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Summer Camp Update Amid the Coronavirus Pandemic

Coronavirus Pandemic

Coronavirus cases have been rapidly increasing across the world. In Switzerland for example, there are currently up to 1,138 deaths out of 25,688 infected people and 13,700 recoveries. The Federal Council has been encouraging residents to stay home and avoid public areas.

Camping enthusiasts, on the other hand, can’t wait for normalcy to return. Read on to find out more about the Coronavirus disease and a summer camp update. 

How to Get Help

The Covid-19 information line in Switzerland is +41 58 463 00 00 and it’s available round the clock. However, you’ll experience delays before you can speak to a representative due to the increased number of calls. Let’s look at the latest Coronavirus statistics in Switzerland.

The Coronavirus Situation in Switzerland

The first Coronavirus case in Switzerland was reported on the 25th of February. It was a man from the canton of Ticino who had previously travelled to Milan. The first Coronavirus death in the country reported on 5th March was a woman from Vaud Canton. However, the woman had suffered from a chronic disease before. 

Coronavirus Statistics in Swiss Cantons

The number of deaths resulting from coronavirus in Switzerland has decreased from 30% to 15% since the 20th of March. The most affected cantons in the country have been Ticino, Vaud, Geneva, and Zurich. 

Latest Coronavirus Updates in Switzerland 

·         8th April

The Swiss government extended the restrictions introduced on 16th March to control the spread of Covid-19 until 26th April. However, some of these restrictions will be eased gradually as time goes by. Still, the areas where these measures will be relaxed are to be presented on the 16th of April. 

·         3rd April 

Switzerland has enforced strict rules in a bid to combat the Coronavirus pandemic. For example, a big percentage of employees are now working from home. While they were reluctant in the beginning, they’re now starting to appreciate the advantages involved.

Chances are that many employees will want to continue working from home post the pandemic. As a result, employers need to be prepared to provide and enforce online working opportunities once the crisis is over. 

Will the current school year be extended? The CDIP (Swiss Conference of Cantonal Directors of Public Education) has agreed that this won’t be the case. The organization further said that vacations won’t be replaced with teaching and the school calendar will remain as it is. 

·         2nd April 

While the number of new critically ill patients dropped, patients needing intensive care had increased. Another drive-in testing facility was opened in Bern canton in partnership with the Swiss Red cross.

This way, people won’t need a prescription to get tested. However, you’ll need to fill a questionnaire online to get a ticket. The exercise can be conducted as you sit inside your vehicles. Between 200 and 300 tests will be conducted every day from this facility. 

·        1st April 

According to the Chaîne du Bonheur, an 800,000 franc donation was made to the Swiss Aid for Workers. The International and cantonal institutions of pro senectute would also get a share. This donation came in handy to offer support to families that have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic in Switzerland. 

·         26th March

On this date, coronavirus cases in Switzerland exceeded 10,000. On average the number of individuals testing positive were aged 52. Up to 91,400 residents had been tested by this date. Out of all the people who had been tested on this day, ten tested positive for the virus. 

·        25th March

The premier drive-through coronavirus testing facility in Switzerland opened in Lucerne. To get tested here people will need a referral from their doctor. Testing will be done through a mouth swab while people sit in their cars. The facility will conduct up to 10 tests per hour and results will be ready within a day. The drive through testing will be done at Alpenquai cantonal school. 

·         24th March

By this day Ticino canton had over 1,000 confirmed coronavirus cases out of the country’s 8,700. This placed Switzerland in second place among countries with the highest number of Covid-19 cases.

The head of crisis management in the country, Patrick Mathys announced that the country was performing up to 8,000 tests every day. As of this day, up to 71,000 people had tested negative. 

·         23rd March

On this day over 800 people tested positive for the coronavirus disease. There were more than 100 deaths. Still, representatives said the situation hadn’t yet reached alarming levels. However, the SAMW (Swiss Academy of Medical Sciences) confirmed that it would be essential to decide on rationing.

Thierry Fumeau, the president of the SSICM (Swiss Society of Intensive Care Medicine) said patients with a high chance of recovering would be prioritized. To determine this, officials would be considering any pre-existing health conditions and not just their age. 

·         22nd March

On this day more than 900 coronavirus cases were reported. This increased the number of confirmed coronavirus disease cases in the country to 7,014.

There were no fatalities reported. Swiss officials said that the country was struggling with a shortage of testing kits. The rapid growth of Covid-19 forced representatives to call numerous army reservists to help mobilize more than 8,000 hospital staff. 

·         21st March

More than 1,273 coronavirus cases and 18 new deaths were reported this day. This increased the number of cases by up to 25% in a single day. 

·         20th March

Daniel Koch from the health office said hospitals in Ticino canton that borders Italy were getting overwhelmed with infected patients. The Swiss government released various steps to reduce the effects of the coronavirus.

These involved banning group gatherings of over five people in public areas. Further, online shops in the country would be delivering groceries during the weekend. Berset, Swiss’s Interior Minister, declared that 32 billion francs would be available to support people affected by Covid-19. 

How long will it be Before Summer Camps Start Operating?

