CAMPING 101 Your ultimate guide

Transcription

1 By Monkey Tree Holiday Park CAMPING 101 Your ultimate guide TO CAMPING IN CORNWALL EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TO HAVE THE PERFECT HOLIDAY

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION ESSENTIAL INGREDIENTS FOR THE PERFECT CAMPING HOLIDAY 3. THE 6 HABITS OF EXPERIENCED CAMPERS 4. 6 SMART TIPS FOR CAMPING CUISINE 5. 5 CAMPING RECIPES TO TRY 6. 6 RULES FOR A GOOD NIGHT S SLEEP 7. FINAL TIPS

3 INTRODUCTION Why camping is the new package holiday Camping holidays are on the increase as growing numbers of Brits shun expensive package holidays abroad for the simpler pleasures of camping in the Great British countryside. The outdoors has a positive impact on us for many reasons it helps us reconnect with nature, it gives us time with family and friends, and it offers plenty of opportunities to share new experiences. Choice: Whether you re looking for an action-packed activity break, a peaceful weekend or a family holiday with swimming pool and entertainment, there are plenty of campsites to choose from Cost: Not only are camping holidays fun, they also offer an affordable option for families looking for a break away together Last minute: It s the weekend, the weather forecast is scorchio and your weekend schedule is clear it takes just an hour or so to gather up all the essentials for a last minute family camping holiday Quality time: If your busy life is getting in the way of spending time with loved ones, a camping break as a family is an ideal solution New experiences: Many camp sites offer additional activities for guests, from fishing and surfing to canoeing and bird-watching Health: Fresh air can significantly lighten your mood, strengthen the immune system and give you more energy, making it one of the best ways to boost your health

4 CHAPTER ONE 40 ESSENTIAL INGREDIENTS FOR THE PERFECT CAMPING HOLIDAY

5 THE ESSENTIALS Your camping checklist The bare essentials 1. Tent 2. Plastic mallet 3. Tent pegs (steel ones so they don t bend) 4. Air bed or sleeping mat 5. Pump to blow up the air bed 6. Sleeping bags 7. Plastic bags Meal times 8. Food 9. Drink 10. Salt & pepper 11. Ketchup 12. Stove for cooking 13. Tableware 14. Cutlery 15. Cool box or cool bag 16. Chairs 17. Table Download a printable checklist online

6 Fun & games 18. Favourite books 19. A pack of cards 20. Activity books for children 21. Favourite games to play 22. Sun-cream 23. Sun-hat 24. Waterproofs What to wear 25. Wellies or crocs for late night toilet trips 26. Clothes 27. Shoes 28. Spare socks 29. Bag for dirty washing Outdoors 30. Wet wipes 31. Pocket knife 32. Torch 33. Light for night time 34. Washbag 35. Towels 36. Flannel 37. First aid kit 38. Toilet roll & paper towel 39. Insect repellant 40. Wind-break Download a printable checklist online

7 Family camping essentials: Don t worry if you forget any of your camping essentials. Many holiday parks have well-stocked on-site shops which offer all the basics as well as some little luxuries The assistants in the shop at Monkey Tree were very helpful and had everything you would need for a campsite as well as swimming toys and games, all reasonably priced - we found it very useful. Overall we had a wonderful time and would 100% visit the Monkey Tree again. - Laura H, TripAdvisor, Monkey Tree guest

