There’s no better way to enjoy the great outdoors than with the ones you love. If you are a fan of camping and are looking for a fun challenge the whole family will enjoy then check out the Basic Survival Skills Campout happening at Mark Twain State Park this coming fall. You won’t want to miss this unique opportunity to bond with your family in the beautiful Missouri back country.
Now is a good time to go through your camping gear checklist. If you keep a pair of sunglasses in your pack, check out our discounted Oakleys replacement lenses and give your favorite frames an upgrade with polarized lenses before you head out into the wilderness.
Some History on Mark Twain State Park
Visitors to Mark Twain State Park can escape the bustle of everyday life and take a step back in time. Whether strolling the river or enjoying one of the many trails winding through the surrounding woods, you’re sure to feel some of the inspiration that the famous author felt while spending his time among those very same trees. The park was established in the 1920s by the Mark Twain Memorial Park Association and borders his home village of Florida, Mo.
The park’s terrain is much more hilly and rugged than most others in eastern Missouri, thanks to the many tributaries that have shaped the land before feeding into Mark Twain Lake. The park also features a diverse range of plants including both prairie and upland forest species.
A variety of animals call the beautiful park home as well. Among the area’s native residents, visitors may see white-tailed deer, turkey, raccoons, squirrels, osprey, northern harriers, bald eagles, and various species of waterfowl.
Although the lake is one of the most popular attractions in the park, it was not original to the landscape. Construction of the Clarence Cannon Dam began in 1966 and wasn’t completed until 1983. The dam was built across the Salt River in an effort to control flooding in the surrounding valley, but the resulting 18,000-acre lake also provides various recreational activities to locals and visitors alike.
Some other features of Mark Twain State Park include both basic and electric campsites, showers, and a laundry facility. Camper cabins are also available, offering guests heating and air conditioning, with space for up to four adults and two children. A boat ramp and fish cleaning station are located near the campgrounds as well. Popular activities include fishing, boating, swimming, picnicking, and hiking.
Test Your Outdoor Abilities With A Basic Survival Skills Camp
If you’re looking for a unique camping trip that you and your family can enjoy together then check out the upcoming Basic Survival Skills Camp on September 9th at Mark Twain State Park in Missouri. This organized camping event is designed both to encourage a love of camping, and to educate families on some of the essential skills needed to survive in the wilderness.
Camp participants can set up their tents any time on Friday, September 9th, at the special use campsite. Then get ready to meet down at the amphitheater by 8:30pm for the evening hike. Following the hike, campers will return to their tents and hopefully get a good night’s rest in preparation for the following day’s events.
The survival skills classes will begin bright and early Saturday morning, from 9:30-11:30am. The following skills will be taught:
- Fire Building
- Water Collection
- Shelter Building
- Wild Edibles
Families who want to participate must pre-register for the event as there are only 10 spaces available. Iif you want to participate in this awesome activity reserve your spot ASAP! You can learn more about event, and get contact information to sign up at www.mostateparks.com.
After the activities are over on Saturday, be sure to go explore the Mark Twain Birthplace Historic Site adjacent to the park. This museum stands where the famous author’s childhood home once sat. The cabin in which he was born has been preserved for visitors to tour, and the museum features many additional exhibits as well, all centering around Mark Twain’s life and writings. Visitors to the museum can learn all about where he lived as a child, how he came up with his brilliant ideas and more!
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As with any camping trip, you’ll want to bring some basic supplies to the event. In addition to food and water, you should also bring a tent, sleeping bag, and any other amenities you think you’ll need.
When you’re going through your camping supplies make sure you replace any damaged items. If your sunglasses need new lenses, then it may be time to invest in a pair of discounted Oakleys replacement lenses. LenzFlip.com offers amazingly affordable, polycarbonate lenses in a variety of tints for every situation - polarized lenses are available, too. These lenses are the right thickness and will fit your frames exactly like the originals.
Now, if you really want to get serious about survival camping, you will want to invest in a few more essentials.
The first thing you will need to get is a sturdy internal frame backpacking pack. These packs range anywhere from 2000 to 5000 cubic inches and are designed to carry everything you need for a weekend in the mountains.
Depending on where you will be camping, you will then want to pack a variety of clothing, cooking utensils, sleeping essentials, and emergency supplies. Your survival pack should be lightweight enough to carry for long periods of time, but stocked with plenty of supplies so you are prepared no matter the situation.
Building a survival kit is a personal endeavor because the essentials can vary based on your own needs and circumstances. But here are some general guidelines to get you started.
Clothing
- Hiking pants/shorts
- T-shirt
- Underwear
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- Light sweater
- Lightweight jacket/down jacket
- Socks (1 pair for every 2 days)
- Beanie and gloves
- Sandals or slip-on shoes
Cooking
- Backpacking stove and fuel
- Pot set
- Utensils
- Bowl, cup, and spork
- Sponge and soap
- Food and water
- Water filter
Sleeping
- Down or synthetic sleeping bag
- Lightweight sleeping pad
- 3-Season tent
Emergency Supplies
- First aid kit
- Headlamp
- Lighter and waterproof matches
- Map and compass or GPS
- Accessory cord
- Toiletries
- Duct tape/repair kit
- Pocket knife
- Camera/journal
Whether you are a seasoned survivalist, new to the scene, or want to get one of your little ones involved in the activity, the upcoming Basic Survival Skills Camp at Mark Twain State Park is a great one to attend. Besides, it never hurts to review the basics, and this way you can do it with the whole family because all skill levels are welcome. Not to mention, it will be a great way to break in some of your new gear, including your new polarized discounted Oakleys replacement lenses.
Gather your gear and sign up today to reserve your spot!