At the moment everything seems uncertain. Things are changing across the world with people making adjustments every day. Apart from dealing with economic fluctuations and taking care of the sick, you can no longer celebrate together with friends.

Things have changed and while we may not determine when normalcy will return, we can only hope it’ll be soon. As the world waits, many people have adjusted to doing some things differently.

For instance, some people are holding virtual meetings and meals with their friends across mobile gadgets and laptops. This brings us to our summer camp update. Officials at Les Elfes are keen on ensuring that the summer camps are ready when it’s time to go camping again.

They are currently monitoring the turn of events and will soon release an updated report on the way forward. Still, both summer camp organizers and parents need to think about various factors.

For example, will the government replace the summer holiday with learning now that schools are already closed? What about the students? Will they be excited about summer camp trips? There are many questions which we may not have answers to currently. 

What is Les Elfes doing?

With gatherings and events being rescheduled or postponed, parents aren’t willing to book summer camps in advance. Assuming you had already booked your summer camp but is unable to attend due to the ongoing pandemic you shouldn’t worry. This is because Les Elfes has eliminated cancellation fees meaning you won’t incur losses.

Now that everybody is cautious of any commitment presently, Les Elfes is doing everything possible to maintain flexibility. You can still attend once the situation stabilizes without getting penalized.

Families and schools can also opt to receive a credit voucher for the entire amount paid for the trip. What’s more, you’ll get a 10% discount for booking your summer camp trip in advance. 

The Health and Safety of Campers

clean

The WHO (World Health Organization) and the CDC (Center for Disease Control) have recommended social distancing as one way of curbing the spread of Covid-19. Many parents worry about the health and safety of their children during camp.

Following this pandemic, parents will elevate their expectations once normalcy returns. Officials at the Les Elfes camp have been keen to maintain high safety and health standards. In its years of existence, Les Elfes has had strategies in place to deal with an infectious disease.

This explains why the summer camp facility has succeeded in dealing with various outbreaks such as H1N1 and SARS. This succeeded by practicing proper hygiene habits and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.

Thorough and frequent hand washing has also been recommended as an appropriate preventative measure for the coronavirus. 

How will Children who’ve already had Covid-19 Benefit from Summer Camps?

Once children interact with their peers they’ll understand that they are not alone. Camps offer children an ample environment where they can engage in various fun activities.

Children will learn new skills and sharpen their already existing expertise. What’s more, they will be exposed to challenges that will help them recover from the trauma of suffering from Covid-19.

By taking part in camp trips, children learn a range of activities that can help them in their future lives. They also gain confidence in themselves. 

Finally 

The world is currently on a standstill as the fight against the coronavirus pandemic continues. We hope normalcy returns soon. The good thing is that you can still book a summer camp holiday for your child in advance.

 Register with us today and receive alerts whenever there are any changes. 

Summer Camp 2020. Les Elfes Is Re-Opening!!

Dear All,

We hope that you are all well. These past few months have certainly been extremely difficult for many people with very few being unaffected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Les Elfes has been running remotely, and frequently in touch with the authorities, understanding how to operate in these unprecedented times and importantly when we can re-open and welcome children through our doors once more.

The good news is that from 5th July this year, our Summer Camp shall reopen, and we believe that after schools having been closed, and with limited travel taking place, Summer Camp will be a refreshing and welcome change for young children and teenagers. Integrating with others, being in the outdoors, and simply having fun up in the mountain will surely remedy any restrictions which have taken place these last few months.

Our two and three-week programs shall entail our classic languages and outdoor activities elements. Mountain Huts, trips down to the lake, rock climbing and mountain biking, to name a few which bring challenges, joy and learning for those hungry young minds. Details on how we are working slightly differently are on our website, here a few points for your consideration:

  • Children shall be under the care of our dedicated staff as well as a full-time nurse.
  • Uniquely to Summer 2020 instead of 4 bedded rooms we shall offer 2 bedded rooms as standard.
  • Les Elfes shall offer a 10% discount on all bookings for summer camp 2020.
  • Extra measures will be taken during the campus. 

Wherever you are this summer we trust you have a wonderful time and look forward to any questions you may have concerning our programs, and of course welcoming Les Elfes campers once more.

Coronavirus Tips on How to Stay Safe

With Coronavirus advancing across the world, people are seeking coronavirus tips on how to protect themselves from contracting it.

WHO has already declared COVID-19 a pandemic and as it becomes widespread, taking precaution is no longer an option.

Governments across the world have put in place various preventive measures.

As an individual, you should adopt protective steps not only to keep yourself safe but also to protect others.

This way, you’ll also reduce the chances of spreading the disease to others. In this article, we shall discuss effective tips to help you stay safe. 

How Likely Are You To Get The Coronavirus? 

Coronavirus

Anyone is vulnerable to the coronavirus.

However, some groups of people are at a higher risk of experiencing severe complications from the virus and will need hospitalization.

People who contract Covid-19 will get flu or cold-like symptoms. Still, some people remain asymptomatic.

Regardless of where you belong, limiting the spread of the disease is everybody’s responsibility. What can you do to be on the safe side?

