MIS camping weekend

By:

When: Bastrop State Park on Saturday March 29-30/2014

Organizers: Magellan International School and Texas Outdoor Family 

Number of participants: 21 adults and 12 children (K-5)

Activities: kayaking, geo-catching, hiking and fishing.

Contact:

Robert Owen

Texas Outdoor Family Program Coordinator

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

(512)389-8791 (office)

(940)445-0203 (cell)

Austin, TX

Outdoor skills: 7 Leave No Trace principles:

1. Know before you go: be sure to pack everything you'll need, including appropriate clothes for the expected weather (cold, hot, rainy), maps, hiking shoes, etc. Learn about the place you are visiting: which places you shouldn't miss, which you should avoid, what kind of habitat is it. The more you know, the more fun you'll have.

2. Choose the right path: avoid damaging the local environment by staying in the main trails. This not only protects nature, but keeps you from getting lost. Remember some plants may be toxic, so be careful about what you touch. Camp in designated campsites, well clear from roads, parking, trails and water.

3. Trash your trash: bring a plastic bag to take back with you everything you bring, even crumbs. If available, use outdoor toilets, or poo like a cat: go in a small hole 4-8 inches deep and at least 100 yards from water. Put any toilet paper in your trash bag. Keep water clean: do not put soap, food, or poop in lakes or streams.

4. Leave what you find: Preserve the past: examine, but do not touch natural, cultural or historic structures and artifacts so the next person can enjoy them. Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them. Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species. Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches.\\

5. Be careful with fire: use a camp stove for cooking; it's easier to cook on and clean up than a fire. Be sure it's OK to build a campfire in the area you're visiting. Use an existing fire ring to protect the ground from heat. Keep your fire small. Remember, campfires aren't for trash or food. Do not snap branches off live, dead or downed trees; instead, collect loose sticks from the ground. Burn all wood to ash and be sure that the fire is completely out and cold before you leave.

6. Respect wildlife: Observe animals from a distance and never approach, feed or follow them. Human food is unhealthy for all animals and feeding them starts bad habits. Protect wildlife and your food by storing your meals and trash. Control pets at all times, or leave them at home.

7. Be kind to other visitors: Make sure the fun you have in the outodoors does not bother anyone else. Remember that other visitors are there to enjoy the outdoors. Listen to NATURE. Avoid making loud noises or yelling. You will see more animals if you are quiet.

Created by MIS Green Coach

Source: The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics www.lnt.org