Camping at Home

Consumer expert Lorrie Kole recommends a trail camping trip in the backyard for inexperienced would-be campers.

• The backyard is the best place to teach children about camping outdoors. Children may not enjoy "roughing it" at first, so the home is right there to alleviate any anxiety or inconveniences.
• Making an outdoor shower in the backyard is another good way to practice outdoor etiquette. All that is needed are a hula hoop, shower curtain rings, a shower curtain with liner and a kiddie pool. String the hula hoop over a tree branch and once the rings and curtain are attached, hang at the desired height. Fill a black, plastic garbage bag with enough water for a shower, cut one corner of the bag and secure with a rubber band. This will also hang from the tree in the shower. Remove the rubber band to wet down and replace it before soaping up. Remove again to rinse.
• Clothes hangers make great paper-towel and toilet-paper holders.
• An old sock can be used as a soap holder. Wet down the sock with the soap inside to have soap and a washcloth all-in-one. Tie rope around the top of the sock and string it beside the outdoor shower.
• If the children end up getting sticky or dirty during their outdoor excursion, keep a gallon jug of water around with liquid soap mixed in for a one-pour cleanup station.