SummerFamilyFun2019

Kid Friendly Weekend Getaways In the Great Outdoors

June 2019 | A Special Supplement to

Summer

Travel Without busting the budget

Family Fun

Kid Friendly Weekend Getaways In the Great Outdoors

June 2019 | A Special Supplement to

Summer

Travel Without busting the budget

Family Fun

Weekend getaways in the great outdoors can be a great way for families to break from the norm and spend some quality time together while getting some fresh air. Such trips are popular, as the U.S. Travel Association notes that nearly three out of four domestic trips are taken for leisure purposes.

Families looking to get away from home on weekends often look for activities or locales that appeal to kids and parents alike while getting everyone out of the house. The following are a handful of outdoor getaway ideas the whole family can enjoy.

Hiking:

By 2015, the United States was home to nearly 240,000 miles of hiking trails on federal and state lands. Hiking opportunities also are abundant in Canada, where the 2016 General Social Survey found that 44 percent of Canadians go hiking in a given year, making it the country's most popular outdoor activity. Hiking is a rewarding, healthy hobby that also happens to be free, which can be especially appealing to budgetconscious parents. When exploring potential hiking destinations, parents should look for

parks with kid-friendly trails.

Many parks have paved trails on flat surfaces, which are ideal for families with small children.

Rivers/lakes:

Escaping to a nearby river or lake for a day on the water can make for a memorable, familyfriendly getaway. Look for activities like fishing and bring your own rods or rent from nearby bait and tackle shops. If cruising is more your family's style, look for boat tours that offer a chance to explore local history while giving the whole family a chance to relax on a boat and soak up some sun.

Theme parks:

Theme parks make for a great weekend getaways for families. Many theme parks even offer rides and attractions for young children, but parents should call ahead to confirm this before planning their trips.

Zoo/aquarium:

According to the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, there are more than 220 accredited zoos and aquariums in the United States and Canada. That makes it easy for families that live just about anywhere to plan

SUMMER FUN 2019

SUMMER FUN 2019

Kid-friendly weekend getaways in the great outdoors

day trips to local zoos, where they can spend the day soaking up some sun and marveling at exotic wildlife. Zoos and aquariums with outdoor exhibits make for wonderful, familyfriendly weekend getaways.

Weekend getaways are great ways for families to spend time in the great outdoors and take advantage of local attractions. With some simple investigation, families might find there are lots of local attractions within driving distance of their homes.

SUMMER FUN 2019

Kid-friendly weekend getaways in the great outdoors

Weekend getaways in the great outdoors can be a great way for families to break from the norm and spend some quality time together while getting some fresh air. Such trips are popular, as the U.S. Travel Association notes that nearly three out of four domestic trips are taken for leisure purposes.

Families looking to get away from home on weekends often look for activities or locales that appeal to kids and parents alike while getting everyone out of the house. The following are a handful of outdoor getaway ideas the whole family can enjoy.

Hiking:

By 2015, the United States was home to nearly 240,000 miles of hiking trails on federal and state lands. Hiking opportunities also are abundant in Canada, where the 2016 General Social Survey found that 44 percent of Canadians go hiking in a given year, making it the country's most popular outdoor activity. Hiking is a rewarding, healthy hobby that also happens to be free, which can be especially appealing to budgetconscious parents. When exploring potential hiking destinations, parents should look for

parks with kid-friendly trails.

Many parks have paved trails on flat surfaces, which are ideal for families with small children.

Rivers/lakes:

Escaping to a nearby river or lake for a day on the water can make for a memorable, familyfriendly getaway. Look for activities like fishing and bring your own rods or rent from nearby bait and tackle shops. If cruising is more your family's style, look for boat tours that offer a chance to explore local history while giving the whole family a chance to relax on a boat and soak up some sun.

Theme parks:

Theme parks make for a great weekend getaways for families. Many theme parks even offer rides and attractions for young children, but parents should call ahead to confirm this before planning their trips.

Zoo/aquarium:

According to the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, there are more than 220 accredited zoos and aquariums in the United States and Canada. That makes it easy for families that live just about anywhere to plan

day trips to local zoos, where they can spend the day soaking up some sun and marveling at exotic wildlife. Zoos and aquariums with outdoor exhibits make for wonderful, familyfriendly weekend getaways.

Weekend getaways are great ways for families to spend time in the great outdoors and take advantage of local attractions. With some simple investigation, families might find there are lots of local attractions within driving distance of their homes.

