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Cooking With Kids: Campfire Recipes

27 Friday Jun 2014

Posted by in Healthy Lifestyle, Kids and Camping

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Cooking With Kids: Campfire Recipes

When we think of campfire cooking, S’mores is typically the first to come to mind. This tried and true recipe is a camping favorite,  but let’s branch out and try something new.  These kid-friendly recipes will make even your pickiest eater happy especially after they get to help make their own treat.

Safety precautions:

  • Obey the campground rules regarding fires and fire safety.
  • Never leave children unattended around the stove or campfire.
  • Be careful not to leave your tongs or other cooking tools too close to the fire. They will get hot quicker than you might think.

Omelet in a Bag RecipeOmelet in a Bag

This campfire cooking breakfast is so simple to do. Put a large pot of water on a camping stove or on a grate over the campfire and bring the water to a boil. While the water is heating, prepare the boiling bags by first writing everyone’s name on a quart-size freezer bag. Break two eggs into each bag and have your kids add their favorite omelet ingredients. Some options may include:

  • Cheese
  • Ham
  • Pre-cooked bacon or bacon bits
  • Chopped onions
  • Chopped bell peppers

Close the bag and gently shake to mix the ingredients together. Once mixed thoroughly, gently squeeze air out of the bag. (Don’t skip this step or the bag will burst in the boiling water.) Add bags to boiling water and let sit for 10 minutes or until the eggs are solid. Using tongs, take each bag out of the water and pour the omelet onto a plate. Season with salt and pepper.

Adding a side of fruit will round out this nutritious breakfast and get your day off to a great start.

Campfire Pizza Recipe

 

Campfire Flat Bread Pizza

Most of the work involved in this kid-friendly treat is deciding what combination of ingredients to put on your pizza! If you’re able to bring everything to the campsite pre-sliced, the assembly of your pizza goes much faster. Begin by prepping your campfire so that by the time you are ready to cook your pizzas, you have a good bed of coals and low to medium-sized flames under the grill.

Basic ingredients:

  • Flatbread – Use naan bread or pita, lavash or foccacia bread. A pre-cooked pizza crust will also do the trick. If you’re adventurous, experiment with pre-made pizza dough and precook your bread before adding any toppings.
  • Sauce – Use basic marinara or spaghetti sauce or if you want to be fancy, use pesto or a cream-based sauce like Alfredo, or even barbeque sauce. For a sauce- less version, drizzle olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  • Cheese – Mozzarella is the crowd favorite but you can also use cheddar, parmesan, goat or blue cheese.
  • Toppings –  Fresh veggies and fruit  like mushrooms, bell pepper, onions, olives, or pineapple
  • Meat – Look for options that are pre-cooked like pepperoni, prosciutto, sliced chicken, crumbled hamburger or sausage or chopped ham

Yield 1 pizza /serving                                                      Prep time: 10-15 minutes   Cook Time: 10-15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 flat bread
  • 3-4 tablespoon sauce
  • 1/3 cup cheese, grated
  • 1/3 cup of your favorite veggies, chopped
  • 3-4 slices of meat, optional

Assemble:

  1. Pull out a sheet of foil that is 2X as long as the length of your flat bread and place your bread in the middle.
  2. Layer your ingredients on top of the bread beginning with the sauce followed by cheese and toppings
  3. Wrap your pizza in a sealed foil package leaving room at the top of the pizza so the foil doesn’t rest on the toppings. Tip: stick a few toothpicks in your pizza before closing the packet and this will help keep the foil from resting on your toppings.
  4. Place on grill until the cheese is nice and melted. Open the foil periodically to make sure the bottom of the flatbread is not burning.

Campfire ConeCampfire Cones - Dessert Recipe

Begin by prepping your campfire so that by the time you are ready to cook, you’ve got a good bed of coals and low to medium-sized flames under the grill.

You will need:

  • Sugar cones
  • Peanut butter
  • Mini marshmallow
  • Chocolate chips
  • Bananas
  • Aluminum foil

Here’s what you do:

  1.  Slice bananas
  2. Spread peanut butter inside of each cone; place a couple of marshmallows in the tip of each cone (this will help keep catch drips from leaking through the bottom of the cone)
  3. Layer in bananas, marshmallow and chocolate chips
  4. Wrap the whole cone in aluminum foil, the place over hot coals for 5-10 minutes, turning often
  5. Unwrap cone, checking to see if everything is melted
  6. ENJOY!