8 CHAPTER TWO THE 6 HABITS OF EXPERIENCED CAMPERS

9 GET IT RIGHT.first time My first camping experience was interesting I lost a wellington boot in a muddy field, our tent was soaked inside from the condensation, and we bent four tent pegs getting everything set -up., while our experienced neighbours looked on with interest. It took some convincing to give it another go, but when we did we put a bit of planning into it, and had a fabulous family holiday. Here are some insider tips to help you avoid making the same mistakes I did with your first camping trip. 1. Travel light: the temptation is to bring everything you own, just in case, but you ll find it much easier if you plan ahead and bring only what you need 2. Don t forget your tarp: a camping tarp is perfect for providing additional shelter outside your tent, for reading, eating, playing games or just relaxing (if it rains, it can also be used to provide extra water-proofing over your tent) 3. Plan your packing: When you arrive on your campsite it may be late afternoon pack what you will need on arrival (mallet, tent pegs, sleep mats, air-beds, pumps, etc.) last of all so it s easily accessible 4. Bring paper towel: Its uses are never-ending wiping condensation from inside the tent, clearing up spills at meal times and removing sand or grass brought in from outside 5. Pitch it right: When pitching your tent, put the back end into the wind so the breeze goes up and over the canvas 6. Table manners: A small table can offer so much when you re camping. It s somewhere to rest your pint, glass of wine or cup of tea and is ideal for dishing up meals

10 CAMPING HACKS Simple, clever, effective The internet is awash with genius tricks that will make your camping experience ten times better. Here are just some of them. Make single-use soap shavings using a bar of soap and a vegetable peeler Add bundles of sage to a campfire to keep mosquitoes away Source:

11 Camping adventures: A little planning can go a long way when camping, making sure you have the perfect holiday Forget that you have a dishwasher/telly/hot water on tap etc at home and open your senses to everything around you. I'll never forget watching the dust circles a bee caused hovering above the ground... simply wonderful. - Via Cotswold Outdoor

12 CHAPTER THREE 6 SMART TIPS FOR CAMPING CUISINE

13 GET COOKING Eat well this camping holiday Barbecues are the staple of many camping holidays, with sausages, burgers and kebabs a firm favourite with many camp site guests. But there are also some delicious recipes to try using a camping stove we share some top tips to get the most out of your meal times while camping, before sharing five tasty recipes to try on your next trip. 1. Involve the children: Ask the children what they would like to eat while you re camping encourage them to think about the possibilities of cooking on a barbecue or a camping stove 2. Light my fire: A two-burner camping stove is ideal if you have one, or you could use a single burner 3. Pots & pans: Lightweight, durable, easy to clean pots, pans and plates are all good to have on hand 4. Take a seat: Sitting on the ground gets old, quickly portable, folding camping chairs are ideal for comfort, eating & relaxing 5. Leave no trace: When you r camping adventure is over, there should be no evidence that you were ever there. Clear away any rubbish before you leave, preserving the natural environment 6. Health & safety: Never operate a stove near a tent, never light a barbecue in or near a tent, don t leave children unsupervised near a BBQ and always let your stove or barbecue cool down completely before packing it away

14 CHAPTER FOUR CAMPING CUISINE Five camping recipes to try Scrambled eggs Good food and good company is a great combination for camping success, and with a little planning and some simple ingredients, you can cook up a storm. Breakfast: Freshly laid eggs, collected from the on-site chickens are perfect scrambled in a frying pan, served with crispy bacon and a steaming mug of tea. What you will need (for two servings): Mug Fork Small pan Silicone spatula 3 x eggs Milk Butter Salt & pepper 1. Melt a knob of button in the pan on the stove 2. Break your three eggs into the cup 3. Add a splash of milk, salt & pepper 4. Stir with the fork until creamy 5. Pour into your warmed pan 6. Stir continuously until the required consistency 7. Serve with crispy bacon Image credit: Anokarina, Flickr

15 Sausage & tomato pasta Lunch: Sausage & tomato pasta What you will need (for four servings): 6 sausages 500g uncooked pasta 1 tbsp olive oil 1 onion, chopped 1 tin chopped tomatoes 1. Cook the sausages on the barbecue 2. Bring a pan of water to the boil and add the pasta 3. Simmer for 10 mins or until cooked 4. Heat the oil in a large pan on the stove 5. Add the onion, gently fry for 5 mins until softened 6. Add the chopped tomatoes 7. Add the cooked pasta 8. Slice the cooked sausages and add to the pan 9. Cover, then simmer for 5 mins to heat through 10. Serve with salad Image credit: Anokarina, Flickr