SUMMER FUN 2019

SUMMER FUN 2019

A Special Supplement to

C P

AMPING LANNER

JUNE 2019

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

Clearwater Campground

Camp at Current or Black River or Clearwater Lake

Beautiful private campground located along the Black River & MeKenzie Creek

Hike to Blue Spring 573-223-7221

SUMMER FUN 2019

SUMMER FUN 2019

Recommendations for first-time

campers Are you taking your first steps into the world of tent camping? Here are a few tips that will help you ensure everything goes smoothly.

Get set up riGht • Inspect your gear before leaving home • Arrive at the campsite early so you have plenty of daylight during which to get set up • Choose where you pitch your tent carefully—don’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 • Remove any rocks and branches from the area before pitching your tent • Put a waterproof tarp underneath your tent for a little extra protection • Place some rocks on the tent’s stakes if the ground is moist • Pack an extra waterproof tarp—they’re always helpful on rainy days

be A Good neiGhbour • Don’t take shortcuts across other campers’sites • Don’t make unnecessary noise after the park’s curfew • Keep your dog on a leash and pick up any of his or her droppings when necessary • Don’t leave any garbage on your campsite when you strike your tent and head out

CHEROKEE LANDING

FLOAT TRIPS • CAMPING • RV SITES • FISHING LAKE

(573) 358-2805

ON MIssOuRI’s bIG RIvER

Canoes • Kayaks • Rafts • Tubes • Jon Boats 8344 Berry Road, Bonne Terre, Missouri

CHEROKEELANDING.COM

Should you become a

seasonal camper?

Do you dream of leasing a campsite for the whole summer but are still a tad reluctant to take the plunge? After reading this, you’ll be convinced!

Clearwater Campground By the crystal clear Black River only 7 miles from Johnson’s Shut-ins, Lesterville, MO

Hwy 21 & Peola Rd Lesterville, MO

573-637-2050 Beautiful private campground located Book Now! along the Black River & MeKenzie Creek

573-223-7221

What’s more, there’s a real communal spirit that develops in a campground.

With so many organized activities (bingo, dance nights, softball, bocce, etc.) and common recreational areas (tennis courts, swimming pools and pool tables, for example), everyone in your family is sure to create lasting memories and great friendships with

7

How to organize your cooler So, you’re going camping for two or three days. Here are a few smart organization tips to make the most out of your cooler space.

First, being a seasonal camper allows you to experience peace and quiet every day (or at least every weekend, if you’re still working), whether it’s around a campfire or beside a lake. You can keep everything you need well organized at a single campsite for the entire summer rather than having the hassle of moving camp several times during the season.

Avoid unnecessAry problems • Wear light-colored clothes to avoid attracting mosquitoes • Remember to pack at least two flashlights and spare batteries, just in case • Keep the cooler and other stronger-smelling items (such as scented soaps) in the car, and don’t leave dirty laundry or garbage out in the open—the scent is likely to attract wild animals • Keep an eye on open flames at all times and be sure that your cinders are no longer hot before going to bed or leaving the campsite

June 2019

First, plan all the meals you’ll be making. That way you’ll only have to bring the food that you need.

About 20 percent of the content of your cooler should consist of frozen products (cartons of juice, pasta sauce, etc.). These items will also act as ice blocks, helping to keep your other items chilled. If you need another way to keep your items cold, opt for ice packs rather than real ice. They’re more effective and won’t get your items wet as they warm up.

other campers.

just might have a little head start!

Campgrounds also offer lots of summer job opportunities. Applicants whose parents or grandparents are seasonal campers

So, are you ready to try it out?

tips for keeping mosquitoes at bay when you’re camping

We all love camping. Mosquitoes, not so much! Do you think that you can’t have one without the other? Well, these tips will help you avoid being attacked by a horde of bloodthirsty insects so that you can finally enjoy your time in the great outdoors.

1. Be sure there aren’t any holes or tears in your tent’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 don’t leave its flap unzipped unless it’s really necessary — you should also take off your shoes and turn off your flashlight before entering the tent (you can place a tarp near the entrance for your shoes).

5. Light a fire before the sun sets (the smoke will chase away the mosquitoes).

6. Arm yourself with a good bug spray or other insect-repellent product.

7. Wear long shirts and pants in light colours.

you’ll be eating last at the bottom of the container.

Put perishable foods as close as possible to frozen items, and place ice packs toward the top of the cooler (cold falls while heat rises). Of course, to keep your items cold for as long as possible, open the cooler only when necessary.

