Summer Family Fun - June 2020

Summer Family Fun JUNE 2020

A supplement of the Daily Journal

PAGE S2 SUMMER FAMILY FUN 2020 

Tuesday, June 23, 2020

Eating, Entertainment during a Road Trip

By Cindy Richards

Editor, TravelingMom.com

Hunger and boredom are the enemies of family road trip happiness. Focus on food and fun to make sure the hours in the car are building happy family memories.

For travel snacks, choose healthy foods that are less messy. For example, opt for tiny sweet, easy-to-peel-and-eat Clementine oranges rather than the big, juicy hard-to-peel navel oranges. Or freeze sweet seedless grapes. They will help keep the cooler cool and taste like little popsicles to kids.

Bananas are another good, less messy choice. But be sure to toss the peels at the next stop. Learn from my mistake: After a two-hour hike through the South Dakota Badlands in August, you won’t want to get back in a car filled with the smell of banana peels that have been rotting in the hot sun.

For more substantial hunger, pack a bag with bread, jam, peanut butter and utensils for making sandwiches at a rest stop. Fill Ziploc bags with homemade trail mix made of Cheerios, raisins, and (a few) M&Ms. For quenching thirst, stick with water. Kids might prefer juice or milk, but water is good for them and less hazardous to your car seats. Stay green (and save money) by refilling bottles at rest stop water fountains.

Entertain with Ease

With built-in DVDs and personal head phones, it’s tempting to let the TV babysit the kids. But this is not the best way to make family memories. Try books on tape rented from your local library instead.

Plug the CD, cassette or your iPod into the car stereo and listen together. Even tweens and teens can be enticed to take out their ear buds and join the fun if everyone else is laughing to the antics of the “Sideways School” stories or debating a plot point in a Harry Potter book.

Get kids involved in road trip route planning — and teach your tech-obsessed teens

how to navigate without GPS — by encouraging them to follow along on a paper map.

Buy laminated maps for younger kids who tend to have sticky fingers.

The toughest part of a road trip for kids, especially for kids young enough to need a car seat, is the forced stillness. Stopping every two hours to let kids (and adults) stretch and move is important. But you can get everyone moving during those two-hour stretches of driving as well.

Try a rousing game of head, shoulders, knees and toes. As the song name implies, you first touch your head, then shoulders, then knees, then toes. To make it more fun, speed up the pace. Or give each person a turn singing the song — in any order they choose. For examples, try toes, stomach, nose and head.

Making the Most of a Bathroom Stop

By Jennifer Close Western TravelingMom

If you have been on a road trip with kids, you have had that moment, the one where your little one says he has to go to the bathroom. Immediately, you look around only to remember that you passed a rest stop a few miles back so there won’t be another coming up soon enough.

You get off at the next exit and frantically look for the gas station most likely to have a clean restroom. Conversely, you look for the closest fast food restaurant knowing it is likely to have somewhat cleaner bathrooms, thanks to periodic inspections from the health department. Then you end up buying some bad-for-everyone fast food.

Here’s a better idea: When you map your road trips, look for stops along the way that can double as restroom breaks — factory tours, fun stores, unique restaurants, or something else. Chances are they will be a few minutes off the Interstate, but they are always worth the drive.

Here are some of our favorites from around the nation: Yankee Candle Company Flagship Store near Colonial Williamsburg. We just stopped to use the restroom but ended up buying some of the best tasting caramel corn we have ever had. We also hand-dipped our own candles to take home.

Boyds Bear Country outside Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. You will never see so many Boyd’s Bears in one place. Make your own Boyd Bear, look at the displays, or pick up a sweet treat.

Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park is located in Tallahassee, Fla., near I-10. Whenever possible, we travel with food and look for a state park to stop for a picnic lunch. Maclay Gardens is one of the prettiest spots. The gardens are beautiful year round and you can spend a few minutes to a few hours here.

The Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota. There isn’t much along the interstate that runs between Sioux Falls on the eastern border of the state and Rapid City, the entrance to the Black Hills, Badlands and Mount Rushmore on the western edge. So plan a stop to see this community center decorated each year in a design made of corn. Bathrooms are clean and entrance is free.

The Wyoming Dinosaur Center in Thermopolis, Wyo. Spend time here wandering through the Dinosaur Center and get a snack. If you have time, head out to the dig sites.

SUMMER FAMILY FUN 2020 

JUNE 2020

Helping you make this Summer “The Best Summer Ever!”

A Special Supplement to

PAGE S3  Tuesday, June 23, 2020

CAMPING LANNER P

PAGE S4 SUMMER FAMILY FUN 2020 ď Ž

Tuesday, June 23, 2020

Packing for a camping trip: seven things to consider When you’re going camping, preparation is essential. In order to not forget anything, draw up a list of everything you’ll need beforehand.

