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Traveling is probably one of the most fantastic and exhilarating activities that you can do. The entire world is practically presented before you, just waiting to be explored. And what’s even greater, no two places are exactly the same. It’s a whole new experience with each destination. However, traveling can also be problematic, what with the planning you have to do before you go. It is, therefore, of grave importance that you pick the most proper travel bags before you go. You cannot take your whole house with you, after all. And all your comforts have to be packed into a suitcase. It is only right that this suitcase be the best for you.

So, to help you choose, be sure to consider these various factors:

Material

The travel bag’s material is of prime importance because this is what the bag’s strength will be based on. Bags with metal frames may be the most durable of all, but they are also rather heavy. They will cost you some when you have them weighed at the airport and they will also be much heavier to carry around. There are materials today that are light and yet sturdy, so be sure to pick these. The bag’s cloth type is also vital. Be sure that the cloth does not tear quickly. If possible, find a bag that is water resistant, as you don’t want your belongings wet should you find yourself under the rain.

Features

You must also consider the bag’s features. If you often go on long vacations, then it would be best for you to buy big bags with rollers so that you can accommodate more things and also find it easier to go from place to place. If you are only going for a short trip or if you want to travel light, however, then a shoulder bag may be the better choice. Choose one with many pockets so that you can organize your things properly. Backpacks are also good, but they’re mostly for informal trips. You surely can’t use a backpack when you’re on a business trip. Another characteristic that you should watch out for is the expandability of the bag. Some bags have hidden zippers that can be opened for extra space so that you can accommodate more items. These bags are very practical, especially if your travel plans differ from time to time.

Mrs. Karen D. discuss travel bags on her website. Take a look if you want to learn more about different types of camping.

At Swift Nature Camp, a Summer Camp in Northern Wisconsin, children play outside while learning about Nature and Science. Here are some helpful hints parents can do at home

Teachers tell us the first step in becoming an environmentalist is seeingwhat nature offers. Often this can lead to a desire and commitment to conserve and protect the natural world we live in. THis is one of our fundamental principals at Swift Nature Camp
Walking or hiking through the woods is a regular part of Summer Science Camp.

However, with out having a purpose many times staff and campers merely walk along the trail without really noticing what is around them. They overlook the sounds, sights, textures and diversity of the ecosystem.

There are several interesting activities that can be done while walking through the woodlands. Simple supplies are needed, so it will take only a few minutes to collect them. Or you can prepare a Woodland Walk Kit ahead of time for supplies, and index cards with directions for the activities.

One you feel you have a feel for these activities invite your childrens friends to come along, I’m sure they too will enjoy being away from their scheduled lives and enjoy the peace of nature,

Make a Rubbing
Supplies: Paper, crayons or charcoal
Ahead of time: It is best to have experience at this before you help others.
Assignment: Search for trees, rocks and logs that have a variety of textures. Put the paper over the surface of the tree, rock or log, hold the charcoal or crayon at an angle, and rub over the paper so that the unique pattern is transferred to the paper.
Conversation: What did you discover by doing these rubbings?

Changes
Supplies: Clipboard and writing utensils
Ahead of time: think or research how things would be different if the land was developed
Assignment: Stop along the trail and look into the woods. Imagine that the land had sold this plot of land to a developer to build. How would that development changethings? What effect would it have on the habitat and food supplies of the animals living there? What would happen to the soil if the trees were cut down? How would the plants in the woods change? How would the threat of erosion increase?
Conversation: How have ecosystems near your home been destroyed? What changes have happened to the land?

Look a Tree
Supplies: Blindfolds
|Ahead of time: look for a place on the trail where there is a variety of trees.
Assignment: Find a partner and decide who will be blindfolded first. The sighted partner will lead his/her partner to a tree. The blindfolded child will explore the tree by touch and smell. Then the sighted partner leads his/her partner away from the tree. Once the blindfold is removed, that camper tries to locate the tree. Switch places and repeat.
Conversation: What have you learned about trees that you didn’t know before?

We at Swift Nature Camp hope this gave a sample of some of the projects we do out in Nature. If you child is interested in these sorts of activities have them join us next summer.

If this is your first time thinking about Summer Camp look at Summer Camp Advice a free website that helps parents fing the right camp for thier child.

About the authors: Lonnie Lorenz is the directors of Swift Nature Camp, a non-competitive, traditional overnight Science Summer Camp. Both Boys and Girls Ages 6-15 enjoy Nature & Animals along with traditional camping activities. As a Summer Youth Camp Swift specializes in programs for the First Time Camper as well as Adventure Teen Camp programs