This quick and easy dessert is the perfect finish to a campfire meal.

Cook Over a Fire Badge - Coach-Net COBRCooking over the campfire not only helps connect your child to the great outdoors and the camping experience but you’ll be helping them learn a life skill and make memories that will last a lifetime.Earn this badge as part of our Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights. For more information on this badge and others and how you can make a difference in the life of a child visit http://www.coach-net.com/COBR/

 

 

Souces:

Campfire cone
http://www.cometogetherkids.com/2012/05/campfire-cones.html
Omelet
http://www.active.com/outdoors/articles/6-campfire-recipes-kids-love-to-make
Pizza
http://www.dirtygourmet.com/campfire-flatbread-pizza

Connecting Kids with Nature

20 Friday Jun 2014

Posted by in Healthy Lifestyle, Kids and Camping

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Connecting-Kids-header

For some of us, playing outside was all we had for entertainment growing up. There were no video games, cell phones, laptops or tablets, DVD movies or unlimited TV channels offering instant entertainment 24/7. We made our own entertainment along with all the other kids in our neighborhood. In the summer especially, we played outside all day and we all knew when it was time to go home – when the streetlights came on!

For those of you who remember the ‘streetlight’ days, delight in the fact you share a connection with everyone else who had similar experiences.  You know what it feels like to run barefoot in the grass, climb a tree, or ride a bike with the cool wind in your face. The feelings those experiences create for each of us makes us all kindred spirits despite the range in ages or geographic region.

Within the last decade or so we’ve begun to recognize that kids today do not have the outdoor experiences of previous generations. Try yelling “Ollie Ollie Oxen Free” at a child and – providing they don’t have earbuds in and can hear you – they’ll probably look at you like you’re crazy. The lack of connection today’s youth has to the outdoors has further widened the generation gap and has also contributed to higher rates of childhood obesity and other health issues. Studies have also shown that exposure to the outdoors helps reduce ADHD symptoms and increases scores on standardized tests. So how do we get our kids back outside?

Bridge-the-GapBridging the Gap

In 2007, California created a Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights (COBR) and many states have since drafted their own versions. These lists of fundamental experiences are meant to nourish children’s physical, social and emotional development while connecting them to the outdoors through their backyards, neighborhoods, cities and region.

The COBR acts as a guide to encourage families to get out in nature ,realize the importance of these simple acts, recognize the bond created through these shared experiences, and feel the connection to one another and the outdoors.

How can You Get Involved?

Coach-Net encourages you to promote every child’s right to experience and explore nature so we’ve created our own Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights for you to use or you can see if your state has one with act ivies specific to your area.

We are asking our members and the outdoor enthusiast community to commit to making a difference in the life of a child by helping him or her check at least one of these activities off the list:Badges

  1. Swim in a lake or a river
  2. Ride a bike
  3. Follow a trail
  4. Go on a picnic
  5. Camp under the stars
  6. Cook over a fire
  7. Go fishing
  8. Go boating
  9. Smell a wildflower
  10. Listen to the songs of birds, crickets or frogs
  11. Walk barefoot in the grass
  12. Fly a kite

As you complete each one, share your dedication to making a difference in the life of a child through your social media outlets by pinning, tweeting, and posting the images found here and help spread the word of encouragement to others to do the same.

If you commit to ensuring the children in your life have the opportunity to connect with nature at an early age and build upon that connection throughout their developing years, you are not only helping to build a foundation  for them to become good stewards of the earth, you are creating a bond of shared experiences and ultimately a bridge over the widening generational gap.

Most Popular Canada Campgrounds-Part 1

27 Wednesday Nov 2013

Posted by in Travel Destinations

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Choosing just one campground in Canada poses a challenge as the country has a diverse environment. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys hiking mountain trails, canoeing scenic lakes, or snow and cross country skiing, or even if you prefer surfing the waves, Canada has a campground to accommodate your needs.