1. The campsite: tent, hammer, sleeping bags, pillows, mattresses, air pump, extra blankets, tarp, robe, a little broom, etc.

2. Safety: Flashlights and batteries, FRPSOHWH ÂżUVW DLG NLW VXQVFUHHQ SRFNHW NQLIH whistle, etc.

3. Food: water bottle, cooking utensils, cutting board, can opener, pots, oven mitts, dish soap, portable stove, garbage bags, aluminum foil, etc.

4. Clothing: Raincoat, warm clothes, sandals, swimsuit, hiking boots, pants, sunglasses, hat, pajamas, underwear, etc.

5. Hygiene: soap, shampoo, toothbrush, deodorant, toilet paper, towels, clothespins, detergent, hairbrush, mirror, etc. &DPSÂżUH QHZVSDSHU OLJKWHU KDWFKHW folding chairs, etc.

7. Fun: guide books, games, books, sports equipment if you have any activities planned, etc.

Are you planning to spend the summer on a campground? To help you choose the right one, here are four important points to consider: 1. THE GROUNDS Do the grounds seem clean and safe? What will the surrounding area be like? Will it be in the middle of nowhere, or near important services and activities that interest you? Who will your neighbours be? <RXÂśOO SUREDEO\ EH ORRNLQJ IRU GLá&#x201A;&#x2021;HUHQW FDPSJURXQGV depending on whether you want absolute peace and quiet or more of an opportunity to socialize.

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Camping season: how to choose your campground

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2. CAMPGROUND FEATURES Water slides, beaches, tennis courts, playgrounds â&#x20AC;&#x201D; what kinds of features does the campground Rá&#x201A;&#x2021;HU" ,V WKHUH D UHVWDXUDQW RQ RU QHDU WKH JURXQGV" And will you have access to the internet? If a member of your family has reduced mobility, ensure that the grounds can accommodate his or her needs.

Do you like camping with your dog? Make sure the

campsite allows four-legged guests, and check for any rules regarding pets.

3. ACTIVITIES Dance night, bingo, karaoke, picnics â&#x20AC;&#x201D; what kinds of activities are organized for the campers?

Will you be able to participate for free? Are there any other attractions or activities near the campground (miniature golf, for example)?

4. COST Costs vary from one campground to another. If you want to stick to your budget, be sure to check what is included in your campsite fees (internet, electricity, etc.).

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hesitate to check online reviews for campgrounds that interest you in order to make the choice thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s right for you. Once your decision is made, be sure that you sign a detailed lease so there wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be any surprises. Happy camping!

$UH \RX WDNLQJ \RXU ÂżUVW VWHSV LQWR WKH world of tent camping? Here are a few tips that will help you ensure everything goes smoothly.

Protect yourself as well. Umbrellas, UDLQFRDWV ERRWV ZDUP VRFNV DQG Ă&#x20AC;LS Ă&#x20AC;RSV can all be useful!

HOW TO HAVE FUN Bring whatever you think will keep you occupied while in the tent: travel versions of board games, playing cards, books, coloring books, tablets, etc. In addition to the games you bring, there will probably be a common area at your campground that may have a pool table or a foosball table.

AVOID UNNECESSARY PROBLEMS Â&#x2021; :HDU OLJKW FRORXUHG FORWKHV to avoid attracting mosquitoes Â&#x2021; 5HPHPEHU WR SDFN DW OHDVW WZR Ă&#x20AC;DVKOLJKWV DQG VSDUH batteries, just in case

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1. Be sure there arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t any holes or tears in your tentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fabric, and keep it zipped shut at all times.

2. Choose a campsite surrounded by deciduous trees rather than conifers.

3. Pitch your tent in an area that has a nice breeze and is far away from any standing water, electrical posts and toilets.

4. Avoid entering and leaving your tent frequently and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t OHDYH LWV Ă&#x20AC;DS XQ]LSSHG XQOHVV itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s really necessaryâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;you VKRXOG DOVR WDNH Rá&#x201A;&#x2021; \RXU

WHAT TO BRING First, check that your tent is in good repair, paying special attention to the seams. Pack a plastic tarp or canvas for extra shelter (a covered cooking area, for example) or to put under your tent for added protection from the elements. Once youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re at the site, choose as high a campsite as possible to make sure \RXU VSDFH GRHVQÂśW Ă&#x20AC;RRG <RX VKRXOG DOVR bring along plenty of plastic bags to store items you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want getting wet.

VKRHV DQG WXUQ Rá&#x201A;&#x2021; \RXU Ă&#x20AC;DVKOLJKW EHIRUH entering the tent (you can place a tarp near the entrance for your shoes). /LJKW D ÂżUH EHIRUH the sun sets (the smoke will chase away the mosquitoes).

