Hints for Christmas Campers

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 22 December 1938, Page 8

Hints for Christmas Campers

Thoughts of (he holidays are uppermost in everyone’s mind, and the question arises, “What sort of holiday shall we have this year?” To many the call of a camp is irresistible, and no holiday is more delightful, as it provides rest for the nerves, freedom from worry, unrestricted liberty, and an entire change of routine which is beneficial to both mind and body.

To the seasoned camper the erecting of tents, the building of fireplaces, the cooking of food in the open—often in pouring rain—the rendering of first aid when one of the party meets with a slight accident, are all things to be taken in his stride and performed with cheerfulness and goodwill. But to the uninitiated there are many pitfalls which this article from the Sydney “Herald” may help him to guard against.

In no circumstances should a camp be pitched or a picnic be held under large trees, as old branches are liable to break off without a moment’s warning. However, the advantage of having trees not far away, in order to obtain fuel ,is too obvious to be ignored. It is essential to bo near a plentiful supply of clean, pure water. SETTING UP TENTS Do not set up the Lents in a hollow, or near the edge of a creek or river where there is the possibility of an overflow in wet weather. Slightly sloping ground is better, as rain will drain away from -t. Avoid clayey soil—sandy soil in an elevated position is better. Find out which wind is most severe in the district, and avoid placing the tent opening toward it. Lay tlie tents on the ground, keeping flaps on top, put poles out from tents at right-angles, drive in pegs as ends of poles. Use wooden pegs one and a quarter inches thick on sandy soil, iron pegs for solid ground. Drive in pegs at angles at ends of poles and put a rope at each peg. If the wind is coming from the south, put up corner pegs first so that the wind does not drive in under the tent. Dig a shallow trench about six inches to a foot wide and six inches deep right round the bottom of the tent, with a channel to lead the water away from the tent. Slacken off the guy ropes of tent at nightfall and leave them so till morning, also during rain, as dampness contracts the rope, and failure to observe this precaution may have disastrous results—the tent may cave in.

If a fireplace has to be built, keep it well away from trees and undergrowth, and clear away all dead leaves in the vicinity. A gust of wind can fan a spark and carry it quite a distance, so make sure that the fire is put right out after every cooking period. To make the fireplace dig a trench in line with prevailing wind 3ft long and 9in wide. Make windward end wider and deeper, sloping trench upward a little to the far end. Aim to get a good draught. Then lay two strips of iron across to hold saucepans and billies.

THE GARBAGE TIN Near the fire make a pit a foot square and 13 inches deep. Cover the bottom illicitly with ashes. On top of the ashes flare a loose layer of pebbles. Half-way down, place a lattice-work of sticks, and on top of the hoie place a lattice lid with green leaves entwined. This is the garbage tin. The pebbles and ashes permit

the water to drain away from all vegetable refuse. The refuse should be burned. Keep an old box to hold empty tins, etc. All tina and other articles which cannot burn snould be buried. Before burying tins hammer them flat, and they will take up less room. Jf stretchers are carried, sleeping should present no difficulty, but if there ar-j only ground sheets and blankets, or sleeping bags, dig a trench about 18 inches wide and as long as necessary and fij it with straw or leaves. This will prevent many sore bones. One bucket or large billy should be kept filled with pure water for drinking pur. poses, and this should be covered. The drinking water should be boiled for 10 minutes and allowed to cool. It is an added attraction if the camp is near bathing water. Make a note of the addresses of the nearest chemist and doctor. They may be needed. If letters have to be sent while on holiday, make arrangements accordingly. THE FOOD PROBLEM Food should be plain, wholesome, and well cooked, with as much variety as possible. The following list may serve as a‘guide (approximate) for the amount of food required per head daily : Meat (fresh), ilb ; butter, 2oz ; potatoes, three or four; bread, three-quarters ot a loaf; tea, £oz; cocoa or coffee, twothirds of an ounce; fresh milk, one-third oi' a pint (a few tins of condensed in case of emergency); sugar, £lb per week ; jam, lib per week. Fruit, vegetables, and all extras can be left to the discretion of the cook.

i tie following is a list of equipment required. Tents, with full complement of poles, pegs, mallets, and ground sheets, perfectly sound. Straw for beds if necessary. Bucket for water. Washing bowl, lantern, candlestick, torches spade, axe, screwdriver, rope, and string. ■ Requirements for kitchen are saucepans or billies, portable stove, kettle, frying pan, gridiron, ladle, carving knife and fork, large spoons, tin-opener, tea-towels, containers for sugar, tea, and coffee, tins for break, cake, etc., box or cooler for butter, milk-can, and meat safe, teapot (enamelled), soda, soap, mops, dripping, salt and pepper. The lirst-aid outfit should bold the necessary articles for treatment of burns, cuts, insect stings, etc., also scissors, safe-ty-pins, court plaster, and bandages. A few simple remedies for headache, indigestion, etc., should be included. Sleeping kit consists of sleeping bags or blankets and pillow, with additional kit to suit individual requirements.

Clothes that will allow free ploy to the muscles should be the rule.

Each person should provide two enamelled plates, cup and saucer, knife, fork, and spoon, and necessary toilet requirements.

A camp table is a necessity, and, if tiansport allows, folding camp beds and camp stools or chairs will materially add to the comfort. A camera is not a luxury, the pictures taken will keep alive for many a day the memories of the holiday.