Local Libraries and Summer Reading Programs (Homeschooling)

       One of our favorite summer time homeschool activities is to join summer reading programs. The best place to do this is at your local library!
One of the advantages of visiting different towns, is that we get to visit different libraries.

       To be honest with you, lately, we have been using the library as a fun way to escape the heat. When it is over 100 degrees, it is best to ditch the campground during the hottest hours, and enjoy some free A/C! What better place to do this, than the library? When we hang out at the library, we like to read books about the area. We learn the history of the town and learn about the local wildlife. Ask the librarian to point you in the right direction, and for recommendations. Many times the librarian will give you interesting tidbits of information about the local area, and even suggest some fun things to do while you are in town!

       We also take time for the kids to play and to free read. Most libraries have a "kids area" filled with educational toys, building supplies, games, etc. Some libraries have just a basic children's play corner, while others have a huge play area with things to keep the kids busy for hours. If your kids are anything like my kids, there is just not enough time to complete everything they wanted to explore at the library!  

       Most libraries have a summer reading program. We keep a summer reading log for each of the Nomad Kids. This comes in handy when we visit a new library. We check off the books that the kids were already rewarded for, and add their latest read books to the program of the library (or library group) we are visiting. This encourages the kids to read more, and the rewards (usually a new book to keep) are great motivation!

Click HERE for a free Summer Reading Log printable

      We would love to hear from you! Do you visit libraries while you are out of town? Please leave a comment and share your favorite library activities and your favorite ways to beat the summer heat!

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25 Things You Didn't Know You Need to Bring Camping (Camping Tip)

       Whether you are a first time camper, or a seasoned outdoor dweller, you have inevitably sat down and made "the list." You know the one... The list of everything you need to bring camping.

• Tent
• Sleeping bags
• Ice chest
• Folding chairs
• Paper plates
• toothbrush
• ... you get the idea...

This list is full of all of the obvious camping necessities. 

Well, forget that list. That list is boring. That list is obvious. I mean, of course you will remember to bring the tent, and your toothbrush, and the ice chest, etc. That list is full of no-brainers.

What you need is the good checklist. 

The secret checklist.

Let's start over, shall we?

       Whether you are a first time camper, or a seasoned outdoor dweller, you have inevitably sat down and made "the list", but find out later... like, say... when you are already camping, that you really could have used a few extra things. 

We have compiled a checklist of many of those more commonly forgotten items. 

You can find a printable version HERE.

25 Things You Didn't Know You Need to Bring Camping

1. Baby Wipes- These are great for quick cleanups. (Those of you who have kids, already know this.) Use them to: wash up after eating bbq; wipe off little toes before getting into the tent; wash off your makeup, so that you don't have to make (yet another) trek to the restrooms, wipe the dirt off of the sippy cup, or whatever else your toddler dropped, and is presently screaming about because now it is ruined forever and the world is going to end; you get the idea.
2. Gallon Sized Zipper Bags- You know, the food storage bags. You need these. Use them to: store leftover bbq and other leftover food; store the gutted/filleted fish you caught; store the small bottle of dish soap in, so that it doesn't spill out on everything else; store your shampoo and conditioner (for the same reason); give one to each person to store their own toothbrush, deodorant, razor, etc.; store small wet clothing items until they can be washed; store the plastic forks/knives/spoons because the little packages they come in always spill; store your dry cereal so that you don't have to take up more room with the boxes; etc.
3. Old Newspaper- Trust me. It is much easier to get the fire started if you have some bunched up newspaper under and around the logs. Really. It is. It is also needed if you choose to use charcoal, and have one of those cool chimney starters. 
4. Aluminum Foil- We all know the various uses for foil. Just don't forget to take a roll. 
5. Paracord or other rope- You never know when you are going to need rope. You can use this for a clothes line, a rope swing, to hang lanterns, or just to tie things down. Always good to have a bit of rope.
6. Quarters- Some campgrounds have vending machines, some have quarter pay-showers, some have laundry facilities. 
7. Extra lighters- because, who doesn't always lose the lighter?
8. Extra batteries- Batteries like to die at very inconvenient times. It is just what they do. 
9. Garbage bags- Self explanatory. Cleanup is way easier when you have a garbage bag at your campsite. They can also be used to store your dirty laundry.
10. Huge construction garbage bags- You should always try to have a few of these around. They are great to quickly throw your belongings in if a freak rainstorm comes and catches you off guard. They are also good to throw those few extra things in that you have no idea how you packed and made fit on your trip there. 
11. Ear plugs- Seriously, nature can be loud. Sadly, inconsiderate campers can be even louder.
12. Sleep mask- The sun rises pretty early outdoors, and most tents are not much match for it.
13. Hat/Beanie- It gets cold at night and in the wee hours of the morning. A nice beanie can keep you cozy while you sleep.
14. Rake- Huh? a rake? Really? Yes! Especially if you are tent camping. Raking the area where you will put your tent is a must, if you want to avoid sleeping on twigs and rocks. It is also nice to be able to rake around your picnic table and fire pit to keep the area free of debris that you will probably trip on in the dark. 
15. Hatchet- This is good for double-duty. You can use the flat side to help drive the tent stakes into firm ground. Use the hatchet side to split your firewood.
16. Bandannas- Bandannas can be used for a lot of different things: cleanup; washcloth; sling; "pirate" hat (when wet, really cools you off!); headband/scarf; etc.
17. Carabiner Clips- Carabiner clips are handy for hanging things like lanterns or clotheslines or hammocks, etc. They are also great for clipping the tent zippers closed.
18. Picnic tablecloth- This seems like a no-brainer, but you'd be surprised how many people forget to pack a tablecloth. Tip: buy a few of the cheap plastic ones from the dollar store. This is helpful if one rips, gets very dirty, or flies away. Oh, and, make sure you buy the right size.
19. Baby Powder- Yes. That's right. Baby powder. This is good for easily removing dirt and wet sand from your feet.
20. Bucket- A good 5 gallon bucket (or three) can be your best friend when camping. There are a ton of uses. Use one: to wash your dishes in; to carry smaller items; to hold water; as an emergency potty; to hold the fish you catch; and many other uses that may come up unexpectedly.
21. Tote box with lid- This is good if you are camping where there are critters. You can use one to store food, and another to store your shoes when you go to bed. Waking up to your breakfast strewn around your campsite by militant squirrels is not any more fun than sticking your foot into your shoe, only to find that someone else is already in there!
22. First aid kit- This may be on your regular ol' camping list, but lots of people forget them. Be sure to include some hydrogen peroxide, "upset tummy medicine", aloe (for sunburns), and a bite and sting kit with activated charcoal (see my story here).
23. A large pot- a large pot can be used for boiling water, or it can do double duty as a large mixing or salad bowl. 
24. Tarp- Or a couple. I like to use one under the tent, and another as a "front porch".
25. Gallon Jug(s) of water- It is always good to have fresh drinking water on hand, but did you know that the jugs can do double duty? If the campground doesn't have showers, or if the showers wind up not working (yes, it happens), you may have to improvise. Filling the jugs with warm water and dumping them over your head doesn't seem like the most desirable way to get clean, but when left with no other alternative, it is quite a welcoming option.

