THE CAMP BUZZ IS ON- HOW TO DEAL WITH BUGS THIS SUMMER

Presumably, you’re sending your kids to camp because you want to give them the opportunity to reconnect with nature.  It makes sense then,to pack them away with stuff that protects the nature they’re going to visit.

So where do you start?  Well the first thing that comes to many peoples’minds when they think of camp is the bugs.  So let’s start by addressing them.  There are a few simple tips to minimize bites of all kinds, before we get to creams and potions.

1) Choose light-coloured clothing –  Not only are these much cooler in the sun, but mosquitoes are attracted to dark colours, and much less likely to bite you in lightly coloured clothing.

2) Go for coverage – A light, long-sleeved shirt is not much hotter than a t-shirt, and can drastically reduce the number of bites that kids get.  Light, long pants can offer the same kind of protection, and there’s even the kind that convert to shorts if you’re out of the woods and get too hot.  Socks are important too.  Don’t choose the low kind that leave your ankles bare.  Bites on the joints can be some of the itchiest and most annoying for the kids, so we want to avoid them as much as possible. And finally, a hat is a great way to keep the bugs from burrowing in the kids’ hair and feasting.

3)  Don’t wear anything “stinky” – Send the kids with unscented shampoos, creams and sunscreens, and try to wash their clothes in unscented detergents before they leave.  All of these things attract bugs in droves.

If you still want some kind of a bug repellent, I’d suggest using something without harmful chemicals in it.  This protects both your childrens’ health, and the plants and animals that they’re going to visit.  DEET, while quite effective as a repellent, is a toxic chemical, and should be used sparingly if at all.   The challenge is that there are so many “natural” solutions out there that really don’t work, so are hardly worth the expense and effort.  Repellents containing either eucalyptus and citronella, or both seem to be the most promising.

We are proud to be teaming up with Amici Camping Charity , where they have been sending thousands of underprivileged kids to camp for almost 45 years. By purchasing one of our GreenCricket camper promotions, parents save 15% on environmentally friendly camp products, AND we donate 5% of the proceeds to Camp Amici to continue their great work! Only until June 24, so act quickly!!

Camps and campers know how fragile our environment is, so make sure that you only take biodegradable, reusable or recycled product with you up North this summer.

Here are some camping essentials:

 Biodegradable Shampoo and Conditioner 

Biodegradable Dish Soap 

Parabens Free, SPF 30 Kids Sunscreen

Preserve Recycled Toothbrush (6 pack set) 

Citronella Milk Lotion (130ml) 

Have a safe and wonderful summer……and don’t forget to support Kids at Camp with Green Cricket and Camp Amici.

Susan Mey  

After some cooler temperatures last week, it’s finally starting to feel like spring! The perennials in my garden are coming up, and the heirloom tomato seeds that I planted this winter are ready for re-planting. I love the idea of having fresh heirloom tomatoes all summer, but I’m not much of a gardener so I’m just crossing my fingers that this experiment will work. For those of you with more of a green thumb who are looking to be inspired by a some urban gardening, check out what Sarah has been up to over at her blog,  Diggin’ the Dirt.

Raised beds are a great idea for gardening in the city, especially when soil quality is a concern. They can be any size, and can even be built on a balcony, drainage is better than a traditional garden, and so is removing weeds and pests. Also, seedlings can be planted closer together than in traditional gardens, so raised bed gardens are a great use of space. Now that I’m feeling inspired, I’m going to pick up some potting soil and some fertilizer and do some potted plant gardening this weekend!