Years ago, a favored outdoor instructor once said to Michael Hayes, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, just inadequate preparation.” And in the world of outdoor survival, those are words to live by, literally. The Boy Scouts of America, the quintessential camping experts would agree — “Be Prepared” is their motto.

Fast forward a number of years, and Hayes is the product line manager of the sporting equipment division at L.L. Bean. His job responsibilities include identifying “the needs, gaps, new production and functionality of camping” and other equipment essential for outdoor fun and safety. And Pete Myers, a lifelong scout who earned the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest rank attainable, is a scout master with the Pine Tree Council, Boy Scouts of America.

For some, the idea of a camping trip is hitching the RV to the back of the truck and heading to a campground with swimming pools and entertainment, while for others it’s strapping on a backpack full of gear and heading up the trail with nothing but a sturdy pair of boots and a trekking pole between you and the terrain. As enjoyable as both of those activities can be, the true family-friendly adventure lies somewhere in the middle.

“Car camping,” is a comfortable and safe way to enjoy the great Maine outdoors with the family and other groups and, said Hayes, “You are out there to enjoy being out there, and the more comfortable you are, the more fun it’s going to be!”

The L.L. Bean website has a handy family camping checklist which lists all of the essentials “to ensure a fun, safe and comfortable experience.” Aside from an appropriately sized tent, which Hayes recommends that you set up in advance to make sure that you have all of the poles, stakes and the fly, and a good stove, which he suggests you light before you leave to make sure it’s in good working order, Hayes recommends that you “invest in a decent, comfortable camp chair, so that you don’t have to sit on a log or a rock while you make your s’mores.”

Aside from testing your equipment and purchasing the graham crackers, chocolate bars and marshmallows for the “Perfect S’more,” Hayes also makes the following recommendations:

• Research the area that you will be visiting;

• Check the weather in advance and keep a close eye on it during your trip;

• Tell someone (other that those who are going with you) where you are going and when you will be back;

• Purchase block ice for your cooler as it keeps a lot longer than crushed ice or cubes. Freeze water in a clean plastic milk jug because as it thaws your food stays dry and you can use it for drinking water once it’s melted;

• “Pre prep” as many meals as possible. For example, prepare chicken or steak by cleaning or trimming it in advance and freezing it in a plastic bag along with the marinade so that when it thaws you have an instant meal that’s ready for the grill over the open campfire; and,

• Dress properly for both weather and terrain.

When it comes to meals, Hayes also suggests it’s a great activity when you make it fun and include children in the process.

Given the nature of weather and both the certainty of daily darkness and likelihood of occasional rain, it’s important to include adequate lighting and games in your bag of camping gear. Local outfitters have a host of gadgets to light up the nights at your site such as headlamps, lanterns and solar-powered or wind-up flashlights. Make sure that you have enough for everyone, plus a few extras and batteries for when one gets left on all night or dropped in the outhouse hole.

One of the biggest campsite challenges is what do you do when it’s raining? According to Angela Neubauer, one of Myers’ star volunteers, “When it rains, we play games, whether we are camping as a family or with scouts, everyone is always up for a card game or 20 questions.”

Bring a small chess board and Mancala with its shiny stones. Make up your own rules and have fun. Be sure to pack a rain fly or a shelter that you can easily slide over the picnic table, and set it up before there is any hint of rain to guarantee a smooth transition from fair weather to rainy day fun.

Camping is a tough activity for neat freaks, but there are ways to overcome the messiness of outdoor life. Pick up a solar shower, and some biodegradable soap for bathing. According to www.drbronner.com, Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soap can be used for just about everything, from washing your dishes to shampooing your hair and brushing your teeth (although I don’t recommend the latter).

From my own experience, the most distressing activity for the germophobic camper is using the outhouse. I recommend leaving a package of baby wipes handy at the campsite, or even in the outhouse if one is designated for your site, for easy post-business wash-ups.

When it comes to safety, Myers recommends that you always have a first-aid kit with you and fill it with things to clean and dress cuts and abrasions, anti-inflammatory medications as well as other medications that someone in your group may require.

According to Myers, “The best resource for safety … is our Scout handbook. He said,  “One must always be diligent regarding safety for everyone as nothing will spoil a great camping trip faster than a trip to the emergency room.”

Neubauer said, “I think what makes a successful camping trip is not where you go or even so much who you go with but the memories that you make. Rolling with whatever comes up — i.e. a hole in the tent or you forgot the syrup for the pancakes — that is what we always remember.”

So, what are you waiting for? Plan, prepare and enjoy a camping trip in Maine this summer!   

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