But I've never been camping before !
But I've never been camping before !If you've never been camping before, its easy to begin. Start simple and as you get more experienced, try more adventuresome campouts.
To start, plan your first campout in warmer weather. Late spring, summer and early fall have lots of warm days. Cabins at Camp Glen Gray range in size from 8 people to 30 person capacities. Choose one with electricity. For example, Explorer Cabin has electricity and a four burner gas stovetop for cooking. In warm weather, there is running water in the sink. The cabin's eight bunks have mattresses; just bring some sheets, pillows and several blankets or a sleeping bag as it can get cool at night.
Dress for the woods - hiking shoes, layered clothing (shirt, sweater/sweat shirt, jacket), bug spray and sunscreen. Bring a hat to keep the sun off. Check the weather just before you come to camp (see The Weather Channel box towards the bottom of the front page of our web site). It is always good to bring some rain gear (poncho or rain jacket). Always bring one or more flashlights, with extra batteries and bulbs, it gets real dark in the woods at night. Don't forget your camera. You need some pictures to prove to your friends that you went camping.
I like to pre-cook my Friday dinner and just reheat it when I get to camp. Bring cold items in a large cooler along with a bag of ice. Cold cereal does fine for Saturday breakfast with some milk or fruit. You can make coffee or tea on the stove top - bring a small coffee pot and some tea bags or instant coffee or coffee bags. Don't forget some cups, plates and eating utensils. For now, just use paper and plastic. When you get more expert, you can buy yourself a mess kit and camping utensils. Cold cuts or tuna fish sandwiches are fine for lunch on Saturday, when you're hiking around camp. Bring a day pack or back pack to carry your lunch and drinks on the hike. Why not cook some hot dogs over a campfire on Saturday night? Open a can of beans, drop in some cut up hot dogs and heat them in the coals of your campfire. Bring some garbage bags for trash and dump them in the dumpster located in the parking lot before you leave.
Just remember, as a rustic camp, bathroom facilities are equally rustic-latrines. Don’t forget to bring toilet paper for yourself and the rest of your group! I also bring soap in a small travel box.
Plan a hike around camp to visit other likely camping spots and to see Lake Vreeland and Mary Post Field. Also visit the Council Ring (a campfire location near the Dining Hall and dam) and the Amphitheater. Pick up a hike map at the Trading Post.
Speaking of Lake Vreeland, why not rent a row boat and take a cruise around the lake - fishing is optional (over 16 requires a NJ fishing permit).
Outside of your cabin you will find lots of dead wood on the ground that you can gather for an evening campfire. Just clear any leaves and other flammable material away from the fire ring before you light your campfire. Don't forget to bring a box of wooden matches and get a fire permit when you check in. If you use the firewood in the cabin, don't forget to replace it before you go home.
The Trading Post and camp office is run by the camp's Campmaster Corps, a group of friendly vounteers familiar with the camp and camping. You can buy matches, batteries, cold soda, candy and camp souvenirs (camp hats, shirts and patches). Ask the Campmasters any questions you have, they'll be glad to make your stay more memorable.
Plan to make camping a fun family activity at Camp Glen Gray. Call the camp and we'll get back to you to answer any questions and give you advice about coming up to camp. Camping equipment is available at several camping stores not far from camp. Campmor and Ramsey Outdoor are just a 10-15 minute ride from camp. Click here if you want to take a tour of camp before you visit.
| FAMILY CAMP If the above still sounds a little scary, we have a solution. Each summer, we run Family Camp. Starting on Friday, we provide activities, four meals (Sat. breakfast, lunch and dinner and Sun. breakfast) and a tent or cabin. Check out the details. |
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Last updated: August 13, 2009