1. Practice Frequent Hand Washing

Frequent Hand Washing

Thorough and regular hand washing has been said to be one of the most effective methods of keeping this virus at bay.

Wash your hands thoroughly and correctly with soap under running water for at least 20 minutes.

If you’re stuck in instances where handwashing isn’t possible, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), regular hand washing is the best way to bar the spread of infectious diseases. 

2. Stay Home

Following recommendations from the WHO and CDC, governments across the globe are encouraging people to stay home or work from home where possible.

It’s worth mentioning that not everybody is privileged enough to work from home.

What’s more, people will still need to go out in search of gas and groceries.

There are various preventive measures you can take to protect yourself and others as we shall see below. 

·         Rather than Using Fingertips, use Your Knuckles, Elbows, Feet, and Knees 

If you’re still pushing buttons for lifts with your fingertips you need to stop.

Do you have to push a button, pull a lever, or sign for something digitally?

Use a different part of your body such as the knuckles. You can easily push a door open with your foot, hip, or shoulder.

Further, you can flip on a sink faucet or light switch using your wrist or elbow.

If you must use your hand to open doors, why not wrap a handkerchief around the door handle? 

·         Don’t Go Placing Your Phone Anywhere

Currently, more people are using disinfecting wipes to clean their phones.

However, you want to be cautious about where you place your phone.

For instance, you don’t have to carry your phone to the bathroom.

Avoid exposing your gadgets to heavily shared surfaces and you’ll have little to worry about.

If you have to use your phone in a shared place consider setting your phone on a napkin.

This way, you won’t have to disinfect it regularly.

·         Observe the Way you Shop

Carry your own washed plastic bags, totes, or mesh bags for your produce.

These come in handy seeing that you’re the only one who’ll be handling them.

What’s more, you won’t have to touch the commonly used shopping cart or basket.

If you have to use a store’s shopping carts or baskets, wash your hands thoroughly and wipe the carts with sanitizing wipes.

Further, you want to wash your hands thoroughly on reaching home. 

·         Avoid Sorting Through Produce Using Bare Hands

If you’ll be sorting through farm produce in the market try to insert your hand inside a bag which you can use as a glove.

Always wash and sanitize your shopping bags after shopping.

Remember to wash your hands and produce thoroughly when you get home from shopping.

·         Carry Extra Facial Tissue, Disinfecting Wipes, And Napkins

You can always use your disinfecting wipes to wipe out your hands or surfaces.

Napkins come in handy as a barrier between your phone and a surface.

For instance when opening a highly shared door handle. 

·         Minimize Handling of Cash

According to experts, the highest risk of contracting coronavirus is through person to person transmission.

However, highly shared surfaces can conceal the virus. To be on the safe side try using paperless payments. 

·         Avoid Touching Eyes, Nose And Mouth

Hands touch numerous surfaces from where they’re exposed to viruses.

With contaminated hands, you can easily transfer the virus to your mouth, nose, and eyes.

You may get sick when the virus finally penetrates through the body.

This explains why frequent hand washing is critical. 

3. Practice Respiratory Hygiene

Cover Cough and Sneeze

Ensure that you and your loved ones adhere to strict respiratory hygiene practices.

This means you should cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your bent elbow.

Dispose of used tissue immediately because droplets spread the coronavirus.

Sticking to proper respiratory hygiene is crucial for protecting people around you from different viruses such as the flu, cold, and Covid-19. 

4. Seek Immediate Medical Care if you Feel Sick

Some of the symptoms you should be on the lookout for include: difficulty in breathing, a dry cough, and high fever.

In case of these signs seek medical advice immediately.

You want to call in advance before visiting the medical facility and they’ll guide you accordingly.

Remember, local and national authorities have an up to date data on the state of the virus in your area.

Calling in advance helps health care providers to direct you to the ideal health facility. This way, you won’t spread the virus or infections to other people.

Remember, you should be up to date with the latest information about the coronavirus.

Follow the advice from both local and national public health authorities and your healthcare provider.

This will help you know how best to protect yourself and others. 

5. Adhere to Guidelines from your Local Public Health Officials

curb the spread of coronavirus

Recently many cities, counties, and states put in place individual protective measures to curb the spread of coronavirus.

Nearly all private and public schools in all affected countries have since closed down.

Youth, college, and professional sports programs have been suspended until the situation stabilizes.

Summer camping activities are also currently on hold.

Bars and restaurants have either closed down or are allowed to operate for limited hours only.

Staff working in nonessential businesses has been told to either stay home or work from home.

If your local government or city has enforced guidelines it’s always good to adopt and follow them to the letter. 

6. Improve Your Immune System

One of the best prevention measures to protect yourself and avoid spreading coronavirus is by securing your immune system.

You can fight off disease better when your immune system is strong.

Experts say this is the ideal time to target health practices that you may have been overlooking before.

Adopt food choices and daily practices that boost your health. Convert them into habits that will boost your health.

This is the time you should be getting sufficient sunlight, fresh air, and sleep. Cut down on processed foods and stay well hydrated.  

7. Practice Social Distancing

Social Distancing

Maintain a 1-meter distance between you and anyone who’s sneezing or coughing.