       There you have it! 

Did I miss anything? I would love for you to leave a comment, telling us what your favorite not-so-obvious camping supplies are.

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Easy Minty S'mores (Camping Food)

       When we think of camping food, one of the first things that comes to mind is s'mores! Am I right?
I mean, who doesn't love a nice burnt toasty, creamy marshmallow sandwiched with chocolate, between two graham crackers? They are awesome and, well.... we always want s'more!

       These Minty S'mores are a super easy and absolutely delicious twist on the traditional s'more. All you need are two simple ingredients, a stick of some sort, and a campfire! How much easier can you get?

       Let's get started.
       First, we need marshmallows. Yeah, that's kind of a given. I just grab a bag of whichever marshmallows the store has. I can usually find a bag for about a dollar.
       For our second ingredient, we need chocolate covered mint cookies. These can be the famous Girl Scout Thin Mints, Keebler Grasshopper, or whatever generic chocolate covered mint cookies you can find.

       Next, we need a roasting stick. There are many commercial marshmallow roaster sticks out there. Alternatively, you can go "old school" and grab a stick and a pocket knife. Strip off the end bark and make a point, and there you go. Personally, I like to go the easy route. I can buy a whole bag of bamboo skewers for about a dollar or two. I use those to roast the marshmallows, then simply throw the used skewer into the fire when finished. After all, we are talking easy, right?

       Finally, we need a campfire. This one is pretty self-explanatory. Of course, you don't have to wait until you are camping and have a campfire. You can "test out" this recipe over a BBQ or the flame of a gas stove right at home.

       Now let's get down to business!
         Skewer your marshmallow and roast it over the flames until you get your desired doneness. Let's take a second to discuss "desired doneness", shall we? I would love for you to weigh in on this topic, as the age old debate continues. Do you allow your marshmallow to catch fire and burn on the outside, or do you slowly roast it away from the flames, to a golden brown? Personally, I think that there are more people in the "burnt marshmallow" camp, than there are in the "toasty marshmallow" camp. I will leave the final decision up to you, so please be sure to comment.

       Now, where were we? Ok, toast or burn your marshmallow to your desired doneness, then simply sandwich it between 2 cookies. That's it. Easy.
Now, enjoy!

Easy Minty S'mores

Ingredients:

Marshmallows

Chocolate Covered Mint Cookies

Marshmallow Roaster Stick or Skewers

Campfire

Directions:

1. Skewer your marshmallow and roast it to desired doneness over the campfire.
2. Sandwich the roasted marshmallow between two chocolate mint cookies.
3. Eat and enjoy!

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