At least one hour before filling the cooler, use ice packs to get the cooler itself really cold. Pre-cooling your cooler will help food stay fresher for longer. For the same reason, only put in items that actually need to be refrigerated. It’s usually best to avoid dairy products (except hard cheeses) and fresh At the end of the season, meats (opt instead for cooked meats). clean your cooler from Finally, place your items into the cooler in the order in which they’ll be eaten. In other words, have what

top to bottom and don’t close it completely. That way, you’ll prevent bad odors from developing.

• Cabin rental • water and eleCtriC sites • Covered box stalls • trail riding in the Mark twain national Forest • bring your own horse or rent one • eat at our trails end restaurant Call For reservations

420 County Road 831, Black, MO 573-269-4600 or 269-4743 www.brushycreeklodge.com

SUMMER FUN 2019

CAMPING PLANNER

PAge 2-3

SUMMER FUN 2019

SUMMER FUN 2019

SUMMER FUN 2019

SUMMER FUN 2019

A Special Supplement to

C P

AMPING LANNER

JUNE 2019

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

Clearwater Campground

Camp at Current or Black River or Clearwater Lake

Beautiful private campground located along the Black River & MeKenzie Creek

Hike to Blue Spring 573-223-7221

SUMMER FUN 2019

SUMMER FUN 2019

SUMMER FUN 2019

Recommendations for first-time

campers Are you taking your first steps into the world of tent camping? Here are a few tips that will help you ensure everything goes smoothly.

Get set up riGht • Inspect your gear before leaving home • Arrive at the campsite early so you have plenty of daylight during which to get set up • Choose where you pitch your tent carefully—don’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 • Remove any rocks and branches from the area before pitching your tent • Put a waterproof tarp underneath your tent for a little extra protection • Place some rocks on the tent’s stakes if the ground is moist • Pack an extra waterproof tarp—they’re always helpful on rainy days

be A Good neiGhbour • Don’t take shortcuts across other campers’sites • Don’t make unnecessary noise after the park’s curfew • Keep your dog on a leash and pick up any of his or her droppings when necessary • Don’t leave any garbage on your campsite when you strike your tent and head out

CHEROKEE LANDING

FLOAT TRIPS • CAMPING • RV SITES • FISHING LAKE

(573) 358-2805

ON MIssOuRI’s bIG RIvER

Canoes • Kayaks • Rafts • Tubes • Jon Boats 8344 Berry Road, Bonne Terre, Missouri

CHEROKEELANDING.COM

Should you become a

seasonal camper?

Do you dream of leasing a campsite for the whole summer but are still a tad reluctant to take the plunge? After reading this, you’ll be convinced!

Clearwater Campground By the crystal clear Black River only 7 miles from Johnson’s Shut-ins, Lesterville, MO

Hwy 21 & Peola Rd Lesterville, MO

573-637-2050 Beautiful private campground located Book Now! along the Black River & MeKenzie Creek

573-223-7221

What’s more, there’s a real communal spirit that develops in a campground.

With so many organized activities (bingo, dance nights, softball, bocce, etc.) and common recreational areas (tennis courts, swimming pools and pool tables, for example), everyone in your family is sure to create lasting memories and great friendships with

7

How to organize your cooler So, you’re going camping for two or three days. Here are a few smart organization tips to make the most out of your cooler space.

First, being a seasonal camper allows you to experience peace and quiet every day (or at least every weekend, if you’re still working), whether it’s around a campfire or beside a lake. You can keep everything you need well organized at a single campsite for the entire summer rather than having the hassle of moving camp several times during the season.

Avoid unnecessAry problems • Wear light-colored clothes to avoid attracting mosquitoes • Remember to pack at least two flashlights and spare batteries, just in case • Keep the cooler and other stronger-smelling items (such as scented soaps) in the car, and don’t leave dirty laundry or garbage out in the open—the scent is likely to attract wild animals • Keep an eye on open flames at all times and be sure that your cinders are no longer hot before going to bed or leaving the campsite

June 2019

First, plan all the meals you’ll be making. That way you’ll only have to bring the food that you need.

About 20 percent of the content of your cooler should consist of frozen products (cartons of juice, pasta sauce, etc.). These items will also act as ice blocks, helping to keep your other items chilled. If you need another way to keep your items cold, opt for ice packs rather than real ice. They’re more effective and won’t get your items wet as they warm up.

other campers.

just might have a little head start!