This is because when someone coughs small liquid droplets escape from their mouth or nose and they could contain the virus.

When you’re too close there are high chances that you’ll inhale the droplets and become sick as.

During this time people are becoming cautious and social distancing here involves the following scenarios.

8. Avoid Handshakes

Refrain from meeting family members or friends in person. Maintain a boundary between you and the next person whenever you go out.

Remember, social distancing is something you should when: you’re in the waiting line at the grocery store, or walking along the streets.

If you must go to the restaurant the best practice is to buy your food and leave or have it delivered.

Whenever you feel that the person next to you is too close: you can either take some steps behind or politely ask them to move. 

Bonus Tip

·         Remain as Calm as Possible

Amid the uncertainty that’s surrounded the entire world; the best way to cope is by remaining calm.

Remember, anxiety and increased stress levels can harm your immune system. This is not what you want to be struggling with at this time.

Are you feeling anxious and overwhelmed by the situation? Here are tips to help you relax. 

  • Consume as minimal information as possible
  • Find other things to keep yourself occupied
  • Remember there’s nothing much you can do to change the situation. Only focus on what you can do to keep yourself safe
  • Allow yourself time to worry about the whole situation. Ignoring your thoughts about the pandemic only worsens an already bad condition
  • Discuss your worries with non-judgmental friends and family members

Finally

Cleaning and disinfecting highly touched surfaces is a critical step.

Adopt is in your workplace and home to protect your loved ones and others from exposure to the coronavirus.

Some of these areas include?

Light switches, doorknobs, tables, shared computers and office desks, vehicle doors, and countertops.

When surfaces are dirty clean them with soap or detergent and water before disinfecting.

If you’re sick wear a facemask before visiting a medical facility. 

Book for your next winter camp and enjoy fun activities with attendants from different parts of the world.

A Guide to Stay Healthy While Camping

Spending time outdoors enhances your health in different ways. However, making healthy decisions especially regarding meals can be an arduous task.

Are you looking forward to a successful camping trip? Whether you’re going spring, winter, or summer camping, being in good health improves your camping experience.

In this post we shall discuss tips to help you:

  • Stay healthy while camping
  • Eat healthy and what to eat when camping, and
  • Avoid sickness

How to Stay Healthy and Safe During Camp

Camping is an exciting way of savoring the outdoors with friends and family. Maximize your camping trip with the following tips.

  • Practice proper hydration by drinking lots of sugar and alcohol-free beverages. Pack enough fresh and clean drinking water too. 
  • Pack and wear protective gear depending on the weather and activities you will be engaging in. These can include life jackets, helmets, and gloves.
  • Beware of wild animals and watch your pets closely if they are part of the trip. You want to ensure they are vaccinated before you can embark on the camping expedition.

While on camp, check your pets regularly for ticks and other bugs.

  • Monitor your children closely either at the swimming pool or ocean. Always, avoid swimming or hiking alone.
  • Have proper sun protection gear such as sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats, and sun block cream. Remember to use an SPF 15 and above lip screen. Apply your sunscreen every two hours to be on the safe side. 
  • Wear solid shoes
  • Don’t forget your first-aid kit, map, GPS or compass, blankets, flashlights, extra batteries, medication, and clothing.

A mosquito net will come in handy to keep the mosquitoes and other annoying bugs at bay. 

  • Your neck pillow will come in handy to offer support

How to Eat Healthy While Camping

One of the things you should start planning for early before going camping is your menu.

Maintaining healthy eating habits while camping is not easy. However, you can manage with proper preparations.

A meal plan can come in handy to keep you accountable when camping.

Remember, consuming healthy meals when camping not only nourishes your body but it also makes you more energetic to engage in various activities.

Here are some healthy foods you can consider for your next camping trip. 

●        Breakfast

Breakfast is an important meal even though many campers are either too lazy to prepare a proper breakfast, or simply overlook it.

Preparing breakfast is easy and you don’t have to rely on packaged alternatives. Here are some simple breakfast ideas you can try while camping. 

●       Breakfast Burritos

You can prepare breakfast burritos in advance and heat them at the camp.

All you need to prepare breakfast burritos is scrambled eggs, bacon, potatoes, sausage, onions, cheese, and tomatoes.

Roll these in a whole wheat tortilla and wrap using a foil. You can easily heat your burritos on hot coals in the foil packages for approximately 15 minutes.

Turn them frequently for proper distribution of heat. Prepare enough breakfast burritos for your entire crew to last the entire camping trip. 

●       One-pan Breakfast

This is ideal for you if you will be bringing cookware along. If you will be camping at Les Elfes however, you can hire your preferred cookware on-site at reasonable prices.

To prepare your one-pan breakfast you will need whole wheat buns or muffins, bacon, and eggs.

In terms of cookware, you will need a spatula and an appropriately seasoned cast iron. Cook your bacon first and follow with the eggs before toasting your buns. 

Instant oatmeal can be a great breakfast idea for campers. 

●        Snacks 

Snacks are an essential component of your diet. Snacks provide you with energy while engaging in your daily activities such as field trips before the next meal.

