Packing Your Kid’s Suitcase for Camp

Whether it’s a long summer stay by the lake or a weekend trip to that expensive horse camp in autumn, your kids are probably looking forward to their getaway camp trip and all the activities, crafts, learning and fun that is coming their way shortly. Yet as a parent, one of the best ways to ensure your child has a terrific time is to make sure that their bag is packed, iron on clothing labels have been affixed and you have had the foresight to include any number of items which could prove useful to your camper.

Clothes

What you pack in terms of clothing will depend on the season and the time of year. Obviously summer weather requires shorts and tee-shirts and cooler weather will need to see hoodies and jeans going into the suitcase. What is helpful across the board, however, is that you leave the nicer clothes at home. Camp is a good place to get a pretty top covered in a mud or those brand new sneakers worn in one afternoon’s time. Opt for articles you wouldn’t mind seeing stained.

Shoes

Over-packing should be avoided, but a sturdy pair of sneakers is always advisable. If it’s a low-impact camp, consider other types of footwear, but make note: the showers in camp will not be the best place for bare toes, so a pair of flip-flops especially for showering are a must!

Miscellaneous

It may seem like miscellany but these items are just as important as clothes and shoes. For instance, any woodsy campers will need an effective insect repellant, and sun block is a good idea for anyone that will be outside, no matter the temperature, as well as a hat and/or sunglasses. Campers that will be gone a long while might appreciate some envelopes and stamps for writing letters home; and no matter how big your kid, a note tucked into their suitcase from their mom or dad is always a sweet gesture.

Adam Kutner Sees Dangers in Recreational Boating

Recreational boating is a popular pastime in the United States. About 75 million people enjoy boating and have contributed $30 billion in related sales and services to the economy. But the popularity of boating comes at a price: The U.S. Coast Guard reported 4,588 boating accidents in 2011 that resulted in more than 3,000 people injured and another 758 killed. Personal injury attorney Adam Kutner, who works to obtain compensation for accident victims, knows the consequences of unsafe boating.

Factors Contributing to Boating Accidents

The most common factors contributing to boating mishaps include:

• Alcohol
• Boater inattention
• Failure to keep a proper lookout
• Inexperienced boaters
• Speeding
• Equipment failure

Alcohol tops the list as the primary factor contributing to boating accidents. Alcohol alone was responsible in 16 percent of boating fatalities in 2011. A positive statistic is that boaters who participated in an approved boating safety course were far less likely to be involved in a fatal accident than boaters who did not receive training.

Boating and Alcohol in Nevada

It is a crime in Nevada to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol while operating or controlling a boat powered by sail or motor. Similar to driving under the influence laws in Las Vegas, a person with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 percent or greater is deemed to be operating under the influence. Just like the DUI laws, a boater must submit to a breath, urine or blood test at the request of a law enforcement agent.

A boating-under-the-influence conviction is a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail, probation supervision and a fine up to $1,000. An individual whose actions cause death or injury to another person or who has a prior DUI conviction can be charged with a felony. The penalties for a felony conviction are imprisonment for up to 20 years and fines not exceeding $5,000.

Avoiding Accidents Through Boating Safety

The Nevada Department of Wildlife is the law enforcement agency with primary responsibility for boating safety and education in the state. The safety tips recommended by the department include:

• Wear a life jacket: Children under 13 years of age must wear a life jacket. Life jackets are recommended for all boaters
• Avoid alcohol or drugs: The statistics and the criminal laws should convince any boater that alcohol, drugs and boating do not mix
• Observe the Rules: Taking a boating safety course will help a person learn the rules of boating and the proper and safe way to operate a boat. Boater safety courses are mandatory for boats powered by engines over 15 horsepower on Lakes Mead, Topaz and Tahoe.

When Boating Accidents Occur

Adam Kutner is an experienced boating accident lawyer who knows that the increasing popularity of recreational boating will only add to the congestion on the lakes and waterways in Nevada. When accidents occur, victims may be entitled to compensation from the individual who is responsible.

Happy Thoughts

HappyThoughts

1. I have been on time when passing work everyday lately. For the past three weeks, I was always late and I was afraid I’d get kicked out.

2. Season finales of my favorite TV shows – Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal and The Vampire Diaries. WOW. as in WHOAAAAAA.

3. A stay out helper who comes to our place to do the laundry, deep clean and run errands twice a week. I’d get more than twice a week if I can afford it.

4. New music! Thanks to my son who knows music from the 60s to the generation Z (2000s) and who knows what boomwhackers are. (PS: Lately he has been listening to Barry Manilow. I KNOW!)

5. Super nice pictures from Martha’s Birthday Party – check it out here and here. Yes, will blog about this soon.

Currently…

Currently

watching: Season finales of all shows I regularly watch – TVD, Grey’s, Scandal, Beauty and the Beast, Glee – etc. etc.

reading: Matthew is currently reading Les Miserables. I’ve yet to read a book this month. (I read YES! Magazine though)

listening: Bruno Mars’ Unorthodox Jukebox

eating: Trader Joe’s Speculoos Cookie Butter (Crunchy)

drinking: Water. Softdrinks are banned from the house already. But we do drink soda when we are outside.

enjoying: Viber with friends. Party planning. Wedding planning.

thinking: About school expenses, school-related stuff and classes coming sooner than expected.

loving: The weather. It is starting to cool down. Afternoon rainshowers are great too.

wondering: If I will get paid this week. (Story of my life – I can actually count past my two hands the number of times I have said it out loud in this blog)

creating: Some really nice Project Life spreads….in my head.

wanting: Some respite to the stressful times. But as Kissinger said,  “A diamond is a chunk of coal that is made good under pressure.” Some good will come out of this. I am choosing to keep the faith.

Happy Thoughts

1. Martha’s art and crafts party
2. The overwhelming love and support from family and friends
3. Viber
4. Trader Joe’s Speculoos Crunchy Cookie Butter
5. Iron Man 3 with Lolo
6. Red Velvet Pancakes
7. Doting Grandparents
8. The kids’ Mother’s Day gifts
9. Winning 30 pieces of Washi tapes from Bee Happy (Facebook)
10. Planning for my sister’s wedding