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With summer quickly approaching, you may find yourself wanting to finally get out of your room or office to explore the outdoors. If you've never gone camping before or haven't done so since you were a kid and your only memory is your hot dog stick breaking over the fire, turning your dinner into charcoal, don't panic. You'll get to eat, I promise. Before you emerge wearily from your desk and into the wilderness, you should plan your outing with details in mind to eliminate any possible hiccups that may recreate the aforementioned traumatic experience. Take, for example, a classic situation. The Smith Family goes on a weekend vacation to the mountains upstate. They begin their trip in a great mood, car games being played and songs sung. It almost seems like a 1950s sit-com. Cue the automated laughter. But before long, the reality of actually going camping presents itself and the pure, unadulterated happiness flakes away one detail at a time. For example: The food is cooked, but there are no utensils; the tents are up, but there is nothing soft to sleep on; everyone wore shorts but forgot insect repellant, and are now itchy and very cranky. These are small gaps in preparation that can accumulatively lead to an unpleasant camping experience. Here is a short list to follow to ensure your trip is seamlessly fun.

Shelter

• Tent
• Ground cloth
• Extra stakes
• Shade tarp (and stakes to fasten it)
• Hammer

Bedtime Supplies

• Sleeping bag
• Blankets
• Pillow
• Air mattress (with accompanying pump)
• Pajamas
• Earplugs (in case your tent partner snores)

Cooking Supplies

• Water
• Cooler (with ice)
• Thermos
• Propane stove (optional)
• Matches or lighter
• Charcoal or firewood
• Tablecloth and thumbtacks
• Plates, bowls, and silverware
• Measuring cups
• Aluminum foil
• Paper towels
• Trash bags
• Dish soap
• Pots and pans
• Oven mitts
• Tongs
• Can/bottle opener
• Mugs
• Seasonings/condiments
• Brillo pad
• Coffee
• Food

Clothing

• Shoes
• Boots
• Jeans
• Short
• Light shirts
• Long sleeve shirts
• Extra socks and underwear
• Hat, preferably with a large brim
• Sweatshirts
• Rain gear
• Swimming suits
• Laundry bag

Personal Items

• Flip flops
• Towels and washcloths
• Soap
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Hair brush
• Razors
• Toilet paper
• Extra medication
• A book
• Music device/headphones or speakers

Other Essentials

• Sunscreen and chapstick
• Flashlight
• Extra batteries
• GPS (with charger)
• Insect repepellant
• Camera
• Chairs

First Aid

• Bandages
• Scissors
• Bee sting kit
• Sunscreen
• Antibacterial ointment
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Eye drops
• Hot/cold pack