Having a healthy snack in between meals can be all you need to reduce hunger and prevent you from overeating.

Some healthy snack options include protein, fresh vegetables, and fruits. Ensure the fruits you choose require little to no refrigeration and are not easily damaged.

These include oranges and apples. You can store berries, grapes, and sliced bananas in a container and keep them inside your cooler box. 

For your healthy fat and protein intake, you can consider cheese and hard-boiled eggs. These will come in handy to keep you highly energized. 

A combination of vegetables and hummus is not only healthy, but it’s also light.

Prepare vegetables from home which can include: celery, carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers and pack hummus in single-serving packs for ease of dipping. 

●       Lunch

You will hardly have enough time to prepare lunch.

Opt for nutritious meals that you can consume either cold or by simply heating using the flash cooking method.

Some lunch ideas you can try include: 

  • Tuna wrapped in whole wheat tortillas or crackers
  • High protein low sodium canned soups
  • Quinoa salads which you can prepare at home, cool, and pack for your trip.

Add diced onion, cucumber, cilantro, feta cheese, bell peppers, lemon juice, olive oil, pepper, and salt.

Pack it in plastic containers or Ziploc bags and keep it inside your cooler

  • Cheese and ham sandwiches

Dinner

Unlike popular belief, dinners don’t have to be intricate dishes with a wide range of ingredients.

One of the simplest ways of eating healthy while camping is to ensure your meals are easy to prepare.

Choose versatile meats such as steak or chicken and prepare your vegetables at home.

You can utilize any of the main meals and side dishes indicated below to prepare a one-pan dinner. 

●       Main Meal (Entrées)

 

Sausages can be an easy protein source to prepare while camping.

There are no preparations required and you can cook them directly in various ways.

For instance, you can cook them in a pan with onions and peppers or skewer roast them over the fire.

Serve them with white or brown rice. 

●       Shish Kebabs

Prepare your shish kebabs at home approximately 24 hours before cooking time.

Season and marinate your pork, steak, or chicken meat before storing them in Ziploc bags.

All you’ll need to do at the campsite is skewer your meat and add peppers, mushrooms, and onions in between.

Directly cook the mean over the campfire on a grate. 

●        Foil-packet Fajitas

Prepare your foil packet fajitas in advance by chopping and seasoning steak or chicken, onions, and peppers.

Wrap all your ingredients in foil. Cook these for up to 30 minutes over your campfire before serving with salsa or corn tortillas. 

●        Side Dishes

Some of the camp appropriate side dishes include:

●       Grilled Corn

Grilled corn is ideal for dinner because you don’t have to store it in the cooler box.

Whether you like your corn grilled in a foil, or with or without the husk, it makes a versatile and easy camping side dish.

Foil-packet Vegetables

Prepare easy and quick dinner side dishes in advance to reduce your chores at the camp.

You can classify your foil packets into two. In one include root vegetables such as onions, carrots, and potatoes.

Include other types of vegetables in your second foil-packet such as zucchini, broccoli, peppers, cauliflower, and mushrooms.

Glaze your vegetables in salt, olive oil, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, parsley, and cumin.

Your root vegetables will take a longer time to cook which can be approximately 45 minutes.

The other vegetables will take a shorter time which can be between 25 and 30 minutes.

You can also roast your vegetables at home, pack, and heat them at the campsite. 

How to Avoid Getting Sick when Camping

Getting sick while on camp is not only uncomfortable and frustrating, but it also denies you an opportunity to have a great time.

There are various ways you can avoid getting sick while camping as seen below.

●        Drink Safe Water

One of the simplest ways of avoiding sickness when camping is to drink clean and safe water.

While the mountain streams may have clear looking water it may not be safe enough to ingest.

What if you run out of your packed water? You may need to take water from a spring, snowmelt, or lake in the wild.

However, ensure you purify it before drinking. You can do so through: 

  • Filtering
  • Boiling
  • Adding bleach
  • Use of iodine tablets

Practice Safe Food Handling

Some safe food handling practices include: storing highly perishable foods such as milk and eggs chilled, cooking meat well, cleaning your fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating.

Remember, you won’t have convenient equipment to guarantee food safety in the wild as is the case back at home.

This explains why you need to be extra cautious to avoid food contamination.

There are fridges for hire at Les Elfes which you can utilize to store your food. These come in handy especially if you plan to prolong your winter camping trip. 

●       Practice Safe Meat Defrosting

How do you defrost your meat? Defrosting at room temperature is common practice.

However, it may not be the best method seeing that it can encourage the growth of bacteria.

According to experts, the two recommended meat defrosting methods are:

  • Cooking our meat directly as it is
  • Wrapping the meat in plastic water and putting it in a bucket full of chilled water

Other ways to prevent sickness while camping include:

  • Always cook your meat until it’s well done
  • Wash your utensils, knives, and cutting surfaces thoroughly
  • Practice thorough and safe hand washing or use sanitizer where possible

Finally

Going camping can be fun and exciting but you need to remain healthy throughout the trip to maximize your experience.

Proper preparations coupled with these tips, you can be sure to have a successful camping expedition. 

