Tim Seeberg

Annotation:
This book contains information for both those kids who have never camped and campers who want to brush up on their camping knowledge. Information about planning, getting ready, settling into your campsite, and safety tips is included in this book.

My Review:
This book is a good introduction to camping for kids. The reading level suggests older kids would enjoy this book. I like the introduction to camping chapter because it gives a good overview of what camping is like and those things that you can’t take with you (TV, video games, etc.). As well as noting the shortfalls, it also gives a picture of how much fun it is to sleep in a cozy sleeping bag and be able to look up at the stars. It also mentions how good food tastes cooked on a campfire. The chapter about “planning” is very practical – how long the trip, how far you want to travel, the weather outlook, etc. The last chapter gives safety tips for campers. Each person should have a whistle and if you are lost, to stay place and use the whistle until others can find you. There is a short bibliography in the back for additional reading sources.

Other Reviews:
Booklist: Grades 3-5. This review covers two in the series of Kids’ Guides to the Outdoors, Freshwater Fishing, and Camping. The reviewer notes that “Punctuated with color photos of enthusiastic-looking young people and family groups, Seeberg's texts send the clear message that, with a bit of advance planning, adult help, a few items of equipment (which he lists), and respect for basic safety rules, outdoor activities can't fail to be a blast.” However he also suggests shortfalls, “Though bugs, bears, and other discomforts rate barely a mention in Camping, and Freshwater Fishing passes in silence over such topics as baiting hooks, gutting one's catch, or certain aspects of boating safety, the titles will be useful additions to collections serving urban or densely suburban communities.” Since I was only able to find one review on this book, after reading the review, I probably would not have chosen this title.… (meer)