Campgrounds also offer lots of summer job opportunities. Applicants whose parents or grandparents are seasonal campers

So, are you ready to try it out?

tips for keeping mosquitoes at bay when you’re camping

We all love camping. Mosquitoes, not so much! Do you think that you can’t have one without the other? Well, these tips will help you avoid being attacked by a horde of bloodthirsty insects so that you can finally enjoy your time in the great outdoors.

1. Be sure there aren’t any holes or tears in your tent’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 don’t leave its flap unzipped unless it’s really necessary — you should also take off your shoes and turn off your flashlight before entering the tent (you can place a tarp near the entrance for your shoes).

5. Light a fire before the sun sets (the smoke will chase away the mosquitoes).

6. Arm yourself with a good bug spray or other insect-repellent product.

7. Wear long shirts and pants in light colours.

you’ll be eating last at the bottom of the container.

Put perishable foods as close as possible to frozen items, and place ice packs toward the top of the cooler (cold falls while heat rises). Of course, to keep your items cold for as long as possible, open the cooler only when necessary.

At least one hour before filling the cooler, use ice packs to get the cooler itself really cold. Pre-cooling your cooler will help food stay fresher for longer. For the same reason, only put in items that actually need to be refrigerated. It’s usually best to avoid dairy products (except hard cheeses) and fresh At the end of the season, meats (opt instead for cooked meats). clean your cooler from Finally, place your items into the cooler in the order in which they’ll be eaten. In other words, have what

top to bottom and don’t close it completely. That way, you’ll prevent bad odors from developing.

• Cabin rental • water and eleCtriC sites • Covered box stalls • trail riding in the Mark twain national Forest • bring your own horse or rent one • eat at our trails end restaurant Call For reservations

420 County Road 831, Black, MO 573-269-4600 or 269-4743 www.brushycreeklodge.com

SUMMER FUN 2019

CAMPING PLANNER

PAge 2-3

SUMMER FUN 2019

u become a

camper?

How to organize your cooler So, you’re going camping for two or three days. Here are a few smart organization tips to make the most out of your cooler space.

First, plan all the meals you’ll be making. That way you’ll only have to bring the food that you need.

About 20 percent of the content of your cooler should consist of frozen products (cartons of juice, pasta sauce, etc.). These items will also act as ice blocks, helping to keep your other items chilled. If you need another way to keep your items cold, opt for ice packs rather than real ice. They’re more effective and won’t get your items wet as they warm up.

just might have a little head start!

er lots of summer plicants whose pare seasonal campers

So, are you ready to try it out?

5. Light a fire before the sun sets (the smoke will chase away the mosquitoes).

6. Arm yourself with a good bug spray or other insect-repellent product.

7. Wear long shirts and pants in light colours.

you’ll be eating last at the bottom of the container.

Put perishable foods as close as possible to frozen items, and place ice packs toward the top of the cooler (cold falls while heat rises). Of course, to keep your items cold for as long as possible, open the cooler only when necessary.

At least one hour before filling the cooler, use ice packs to get the cooler itself really cold. Pre-cooling your cooler will help food stay fresher for longer. For the same reason, only put in items that actually need to be refrigerated. It’s usually best to avoid dairy products (except hard cheeses) and fresh At the end of the season, meats (opt instead for cooked meats). clean your cooler from Finally, place your items into the cooler in the order in which they’ll be eaten. In other words, have what

top to bottom and don’t close it completely. That way, you’ll prevent bad odors from developing.

• Cabin rental • water and eleCtriC sites • Covered box stalls • trail riding in the Mark twain national Forest • bring your own horse or rent one • eat at our trails end restaurant Call For reservations

420 County Road 831, Black, MO 573-269-4600 or 269-4743 www.brushycreeklodge.com

SUMMER FUN 2019

PLANNER

June 2019

SUMMER FUN 2019

the fire clear of tents, food, chairs, and other items, states the health and fitness resource Active.

Prepare your site.

Dig a small pit in which the fire can be housed, offers Smokey Bear. Place a ring of stones around the pit.

Add fuel only as needed. Keep the fire at a manageable size and height. Do not let it grow just to impress fellow campers, as it can spread and become a problem.