10 Tips for Spring Camping

Spring Camping

Spring brings about some of the most ideal opportunities to engage in outdoor-related activities such as camping and hiking.

During this time, the weather becomes warmer, animals come out of their hibernation, and trees start blooming.

Still, spring can be a shifty and challenging time to go camping filled with unpredictable conditions.

Should you choose to go camping in spring, you will need proper preparation and practical expectations. You don’t want to get trapped in a cold and soggy situation.

If you are considering going camping during spring here are some tips to help you maximize your experience. 

1.      Pack Extra Changes of Footwear and Clothes

Drizzling during spring can bar you from enjoying your camping trip.

However, you can counter these with simple prior preparations. For instance, if the weather forecast indicates bad weather you will need to pack additional clothing and footwear.

This way, you will have something to keep you warm as well as extra clothes to wear should yours become muddy or wet.

Boots can be ideal for wet conditions but they can become muddy.

An extra pair of footwear will come in handy especially in the evening when you retire from the day’s activities. 

2.      Inspect Your Gear

lamps for flashlight

Get your gear out of storage and check to ensure everything is in good working order.

Even when your gear has been in storage for some time, chances are that you will notice problems you hadn’t seen before.

Inspect the tent for holes and mold and make sure all the tent stakes and poles are in place.

Check your lamps to ensure they are operational before charging them. Have new batteries for your flashlights and where possible carry extra pieces to be on the safe side.

Check whether your camping stove ignites and works well and fill your gas tank. Apart from inflating your mattress, you may need to use it for a night.

This will help you establish whether it has holes or is leaking.

Starting your preparations early gives you enough time to either replace or repair your gear before the onset of spring.

What’s more, replacing worn out and old gear in winter is ideal if you’re looking for exciting deals.

Should you purchase new gear, you will need to inspect and try it before you can use it.

3.      Make Arrangements for Healthy and Hot Meals

Having proper nutrition while on camp is essential.

Remember; spring falls right after winter and sometimes it can get overly cold especially at night.

You want to have proper arrangements for your meals. For instance, you could prepare healthy curries and soups in advance and freeze them.

Pack them and heat them on your camp stove once you arrive at your destination.

Be sure to consume hot beverages such as porridge frequently. Instant porridge bowls come in handy for camping especially in the morning.

If you hardly like cooking, you can purchase specially designed frozen meals for camping from your nearest store.

All you will need to have them ready for consumption is hot water.

Remember, consuming hot meals is important for campers during extremely cold temperatures. 

4.      Be Prepared to Deal with Moisture

Spring can be unpredictable more so when it comes to moisture.

Remember, at this time snow is still melting and this can make trails muddy and impassable.

Sometimes finding a dry and flat spot to put up a tent can be an arduous task. Sudden rains in the afternoon can make the nights overly cold.

If you’re going for spring camping you may want to pack some of your winter gear just to be on the safe side.

Dress appropriately, in layers, and avoid cotton clothes as much as possible especially if it’s raining.

Carry additional clothes to cater for unpredictable weather and include gloves, water-resistant clothes, and a warm winter-appropriate hat.

Beware that it would rain during your camping session and waterproof your gear to keep your essentials dry.

Always sleep on a raised platform to prevent moisture from seeping in your sleeping bag through the base of your tent.

In case you feel cold be sure to exhale out of the sleeping bag to prevent the build-up of moisture. 

5.      Beware of the Wildlife and Watch the Trails

Remember there’s increased animal activity during spring as they come out of hibernation.

Animals such as bears, elk, deer, and goats will be out in search of food while others will be giving birth.

Remember to give way to animals. Reach out to a park ranger should you notice a wounded animal and resist any temptation to help their young ones.

Many times their mothers will be close by and they can be dangerous. Maintain a clean campsite to avoid attracting animals.

Exercise extra caution when walking along the trails especially if you’re going spring camping for the first time.

Chances are that they could be different than they were during winter. They could be wet, muddy, and sometimes washed away.

It’s always advisable to wear waterproof shoes when traversing trails you’re unfamiliar with.

Be on the lookout for the growth of new, poisonous, and delicate flora such as poison ivy. 

6.      Prepare for Muddy and Soft Pitches

Chances are that the ground will remain waterlogged between March and April.

You may end up putting up your tent in soft and muddy places making it weak in case of heavy winds.

This is where a good quality groundsheet will come in handy. It will prevent your tent from getting overly muddy.

You will also need to use good quality tent pegs. 

7.      Monitor the Weather Forecast

Weather Forecast Stone

Monitor the weather forecast before embarking on your spring camping trip. Remember, spring is marred by uncertain weather patterns.

Don’t be surprised to experience cold nights after a sunny day. Sometimes you could encounter heavy rains.

Spring nights are often cold and you want to pack appropriate clothing. Apart from dressing in layers, be sure to pack all-weather appropriate sleeping bags.

A properly insulated sleeping bag specially designed to help you manage temperatures below 40 degrees will be appropriate.

Utilize a sleeping pad to create a distance between the wet or cold ground and your body.

Ensure the tent you choose can withstand low temperatures and strong winds.

8.      Have a Trial Run

Prepare a list of all the things you will need for your inaugural spring camping trip.

