, and you should not construe this information as such. But if your child attends a day camp and your can get the camp’s federal tax id number you may qualify for a tax deduction child care credit. Here’s a link for more information from Bank Rate.com:

http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Taxes/CutYourTaxes/TakeATaxBreakForSummerCamp.aspx

So there you have it. Five tips to help you save money at summer camp. Remember, even if you don’t see any discounts offered or actively promoted by the camp, it doesn’t mean they aren’t available. Sometimes all you have to do is ask…good luck!

Copyright Eric D. Naftulin and Aloha Beach Camp Summer Camp. All rights reserved. 

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Could this be the end of summer camp as we know it?

Have traditional summer camps – where kids enjoy horseback riding, archery, nature hikes, and s’mores around the campfire – seen their final days?

Probably not. But compared to the way specialty camps are gaining popularity among today’s youth, traditional camps may be losing traction.

Theresa Torrone, a volunteer for the American Camp Association and the owner/operator of Aloha Beach Camp, a beach and surfing specialty camp in Malibu, California, “Specialty camps appeal to kids who’ve got very specific interests. Rather than participate in a wide variety of general activities, like they’d rather spend their summer focusing on just one camp activity instead.”

Torrone cited cooking camps, art camps and surfing camps as among the top three fastest growing specialty genres in the summer camp field.

“As a volunteer for the American Camp Association, I visit various types of camps each summer, and I’m intimately familiar with many others. I can tell you that the specialty camp sector is growing like gangbusters.”

Given the fact surfing camps – where kids not only to learn how to surf, but also about surfing etiquette, wave judgment and selection, ocean science and water safety – are becoming more prevalent, is Torrone concerned about the inevitable added competition for her own camp?

“No way!,” she said with a smile. “The more kids who experience camp at the beach, the better. If they come to my camp, great. But the most important thing is that they experience the ocean somewhere. I’m glad there are so many available opportunities for kids to enjoy the learn to surf experience at camp.”

Most likely, the traditional summer camp experience will last forever, principally because many parents view sending their kids to traditional camps as a virtual American pastime.

But specialty camps are gaining on them … of that there is no doubt.

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Are you planning to take a camping adventure?  If you are, have you ever been camping before? If this is yours first time taking an extended camping vacation, you may be unsure as to what you should bring along.  If that is the case, you are definitely not alone. Although a camping vacation can be fun and exciting, it can sometimes be stressful to plan.  If you would like assistance with planning your next camping vacation, you will want to continue reading on.

When it comes to camping, you will find that you need to bring multiple items with you. These items often include items that are referred to as camping supplies and then items that are referred to as camping gear. In most cases, you will find that camping gear is used to describe pieces of equipment, whereas camping supplies are often used to describe food, health and beauty products, and so forth.

When it comes to camping supplies, like clothing and food, there are many individuals who automatically know what they need to bring. On the other hand, when it comes to camping gear or camping equipment, there are many individuals who are unsure as to what they really need to bring with them.  Just a few of the many pieces of camping gear or camping equipment that you may want to bring with you on your next camping adventure are outlined below. 

One of the most common pieces of camping gear that you will need to bring with you on your next camping vacation is a tent. Depending on who you are going camping with, you may even need to bring multiple camping tents with you. If you have yet to purchase a camping tent, you will want try and make sure that you purchase a tent or tents that are strong, sturdy, dependable, and waterproof. Even if you are planning on camping in a motor home, you may want to think about bringing a tent, just in case.  Many motor home campers prefer spending at least one night in the open wilderness and you may too.

A sleeping bagis another piece of camping gear that you will want to make sure that you bring along with you. If you are camping with your family or your romantic partner, you will want to make sure that you have enough sleeping bags to go around.  Although you may assume that a light sleeping bag is good in the summertime, you may still want to think about bringing along a heavy style sleeping bag. These types of sleeping bags are good in case the weather suddenly turns cold.

In addition to brining a traditional sleeping bag with you, you may also want to think about bringing along a sleeping pad or an air mattress. If you will be camping in a traditional tent, you may find it somewhat uncomfortable. While many campsites have level ground, not all do.  If you are concerned with how you will be able to sleep on your next camping adventure, you may want to buy a sleeping pad or an air mattress along with you, just to be on the safe side.  With these items being relatively affordable, you really have nothing to lose by doing so.

The above mentioned camping gear pieces are just a few of the many camping gearpieces that you may want to think about bringing along with you on your next camping adventure.  For a full list click here.