6. Arm yourself with a good EXJ VSUD\ RU RWKHU LQVHFW repellent product. :HDU ORQJ VKLUWV DQG pants in light colors.

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PAGE S5 ď Ž Tuesday, June 23, 2020

BE A GOOD NEIGHBOR Â&#x2021; 'RQÂśW WDNH VKRUWFXWV DFURVV RWKHU campersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; sites Â&#x2021; 'RQÂśW PDNH XQQHFHVVDU\ QRLVH DIWHU WKH parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s curfew

Mother Nature isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t always on our side when it comes to camping. The key to having a great time despite the rain? Preparation!

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GET SET UP RIGHT Â&#x2021; ,QVSHFW \RXU JHDU EHIRUH OHDYLQJ KRPH Â&#x2021; $UULYH DW WKH FDPSVLWH HDUO\ VR \RX KDYH plenty of daylight during which to get set up Â&#x2021; &KRRVH ZKHUH \RX SLWFK \RXU WHQW carefully â&#x20AC;&#x201D; donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t set up underneath a single tree, for example, as it can act as a natural lightening rod; at the same time, remember to choose a spot that has lots of shade in the morning Â&#x2021; 5HPRYH DQ\ URFNV DQG branches from the area before pitching your tent Â&#x2021; 3XW D ZDWHUSURRI WDUS underneath your tent for a little extra protection Â&#x2021; 3ODFH VRPH URFNV RQ WKH tentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stakes if the ground is moist Â&#x2021; 3DFN DQ H[WUD ZDWHUSURRI tarp â&#x20AC;&#x201D; theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re always helpful on rainy days

Â&#x2021; .HHS WKH FRROHU DQG RWKHU VWURQJHU smelling items (such as scented soaps) in the car, and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t leave dirty laundry or garbage out in the open â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the scent is likely to attract wild animals Â&#x2021; .HHS DQ H\H RQ RSHQ Ă&#x20AC;DPHV DW DOO WLPHV and be sure that your cinders are no longer hot before going to bed or leaving the campsite

Camping in the rain â&#x20AC;&#x201D; are you prepared?

SUMMER FAMILY FUN 2020

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PAGE S6 SUMMER FAMILY FUN 2020 ď Ž

Tuesday, June 23, 2020

5 canoe-camping tips Canoe-camping requires a lot of planning, especially if you intend to venture into the wilderness without D JXLGH +HUH DUH ÂżYH ZD\V WR HQsure your adventure is a success.

1. Choose the right route There are a number of factors to take into account when choosing a route for your canoe-camping trip.

Some things to consider are: Â&#x2021; 7KH H[SHULHQFH DQG ÂżWQHVV OHYHO of each group member Â&#x2021; 7KH H[SHFWHG ZHDWKHU FRQGLtions Â&#x2021; 7KH GHJUHH RI GLá&#x201A;&#x2C6;FXOW\ DQG WXUbulence along the waterway Â&#x2021; 7KH QXPEHU RI SRUWDJHV Â&#x2021; 7KH GLVWDQFH 2. Find out if you need permits Familiarize yourself with the regulations in the area youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re visiting.

You may need to obtain access and ÂżVKLQJ SHUPLWV 3. Equip yourself as needed In addition to your canoe and

tent, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll need a fair amount of gear. Be sure to bring your personal Ă&#x20AC;RWDWLRQ GHYLFH ZKLVWOH FRPSDVV dry bags, sleeping bag, waterproof matches, bug repellent and survival kit.

4. Learn to load your canoe To make sure the boat is stable, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll need to evenly distribute your gear along the bottom of it.

Also, you should secure the items in place. This way you wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t lose anything if the boat capsizes.

5. Pack the appropriate clothing 6WD\ DZD\ IURP QDWXUDO ÂżEHUV OLNH cotton and wool. Instead, opt for synthetic materials that dry quickly.

You should also pack a wetsuit, a hat to protect yourself from the sun and warm clothes for cooler evenings.

Finally, remember to pack your favorite camp food and a comfortable chair. After a long day of paddling, a well-deserved meal around WKH FDPSÂżUH LV D PXVW

Setting Up Camp Arriving to camp after a long drive can feel like a minor victory, but now comes the time to set up. Even for the novice RV driver, doing VR VKRXOG UHTXLUH D IHZ VLPSOH VWHSV WKDW ZLOO KDYH \RX UHOD[LQJ LQ QR time.

7KH ÂżUVW VWHS \RXÂśOO ZDQW WR WDNH ZKHQ DUULYLQJ DW FDPS LV WR FKHFN LQ From the main building, you can ask if the campground provides an escort service or can give you any tips on the best places for you to ÂżQG OHYHO SDUNLQJ Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll need to know a few basic things about the site, such as wehther it is a back-in or pull-through and where the water, electrical and sewer hookups are located.