Pack your equipment and have and have a trial run at local state park or campground. Set everything whether you will use them or not.

This will help you establish whether or not all your gear is in good working condition. Ensure your new equipment works well collectively.

You want to avoid a situation where your air mattress doesn’t fit in your tent for instance. Find out whether or not you are comfortable with the sleeping arrangements.

Establish what you need to change or upgrade to make your spring camping trip a success.

If you’re a frequent camper, there could be something you wish to change from the last time you camped.

Try out your arrangement until you are satisfied.

Assess your list often, striking down things you don’t need to avoid over packing and replacing what needs to be replaced. 

9.      Carry Extra Bedding to Keep You Warm at Night

Extra Bedding To Keep Warm At Night

As we’ve mentioned before, nights can get overly cold in spring and you will need more bedding to keep you warm and comfy.

One of the best things about spring camping at Les Elfes is that there are ready beddings for hire.

If you either forget to pack some, or it gets colder than you had anticipated, you can be assured that help will be a call away.

You may want to have thermal clothing to wear when going to bed and a thermal blanket for extra warmth.

Do you tend to feel abnormally cold?

If you do, you can opt to use your chunky fleece pajamas and thermal clothing together with a hot water bottle.

Include a hat and gloves for added protection and warmth.

If you are an RV camper, packing extra blankets that you will not use is better than freezing for lack of enough bedding. 

10.  Beware of the Bugs

Be prepared for bugs.

For instance, spring often comes with stagnant water which becomes a breeding ground for black flies and mosquitoes.

You may want to wear clothes that cover your entire body well such as long-sleeved shirts and trousers.

Where possible wrap a shawl around your neck and wear socks and boots. Always sleep under a treated mosquito net.

This will not only keep the mosquitoes away but it will also keep other bugs at bay and help you sleep peacefully.

Some people opt to use bug repellant or spray while others don’t. Inspect your tent for ticks before retiring to bed.

Spring camping at Les Elfes presents you with a vast range of things to do. What’s more, there are measures in place to protect campers from bugs.

Prepare for a lifetime experience without having to worry about pesky bugs. 

Finally

Spring camping may not be as popular as summer and winter camping trips. However, it can be exciting with proper preparations.

If you are yet to go spring camping expedition, perhaps you should start preparing for one this coming season.

One of the best things about camping during spring is that there are fewer crowds.

This means you will almost have the entire campsite for yourselves. Further, you will have a great time exploring new adventures without having to worry about congestion. 

Analyzing the Best Winter Camps 2020

Camping is an adventurous activity that is exciting for children and adults alike.

Are you considering going to winter camp? Temperatures during winter can be uncomfortable.

However, camping in winter allows you to enjoy adventurous moments without having to grapple with the crowds that flock campsites during summer.

In this post, we shall discuss winter camping tips and look at some of the best winter camps 2020 to choose from.  

Winter Camping Tips 

Many people would prefer hibernating during winter.

However, with proper preparations, equipment, and safety measures there are numerous outdoor activities you can engage in.

To have a successful winter camp you will need adequate information and the right gear. Here are some tips to help you maximize your winter camping experience.

· Select a Practical Destination

When it comes to choosing a winter camping destination, consider your expectations and limitations.

Are you passionate about the snow? Have you always wanted to go to winter camps? Can you withstand extreme temperatures?

If you answered in the affirmative, chances are high that you will enjoy camping in the best winter camps 2020.

However, if cold weather makes you uncomfortable, you may want to consider a more favorable climate.

While you may enjoy winter camps, it’s worth mentioning that its magnitude varies depending on the location.

For instance, some regions can get more frozen than wet. Regardless of your preference, you’ll have an easy time exploring and engaging in winter-related activities free from massive crowds.

· Wear Suitable Clothing

You will need proper winter clothing to keep you warm. These include thermal
underwear
, warm boots, a warm jacket, gloves, and wool socks.

Dress in layers where possible. This way, you’ll have an easy time managing your body temperature.

What’s more, you can reduce the layers when temperatures get warmer. Pack your clothes depending on the climate in your preferred camping
location. 

· Monitor the Weather Prediction

Be on the lookout for the weather in your preferred camping destination before embarking on your trip.

Establish the anticipated low and high temperatures or storms.

Remember, winter storms are usually unpredictable and you should always be prepared to deal with sudden weather fluctuations.

· Pack Appropriate Winter Camping Gear

Proper winter camping gear guarantees you comfort. For instance, choose a sleeping bag designed for the winter season.

You can choose a down air mattress or an additional foam pad to help you cope with cold air on the ground.

A good winter tent is also ideal especially if you’ll be camping in extreme winter conditions.

Some winter camps will either offer you a stove or you can hire one on arrival. If you have to carry your stove, make sure you have sufficient fuel to last the entire trip. 

· Ensure your Sleeping bag is Warm before using it

During winter your sleeping bag will take time to warm up with your body heat. You may want to pre-warm it to have a comfortable night.

To do this you’ll need to: boil water and put it in a hot water bottle. If you don’t have one you can simply use a well-sealed container.