Algoquin Provincial Park

Camping Alogoquin Park Canada

Several RV campgrounds are available within this Ontario park with accommodations for fifth wheels, travel trailers, Class A motor homes, Class B camper vans, and folding camping trailers. The campgrounds with electrical sites, flush toilets, showers, and beach include Lake of Two Rivers, Mew Lake, Pog Lake, Carnisbay Lake, and Rock Lake. Some of the campgrounds can even accommodate RVs over 32-feet. Algonquin Park offers plenty of activities including biking, canoeing, fishing, boating, skiing, whitewater canoeing, snowmobiling, and wildlife observation.

Canoe River Campground

Camping Canoe River Canada

Located at the foot of the Canoe Mountain in British Columbia, guests enjoy a peaceful and serene setting with impressive views. The campground has 114 sites – several along the river – with 15, 30, and 50 amp service, playgrounds, showers, and heated washrooms. They’re also minutes from Valemount, BC, with golfing, shopping, restaurants, hiking, fishing, and a local rodeo.

Sand Lake Campground

Sand Lake Camping Canada

Back in Ontario, you can enjoy Sand Lake campground where guests enjoy spectacular views of the 2,000 plus acre lake, a beach area for swimming, boat rentals, fishing, and a game room. The campground is just 5 minutes from Elgin where you’ll have access to grocery stores, restaurants, post office, laundromat, bowling alley, and pharmacy. Sites are available by the night, week, or season with the option of a basic site to one with water, dump station service, and 30 amp hydro power.

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

Pacific Rim National Park Canada Camping

Meanwhile, back to British Columbia and the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. Facing the open waters of the Pacific Ocean and bordered by the Vancouver Island Range, the park provides a wide range of activities from its lush rainforest to intertidal areas. Activities available include fishing, boating, biking, birding, surf kayaking, paddle boarding, kite surfing, and hiking. The Long Beach Unit is located inside the park with multiple camping options. Outside the park, there are several campgrounds nearby in Ucluelet and Tofino.

Traveling to Canada offers nearly endless activities from fishing to snow skiing. No matter where the road takes you, Coach-Net is along for the ride providing roadside assistance every mile of the way.

Do you have a favorite Canadian Campground that isn’t on our list? Let us know and we may feature it in a later blog- share in the comments below, on Facebook  or on Twitter.

Tailgating in your RV

22 Friday Nov 2013

Posted by in Travel Destinations

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Tailgate parties and RVs are a perfect match. Whether you’re planning a tailgating party at a local campground, a stadium close to home, or even one out of town, having the convenience of a home on wheels adds to the enjoyment and the ease of party preparation. To help prepare for your tailgating adventure, check out these tips to ensure you have a fun-filled time:

Essentials

  • An awning or umbrella to protect you from the sun on a nice day, or the rain on a cloudy one.
  • Portable outdoor fan or heater.
  • Folding lawn chairs.
  • Sunglasses, bug repellent, sunscreen, and appropriate clothing for the temperature outside
  • A game or two like horseshoes or corn hole, or if there’s a designated play area at the park, campground, or stadium, bring a football or play badminton.
  • Plenty of water and non-sugary beverages on hand to stay hydrated – un-sweetened iced tea and Gatorade are good choices.
  • Plenty of snacks and food! Both are requirements for a successful tailgating party.

Tailgating Food

More on that last point: everyone loves tailgating food and beverage. Keep it simple so there’s time to socialize and enjoy the activities.

  • Set up a table with snacks. Include different varieties of chips, pretzels, fresh veggies, and dips (including salsa and spreads). Keep anything that requires refrigeration on ice.
  • Light up the grill and make it a traditional cookout with hotdogs and burgers. If you have room, throw on a package of wings or a slab of ribs.
  • Purchase premade potato salad and coleslaw from a local deli or make ahead of time. Keep cool until food is ready to serve.
  • Prepare as much ahead of time as possible. Place sliced tomatoes, pickles, sliced onions, and lettuce in separate dishes so guests can dress up their burgers. Have an assortment of sliced cheese on hand to add to your burger.
  • For the dogs, have mustard, ketchup, relish, diced onions, and shredded cheese. Heat a can of hot dog chili and place a container aside.