16 One pot chicken Dinner: One-pot meal. What you will need (for four servings): 1 tbsp olive oil 1 onion, chopped 500g boneless, skinless chicken thighs 300g small new potatoes 425ml low-salt vegetable stock 350g broccoli, cut into small florets 350g spring greens, shredded 140g petits pois Bunch spring onion, sliced 2 tbsp pesto 1. Heat the oil in a large pan 2. Add the onion, gently fry for 5 mins until softened Image credit: BBC Food 3. Add the chicken, then fry until lightly coloured 4. Add the potatoes, stock and plenty of freshly ground black pepper 5. Bring to the boil 6. Cover, then simmer for 30 mins until the potatoes are tender and the chicken is cooked 7. Add the broccoli, spring greens, petit pois and spring onions & stir well 8. Return to the boil, cover and cook for 5 mins more, stir in the pesto and heat through 9. Serve with chunks of fresh bread and butter

17 Sweet treats Sweet treats: Marshmallow & strawberry kebabs What you will need (for four servings): 20 marshmallows 16 strawberries Four skewers 1. Thread four skewers with five marshmallows and four strawberries 2. Turn slowly over a low heat on the stove or barbecue until the marshmallows are toasted 3. Take care! The marshmallows can get very hot so wait a few moments before tucking in 4. Eat straight off the skewer Image credit: Rev Stan, Flickr Sweet treats: Chocolate bananas Image credit: Torbakhopper, Flickr What you will need (per person): 1 banana 7 chocolate buttons Tin foil 1. Peel the banana on one side 2. Chop segments in the banana 3. Remove every second one and replace with a chocolate button 4. Wrap in foil and lay on the barbecue or stove for a few minutes 5. Serve out of the foil Recipe credit: Netmums

18 Camping cuisine: You can t beat the smell of barbecue food sizzling away in the evening sunshine but if you don t fancy cooking yourself, most camp-sites offer on-site facilities, takeaways and restaurants. The best kept secret is the restaurant on site - WOW - absolutely superb. - Jilly McQ, TripAdvisor, Monkey Tree guest

19 CHAPTER FIVE 6 RULES FOR A GOOD NIGHT S SLEEP

20 SLEEP TIGHT Getting plenty of zzz. Don t let a bad night s sleep turn your camping holiday into a nightmare. Follow these simple rules to ensure you get your 8 hours and wake refreshed and ready for a new day. 1. Sleeping mat: Use a full length sleeping mat to prevent losing heat through the ground 2. Wear a hat: Up to 40% of your body heat can be lost through your head, so a hat can make all the different if it s very cold 3. Take a walk: Before getting into your sleeping bag, take a short walk if it s particularly cold. You don t need to break a sweat, just get the blood flowing and warm up your body 4. Keep the noise down: Some campers love listening to the sounds of nature at night, but if you re a light sleeper, it would be worth investing in some earplugs 5. Wear yourself out: We always sleep better after a full day of walking, surfing, swimming and playing so make the most of your days and your nights will pass peacefully 6. Hot chocolate: A warm milky drink is the perfect end to a busy day, and tastes even better if warmed on an open stove and sipped under the stars

21 Starry starry night: A night under canvas is the perfect end to an action-packed day There were rabbits and also a couple of resident ducks which visited everyday for a bit of bread, and the fishing pond was teaming with fish. We got the feeling that we were really surrounded by nature.. - Chremma, TripAdvisor, Monkey Tree guest

22 FINAL TIP The adventure awaits A camping holiday is one of the best family holidays you can have, with hundreds of opportunities to share adventure, from setting up camp together to gathering around the stove and toasting marshmallows. Just take some simple steps to prepare, pack what you need, plan ahead, and your camping holiday will be packed with memories and experiences you ll remember forever. Happy camping!

23 CAMPING AT MONKEY TREE HOLIDAY PARK Monkey Tree Holiday Park is an award-winning holiday park near Perranporth in Cornwall, just 15 minutes from Newquay. As well as hundreds of pitches, from standard non-electric to those with electricity and water, many with mature hedges and landscaping, guests also have the option to stay in fully equipped holiday homes. Register today by clicking the target below to receive the latest deals and special offers from Monkey Tree Holiday Park straight to your inbox. SIGN UP