2QFH \RX ÂżQG \RXU VSRW IROORZ WKHVH VLPSOH SURFHGXUHV Â&#x2021; %H VXUH WKHUH DUH QR ORZ KDQJLQJ EUDQFKHV WKDW FRXOG GDPDJH your RV â&#x20AC;&#x201D; particularly if they are in the way of awnings that need to H[WHQG Â&#x2021; 'RQÂśW IRUJHW WR DSSO\ \RXU SDUNLQJ EUDNH WR HQVXUH \RXU VDIHW\ DQG the proper functioning of your slide-outs and awnings. Â&#x2021; ,I QRW TXLWH OHYHO XVH DQ\ EORFNV RU VWDELOL]LQJ MDFNV WKDW \RXU 59 LV equipped with. Â&#x2021; 3OXJ \RXU HOHFWULFDO VKRUH SRZHU FRUG LQWR WKH FDPSVLWH UHFHSWDFOH making sure to match the amperage requirements of your RV. Â&#x2021; $WWDFK \RXU SRWDEOH 59 GULQNLQJ ZDWHU KRVH WR WKH WDQN RQ WKH VLGH of your unit and run the other end to the campground water supply; make sure to check for any leaks before leaving it unattended.

Ask for Help If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re new to a campground or stumped on how to handle a certain malfunction, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be afraid to ask your neighbors. RV drivers are like a community, always ready to help out a fellow adventurer in need. ,I \RXÂśUH QHZ WR WKH 59 H[SHULHQFH GRQÂśW EH VXUSULVHG WR UHFHLYH Rá&#x201A;&#x2021;HUV RI KHOS ² HYHQ LI \RX DUHQÂśW LQ QHHG RI DQ\ DVVLVWDQFH <RX FDQ return the favor by providing a helping hand when needed and by Rá&#x201A;&#x2021;HULQJ WLSV RQ WUDYHO RU URDG FRQGLWLRQV \RX KDYH OHDUQHG WKURXJK \RXU MRXUQH\

By Scotty Reiss

Editor, SheBuysCars.com

Winter Wonders

Stock your car at all times with paper towels, toilet paper, Dramamine, granola bars, Band-Aids, Ziploc bags (for trash and vomit), a multi-purpose tool like a Leatherman or Swiss Army Knife, work gloves, wet wipes, duct tape, the car owner’s manual, cell phone

Winter requires special tools, such as an ice scraper and snow brush, but for safety reason, be sure to also bring a blanket, extra mittens or gloves and kitty litter to create traction when you get stuck on the ice. Keep the kitty litter in a sealed plastic container so it stays dry and doesn’t

Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center

Desert Desirables

In the desert, gas, water and fellow humans can be in short supply. So prepare for longerterm emergencies. Bring three gallons of water (enough for the people and the radiator), space blankets for each traveler, ‘Survival’ chocolate bars, tire patch kit, an air pump, solar charger for your phone, hiking boots or good

Why wait when you have an

walking shoes and socks and sunscreen.

Earthquake Necessities

If you’re traveling through earthquake country, bring along a small backpack filled with a blanket, jacket, duct tape, flares and three days’ worth of water and dried food.

Emergency?

FREE nature programs, trails, kid’s fishing, & more Text MDC Nature to 468311 for program reminders.

Learn more at mdc.mo.gov/CapeNatureCenter

Festus Wait Time: 3h 9m* Farmington Wait Time: 2h 31m*

Fredericktown

No Wait Time *Average wait time gathered from https://projects.propublica.org/emergency/

PAGE S7  Tuesday, June 23, 2020

Always Keep Handy

spill all over the car.

If you’re planning a winter road trip, it’s also important to make sure you understand the differences among the various winter weather advisories issued by the National Weather Service. You might still be fine traveling under a winter weather advisory, but you might want to alter your plans if it’s a more serious winter storm watch or warning.



What’s the best way to prepare to be safe on the road? If you ask a dozen different people you’ll get a dozen different answers.

We asked family travel experts to share what they keep in their cars — whether they are driving through the desert, heading to an earthquake zone or just driving around town.

Here’s what they had to say:

charger, smartphone apps that will help you to find local things quickly, a towel and water bottles.

Toss in a few tools and repair necessities, including jumper cables, a ratchet set, pliers, screwdriver, electrical tape, a can of emergency tire inflater, road flares and automotive fuses.

Finally, keep near the driver’s seat a hammer/seatbelt cutter in case you are in an accident and need to get out of the car fast.

SUMMER FAMILY FUN 2020

What to Pack in Your Road Trip Emergency Kit

PAGE S8 SUMMER FAMILY FUN 2020 яБо

Tuesday, June 23, 2020

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