Have more tips for the perfect tailgate? Let us know!

Wherever your tailgate party may be, Coach-Net will be there to ensure you get there and back safely. Enjoy!

Tailgating Meal

Time to Get Organized

13 Wednesday Nov 2013

Posted by in Tips & Tricks

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Whether you live in your RV year round, travel frequently, or enjoy an occasional weekend getaway, there are always things that accumulate in your space that you probably don’t need or use. This clutter takes up space that can be used for those things you really do need or want to bring along on the next road trip. The clutter also contributes to stress and may disrupt peace of mind, as an unorganized environment has a subtle, but noticeable, effect on your comfort levels.

So, no excuses. Grab some large storage bins and super strong garbage bags and plug in the paper shredder in preparation of putting things in order. You’ll feel better after it’s all done.

Basic Steps to Organization

  • Start with one area at a time and don’t move on until it’s completed. Hopping around from one area to another only adds to the disorganization.
  • Place 4 bins in the area; 1 for items to keep, 1 for recycling, 1 for items to donate and 1 for trash/shredding.
  • Don’t hesitate. Look at each item and determine its worth. If you don’t use it, you don’t need it.
  • Go through each drawer, cabinet, shelf, and closet sorting items into bins as you go.
  • Look around. If the area seems cluttered, consider moving out non-essential items such as an extra lamp, chair or table.
  • Once an area is complete, replace items from the “to keep” bin in an organized manner.
  • Repeat steps for each room.
  • Take the items in the “to donate” bin, such as clothes, blankets, linens, and children’s toys, and put them into a sturdy garbage bag and take to a local community center, church, homeless shelter, or abuse center, as soon as possible.
  • Other donated items such as old grills, dishware, glassware, cookware, electronics, and any other item that may be used can be dropped off at collection centers.
  • The “to recycle” bin speaks for itself. Drop items off at a local collection center.
  • Toss items from the “trash/shredding” bin that are no longer usable, and shred any paperwork containing identifying information.

Being organized and ready for anything the road has to offer is what Coach-Net is all about with its years of experience providing roadside assistance to RV adventurers.

Have more tips? Let us know your secrets to complete organization on Facebook, Twitter , or in the comments below.

Columbus Day and the Spirit of Exploration

16 Wednesday Oct 2013

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In the spirit of Columbus Day, consider your next adventure one of exploration across some of America’s famous highways. Discover the history and what awaits you on these unique roads from coast to coast.

Pacific Coast Highway

A visual smorgasbord of landscapes, the Pacific Coast highway spans the majority of the west coast, featuring harrowing turns and plunging cliffs. Plan your trip to be in time for the 57th Monterey Jazz Festival, stop off at Fisherman’s Wharf for dining and shopping, and head to Carmel-by-the-Sea and enjoy its parks, beaches, and aquarium. End the adventure in San Simeon and a tour of the 165-room Hearst Castle situated on 127 acres.

Blue Ridge Parkway

Another stunning drive takes you through the Appalachian Mountains and three states: Tennessee, North Carolina, and Virginia. The Parkway offers panoramic views of the mountains, hiking trails, and scenic waterfalls. Stop at the overlooks and visit the many areas such as the Peaks of Otter, Craggy Gardens, Chimney Rock State Park, Rocky Knob and Mabry Mill, and the endangered Humpback Rocks. You’ll also have access to the Great Smoky Mountains and Shenandoah National Park. Take the exit at Asheville, NC and spend the day at the 250-room Biltmore Estate, gardens, and winery built by George Washington Vanderbilt II from 1889-1895.

Route 66

With over 2400 miles to explore, Route 66 will keep you busy for days traveling through 8 states. The road dates to 1926 and begins in Chicago and ends in California. Along the way, stop at Meramec Caverns, the Painted Desert, parks, museums, and local attractions.

Have an adventure of a lifetime. Just like Columbus, explore places you’ve never seen. Unlike Columbus however, you’ll always have a safety net with Coach-Net providing 24/7 roadside assistance. So go forth and discover new and exciting destinations and really embrace your spirit of adventure!

Let us know where you love to go exploring! We may just feature it in a future blog- let us know in the comments, on Facebook, or on Twitter.