Beware of the “duff.” The rangers at Modoc National Forest in California Who doesn’t look forward to sitting around a say duff is a layer of decomposing wood matecrackling campfire in the evening with family or rial that lies between pine needles and dirt on the friends? Such an experience attracts forest floor. It is highly people to try camping, ultimately flammable, and some misconverting many of them into lifelong take it for dirt. Be aware camping enthusiasts. of duff near the campsite Campfires serve various purposes, from of wildfires were caused and extinguish any embers heating up simple foods to keeping by humans in 2017. promptly. wildlife at bay. Campfires also light Maintain a close watch. up camps where people dine and sleep Make sure at least one person is always tending to while providing much-needed warmth. the campfire.

Campers must always exercise caution with their Keep kids and pets away. Set a proper distance campfires. The University of Vermont Medical for pets and young children who may not underCenter says 80 percent of pediatric campfire burns stand the dangers of fire. resulted from day-old campfires. The National Extinguish the fire properly. Keep a shovel and Interagency Fire Center advises that, in 2017, 88 water nearby to drown the fire and embers. Mix percent of wildfires were caused by humans. the ashes and water again to catch anything that When building campfires, the following precautionmay be smoldering. Continue adding water, dirt ary measures can ensure a safe time is had by all. or sand and stirring with a shovel until all mateLearn if it’s safe. Campground and other areas rial is cool. Never leave a former campfire hot. will post if the conditions are safe for a fire. Heed Check a decent perimeter around the campfire to all signs and do not ignite a campfire if posted ensure that no stray embers escaped. warnings say it is too dry and unsafe to do so.

Campfires are an enjoyable part of the overall Choose the right location. Look around and up camping or outdoor wilderness experience. Safety to make sure that the fire will be in a safe locais essential to help prevent forest fires and/or tion away from low-hanging branches or brush. injuries.

Keep a radius of at least eight to 10 feet around

Make campfires safe and enjoyable

88%

Get fired up about campfire cooking

Camping season revs up when the temperature warms.

In a recent survey by Kampgrounds of America, Inc., the main reasons people say they go camping are to reconnect with nature, spend time with family and friends and reduce stress and relax.

The roughly 40 million people who go camping in the United States each year also may have food on their minds. Campfire cooking — which involves cooking over an open fire and eating outdoors — makes camping that much more enjoyable for many people.

Campfire cooking is about simplicity of ingredients and ease of cooking. Chances are campers do not want to lug too many cooking instruments to the campsite, so ingredients that are portable and can cook quickly over an open fire are attractive. Cast iron skillets, grills and Dutch ovens often are the gear of choice. Here are some delicious campfire meals to try on your next camping trip.

Campfire Casserole Mix your favorite ground meat (beef, chicken or pork) with kidney beans and cubed bacon (leftover from breakfast works well). Add barbecue sauce or diced tomatoes, depending on your preference.

Allow to simmer in a Dutch oven on low for 45 minutes to an hour. Season to taste. During the last 10 minutes of cooking, place refrigerated biscuits over the top of the casserole, cover and cook until the biscuits are done.

Skillet Pizza Place a little cornmeal and oil on the bottom of a cast iron skillet.

Spread refrigerated pizza dough out on the skillet. Cover with pizza sauce, cheese and favorite toppings and cook over the fire until the cheese boils and the crust browns.

Campsite Cobbler Line a Dutch oven with aluminum foil. Mix together a yellow cake mix, 11⁄4 cups water and 1⁄2 cup canola oil and pour over two cans of a favorite pie filling flavor in the pot. Prepare the campfire for low heat. Put the Dutch oven in the ashes and cover with remaining ash or charcoal briquettes. Cook until bubbly, around 30 to 40 minutes.

Campfire cooking is delicious, and few things can beat eating tasty foods under an open sky.

• Annual Site Rentals Only learwater Events • Pet Friendly CUpcoming Ellington 4th of July Campground • Family Oriented 2nd & 4th Saturday June-Sept

Farmer’s Market

Thursday July 4th, 2019

Fireworks

• River & Creek Access • 3 Miles from the Dam Concert September31 County Fair • Call for Details 573-223-7221

Beautiful private campground located along SaturdayBlack September29 TheRiver SteelWoods & MeKenzie Creek Reynolds Junethe 15th, through 2019

SUMMER FUN 2019

SUMMER FUN 2019

SUMMER FUN 2019

SUMMER FUN 2019

• Cable TV • Wireless Internet • Swimming Pool • Private Showers • Propane Available • Meeting Hall

Where Vacation Feels Like Comingg Home

And So Much More

visit bigcreekrvpark.com or call 573.598.1064

47247 Hwy. 49, Annapolis, MO 63620