Before heading out to go camping, there are a few things to remember:

1. Leave everything where you find it. All vertebrates are protected by state laws and all parks have bylaws to protect all parts of nature including rocks, shells, cones, etc. Leave things for others to enjoy!
2. Turn rocks, logs and leaves back over and fill in holes when you are done. 
3. Let the animals find their own food. When we feed animals, we get them accustomed to our presence and they lose the fear of humans. This becomes dangerous for both humans and the animal.
4. Leave the area as you found it or better. Carry out your garbage and stay on the trails.

Camping Checklist

• First aid kit
• Tent Sleeping bag
• Large water jug
• Thermos Cooler
• Matches
• Flashlight
• Insect repellent
• Communication device
• Knife
• Food and drinks
• Sun screen
• Lantern
• Rain gear
• Compass
• Binoculars

Fun things to do while camping

 Who was here? Different animals leave different signs when they travel through an area. Locate as many signs as possible and see if you can figure out what animal left you a sign that they were there. An animal sign can be feathers, fur, droppings, tracks, sounds, calls or you might have an actual sighting!

Go down a nature trail. State parks and other camping facilities have trails that you can walk down. Don’t forget to look for animal signs and see their habitat!

Use a compass. Pick up four stones or twigs to use as markers. Put them in your pocket.

1. Place a marker where you are standing.
2. Turn the dial on the compass so that N (north) lines up with the direction arrow. 
3. Hold the compass level in the palm of your hand, chest high, with the direction arrow facing away from your body.
4. Turn your whole body, including your feet, until the red magnetic needle lines up with the orienting arrow on the dial. 
5. Look up. Choose a landmark, like a rock, tree or sign which is exactly ahead of you in the distance. Take six steps toward that spot without looking at the compass. Stop. Place a marker here.
6. Turn the dial on the compass so that W (west) lines up with the direction arrow. Repeat steps 3, 4, and 5.
7. Turn the dial on the compass so that S (south) lines up with the direction arrow. Repeat steps 3, 4, and 5.
8. Turn the dial on the compass so that E (east) lines up with the direction arrow. Repeat steps 3, 4, and 5.

Did you return to your first marker? Go back and walk to each marker. What shape did you make? You should have made a square.