Historic Route 66 Sign

Photographer: eGuide Travel (via Flickr Creative Commons)

More Popular US Campgrounds

26 Thursday Sep 2013

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When it’s time to start planning a camping itinerary and the destination can be anywhere in the US, it can be a daunting task to choose from so many top-notch campgrounds. From coast to coast, there are literally thousands of campgrounds across America, but there are a few parks that lead the pack.

Clay’s Park Resort located near Cleveland, Ohio, offers full hook-up amenities along its 20-acre lake. Take a kayak or canoe out for a day of boating or fishing, hike the trails, or visit the new Adventure Waterpark, which includes activities such as zip lines, water volleyball, a 10-acre lake with a sand bottom for swimming, and water slides with 150-foot drops.

Crystal Lake RV Resort in Naples offers excellent amenities to enjoy the Florida sunshine. Sites are fully equipped with plenty of room for slide outs. You’ll have everything you’ll need, including cable, laundry, and self-service RV wash and dump stations. The recreational options include a heated pool, spa, dock, rec hall, lake, game room, exercise room, tennis, and more.

Mountain Valley RV Resort in Utah will keep you busy with onsite activities, including an exercise room, playground for kids, heated pool, spa, and pavilion. This cozy resort accommodates 127 sites with full hook-ups with 30-50 amp coverage on paved and shaded sites. Visit nearby parks including Wasatch Mountain State Park, Deer Creek State Recreational Area, and Jordanelle State Park.

Nevada Treasure RV Resort in Pahrump, Nevada, puts you within an hour’s drive of Vegas and the beautiful outdoors of Death Valley National Park, Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, Spring Mountain Ranch State Park, and Aliante Nature Discovery Park. The resort is open year-round with 202 available spaces, 167 with full hook-ups. After a day of sightseeing; relax at the heated pool, unwind in the spa or sauna, or workout in the exercise room.

We at Coach-Net, would love to hear about your favorite campgrounds- let us know by comments, Facebook, or Twitter. We would love to know where you travel in confidence!

Fun Fall Activities for You and Your Family While on the Road

23 Monday Sep 2013

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Autumn is one of the best times of the year to enjoy attractions and outdoor activities. The weather is cooling off, which means that summer activities are coming to an end. Don’t worry though; there are still plenty of great fall activities and events to enjoy. Be sure to consider a few of these fun autumn activities while you’re out and about on the road.

Fall means changing leaves and pumpkin patches. If traveling with children, bring along some craft supplies such as construction paper, glue, safety scissors, notebooks, sketchpads, and markers. Stop along the way and collect different sizes and colors of fall leaves. The kids can make colorful collages to take back home.

Before leaving, look for area pumpkin patches near your anticipated destination. Head to the patch and pick your own. Carve a creative jack-o-lantern face or a cool design, place a battery-operated candle inside, and get your RV into that fall spirit with a great decoration.

Hiking the interesting trails across America will never become dull. Depending on your destination, stop along the way at state or national parks. Pack a backpack with snacks and water, and head out for an hour or two. If you prefer boating, rent a canoe and explore the many lakes and rivers across the country. Be sure to take lots of pictures of all the beautiful fall colors along the way.

At all the interesting places you visit while traveling, create an ongoing journal or scrapbook by taking pictures or collecting small mementos along the way. You can also try drawing the scenes to create a one-of-a-kind art piece.

Visit towns that are ‘off the grid.’ Some of these out-of-the-way places have interesting museums, historical battlefields, vintage shops, and local festivals and attractions.

If traveling in the mountains, stop along the way at the scenic overlooks. Explore any trails available to see lakes, waterfalls, and panoramic views. Don’t forget to take some pictures.

Bring along bicycles, if possible. If not, choose a campground with rental bikes. Get the family together and head out for an excursion. Pack sandwiches, fruit, snacks, and water and stop by the roadside for an impromptu picnic.

A campfire is part of the camping experience. Make it special with everyone gathered around toasting marshmallows, making s’mores, and talking about the day’s adventures.

Next month, Coach-Net is having a Fall Foliage Photo Contest. So get out there, enjoy nature, take pictures, and share them with us. What are you going to take a picture of?