Using a leaking bottle could ruin your sleeping bag and deny you a comfortable night’s sleep.

Place your hot water bottle or container inside the sleeping bag for approximately 20 minutes before going to sleep.

With the heat, you will not only have an enjoyable night, but your body will also maintain the temperature throughout the night. 

· Winterize your Camper or RV

Whether you will be staying in a trailer, camper or an RV, remember to winterize them.

Remember, everything including water lines in RVs tends to freeze in winter.

You may want to refer to your RV’s user manual for winterizing tips depending on its model.

Ensure the heater inside your RV is in good working condition before embarking on your trip. 

· Prepare Healthy Meals

Many campers survive on fruits and sandwiches during summer. The cold season, however, calls for a healthy well-prepared meal.

Pack canned stews and soups and include your preferred hot beverages such as tea, coffee, apple cider, and hot chocolate for the
kids. 

· Carry Enough Firewood

Campfires not only keep you warm in the evening and at night but they also help you enjoy cooking from outside.

However, finding firewood during winter can be an arduous task. Carry some dry firewood and matches.

Remember to wrap them using a waterproof material. 

Which are the Best Winter Camps in the World?

Winter camps can be found in various parts of the world.

Many of them offer different winter-related activities such as snowboarding and skiing training programs for children.

You can send your children to some of the best winter camps 2020 during their school break.

Many winter camps in Asia, Europe, and America are located in scenic places where your children will enjoy.

If your child loves winter sports, a winter camp would be ideal to help them hone their skills.

Apart from making new friends and learning new cultures, your kids will learn how to be independent.

What’s more, flights during winter could be cheaper and the crowds are minimal.

If you are looking for the ideal winter camp for your kids, here are some options for you to choose from. 

Sítio do Carroção

Founded in 1971, Sítio do Carroção gives your child a wide range of options to choose from.

Apart from schools, children get the opportunity to participate in educational games, participate in adventurous activities, as well as special activities.

Accommodation in this winter camp is in the form of rooms and languages spoken here are Portuguese and English.

The camp can accommodate up to 300 children at once and supervisors are committed to guaranteeing safety for all.

This camp is ideal for your adventurous child who enjoys discovering new and strange things. 

Les Elfes International Winter Camps

Les Elfes winter camp is one of the biggest camps in Switzerland.

Located strategically in the Alps, this winter camp is a must-visit whether you live in or outside Europe.

The camp runs throughout the year and offers various outdoor activities in Winter that your kids will love.

Les Elfes was launched in 1987 and has evolved from hosting 500 children per year to hosting more than 5000 children annually.

Apart from offering winter sports programs, there are campuses here where children can enroll in and enhance their skills in various ways.

Les Elfes also offers language lessons and seeks to help children develop various attributes such as public speaking, self-confidence, networking, and independence.

Les Elfes has gone a step further to launch a charitable organization that seeks to help girls from underprivileged backgrounds receive an education.

The team behind this project is committed to providing a family environment, improved lifestyle, and better education to transform their future lives.

Once in a while, campers participate in field trips that help them discover Les Elfes and the surrounding areas. 

Traidhos Camp

This winter camp in Thailand was founded in 2010. It’s an all-year-round camp and English is the main language.

Traidhos camp provides a wide range of themed project camps such as Scuba diving, Superheroes, and team and habitat building.

Each activity camp is designed to help children develop various skills such as resilience, independence, and risk-taking skills in a regulated environment.

Every week comes with a designated theme where campers analyze one topic extensively.

There are extra activities to make the experience fun and exciting. 

SuperCamps

SuperCamps was founded in 1996 and is located in London and accommodates children aged between 4 and 14 years.

The facility is popularly known for being a top Ofsted-certified childcare organization in the UK.

There are numerous activities for children to sample and the team strives to ensure that every camper has fun and remains safe.

The fundamentals of this camp are: to offer deeply immersive experiences for the kids under the leadership of well trained and experienced staff.  

Aurinko camp

Aurinko camp offers a comprehensive entertainment and language program. It prides itself on having an affluent history.

It offers both day and overnight camping services. The camp was established in 2000 and English is the main language used here.

The team behind this facility strives to be present for the campers and offer the necessary support they need.

There are daily updates on the facility’s social media pages to keep parents informed.

Your children get a chance to learn a new language as well as enhance their winter sporting skills.

MNK NIESKO, JAPAN

 

This camp located in one of the world’s best ski destinations in the world. Why the best? Because the amount and quality of the snow, make Japan one of the deepest and snowiest places on the planet.

And what better place to have your child go ski than Japan, or Japow as in powder, as die hard ski enthusiasts call it. 

 

MNK Niesko has three incredible resorts in the location of Niesko.  The resorts are The Orchards, the Country Resort and Akazora. The camp features all the things you would expect at a world class resort and youth camp. Skiing, snowboarding, sledging, cultural excursions, top rated and quality food and professional friendly camp instructors. 

All ages are welcome, English friendly. 

Finally

Are you considering sending your child to the best winter camps 2020? If you are, this list should help you choose one that best suits your needs.

Your children will get a chance to be active outdoors regardless of the cold conditions.