Remember for all your travel needs visit us at myroadtotravel.com

Tags: Adventure, Bring, Camping, Gear, Next, Want

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Himalayas, as we hear the name, our mind flashes with great mountains, lush blue sky belt, panoramic scenes, tranquilizing ambiences, to put in “A Living Paradise on the Earth”. The best way to experience and explore the heaven is to camp in Himalayas. Camping in the hearts of Himalayas means a moment where there’s no hustle bustle of city life, no tension, no pollution; just surrendering our souls to the Mother Nature and unveil its hidden dimensions.

What makes Camping in Himalayas so special?

People come to camp in Himalayas for different purposes; some for a break, some for comprehending nature, and some for adventure and so on. Everyone finds here something to gain for themselves! Meditation, intrapersonal communication, adventures, exploring and much more, genre of activity may be different; but the destination is common- camp in Himalayas. Feel the eternal vicinity to the lonely rocks, spine-shivering glaciers, dense forests, unseen wildlife, mountain people and their culture and tradition; everything via camping in Himalayas.

Routes to Camp in Himalayas: Himachal, Garhwal and more……..

Himachal is the best pass to Himalayas that offers all the required and modern infrastructures for camping! In addition, you get here the best view to Himalayan range as well and no wonder is the first choice for camping! Garhwal is yet another wonderful route to Himalayas, imbeds some of the exquisite camping sites! Nainital, Munshiyari, Dharchula and many more, Uttaranchal gives you plentiful options to camp. The local authorities whether are from Himachal, Uttaranchal or any other; everyone heartily welcomes campers!

Camp in Himalayas: Few Handy Tips

Several tour packages and offers have made your camping in the Himalayas pretty simpler! Offers and tour packages like corporate camping, student summer camps and more have made easy to categorize and customize your camp needs and shapes! Even you can opt for seasonal camps like summer camps and many more! However, Himalayas is quite different from other camping sites; few below tips can help you out while camping:

Plan and Manage your camping trip; make some back up plans for any emergency. Best is to transfer your trip to a reliable tour operator!

Get the full camping kit that has all the small to big tools. Thoroughly check the quality of the kit, stress on the modern kits. Things like oxygen masks, first aid box, and communication tools must not be missed out.

Look out for the season, you will not wish to spoil your whole camp trip sitting inside your cabs or just camps.

Choose the best package that means you can enjoy to the max when you choose right kind of package, for example, office people can enjoy camping maximum if they go on corporate tours.

Camping in Himalayas is once-in-a-life-moment, and you must experience the exquisiteness of the great Himalayas. So what makes you waiting, pack your bags, stretch your nerves, Himalayas is calling you!

Peak Adventure Tours, India leading Adventure Tour Company offers all outdoor and adventure tours like trekking in Himalayas, camping tours, expedition, snow trekking, glacier, family trekking, mountain biking, jeep safari and more.

Visit PeakAdventureTour.com for exploring tour itineraries, fixed departure tour date and more.

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Outdoor camping has gained much popularity over years to have a change from your day today busy life. Some days out away from hectic schedules provide much excitement and recreation options than any other holiday plan. If you plan to have an outdoor camping this season then try finding the best of camping equipment to carry with for the utmost comfortable camping experience.

Outdoor camping equipment accessories come in the shape of camping tents,
camping stoves, camping clothing, hiking boots, utensils, chairs, tables etc. Since the camping places chosen are varied so are the camping accessories that are required for particular needs. Some people like to camp in the plains, some in the mountain areas, some in fields and some in woods. This means that the camping equipment required will depend on the location you have chosen to camp in.

To enjoy the fun and excitement completely, it’s important to carry camping stuff that you will require during your camp stay. There are some hikers and campers who love to camp and discover the most extreme parts of the world. Thus the camping requirements differ from person to person.

So before starting for any camping outdoor buy the things that you will require. To find the best camping equipment its better to find a cheap camping equipment dealer and order the stuff you want to carry along. The light weight tents, portable camping stoves, handy weightless chairs, disposable utensils, sleeping bags, hiking boots, light fabric weightless clothes and other camping accessories can be bought online at t he most discount rates. It is good to carry camping equipment that is too light to so as to give you much freedom while trekking and hiking.

Many types of camping equipment are not cheap to buy and can be afforded only when you have a large budget. Thus you should make a list of items that you cannot do without while camping. Depending upon how often you go for camping, renting camping equipment is a good option. Otherwise if you are a camping freak then having a stock of your own camping gear is worth. Have a great camping experience this season by keeping all your camping requirements toned up.

Tags: Camping, Equipments, Outdoor