Turn off the TV...

Presumably, if you've stumbled across this page you have some interest in the outdoors. If not, stick around, perhaps I can persuade you take a little more interest.

With competition from TV, video games, MP3 players, and any of the other electronic devices that captivate the masses, fewer and fewer people are venturing outdoors. Now, by "outdoors" I don't mean the walk from the front door to the car every morning on the way to work, or the quick jaunt to the bus stop. I mean the stump-jumping, rock climbing, tent pitching, lure casting, canoe paddling outdoors that really should be savored and enjoyed slowly and deliberately.

Whether you're interested in this type outdoors or not is irrelevant, but if you have children, are related to a child, know a child, or someone with a child you should do your best to support a more active outdoor related lifestyle. These kids shouldn’t learn how to fish from a video game, or learn about constellations from the Discovery Channel. They should be in the thick of it, knee deep in the mud catching frogs, running through a field chasing dragon flies, and tiptoeing through the woods after a deer.

Summer is upon us. Warm weather, sunny skies, and millions of kids off for three months all await around the next bend. Don’t let your kids or any kid for that matter lock themselves inside for those three months. If you are in South Jersey plan a hike on the Batona Trail, rent a canoe and glide down the Egg Harbor, Batsto, Wading Rivers, head out to the lake with a fishing rod and some night crawlers, and support our local, state, and county parks by taking the family on an inexpensive camping trip close to home.

Getting kids outside from an early age is the bet way to impart an appreciation for the outdoors. The sooner they fall in love with the woods and water the better. As they get older it will fall on their shoulders to protect everything the we hold dear. The key to saving and protecting the environment in the future is getting the kids outside and involved now.

I'm Back....

After a 3-month hiatus I've ventured back to the blog like a bear climbing out of hibernation. This blog is an extension of my Fishing/Outdoor column in the the Courier Post, a Philadelphia/South Jersey area newspaper.


This is the 4th year my column has appeared in the paper, and I have a good time with it every season.

I'm always looking for great New Jersey outdoors/fishing photos so if you would like to see your shots in print, send them my way by emailing sjoutdoors (at) gmail (dot) com.

Ahh, Spring....

May is a great time to get back to your old outdoor activities. Average temperatures stay range in the 70’s. Most of the rain from March and April is behind us, and after the middle of the month you won’t have to worry about any late season frost. Many of the state and county parks have a wide variety of activities planned for the spring, but most importantly many of the camping areas are opened back up for the season.


For those who cannot get enough of being outside the winter months can be torture. Now, fortunately, we can open the windows, air out the house and spend sometime outside. If you are one of those outdoor enthusiasts that cannot stand to be cooped up consider spending a few nights out under the stars to help get you back into the swing of things.


The great thing about utilizing a campsite at some of south Jersey’s parks is that they are relatively inexpensive, depending on the amenities you require. Most rustic campsites cost less than $20 a night. Rustic sites do not generally provide shelter or showers, so you’ll want to bring a tent and some extra deodorant on your trip. More extensive sites that offer showers or cabins will cost more depending on when you are planning your trip.


The best way to find out what it will cost is to give your local county or state park a call. Parks within the same county often carry a standard camping price, as would state designated parks. As the weather improves campsites will be filling up so make your reservations as early as possible.


When your out in the woods there are few things you should not leave at home. The first necessary item is bug spray. Let’s face it there is a trade off every time you step out to enjoy the fresh air. Mosquitoes, chiggers, and ticks can be quite a nuisance if you are not prepared. Sun block is always important as well. Nothing can ruin a weekend adventure like bad sunburn. Even though many campgrounds are well within driving distance of convenience stores it’s not a bad idea to bring a first aid kit for those minor cuts and bruises.


In terms of camping equipment, there are reasonably priced tents for families of all sizes. Unless you are a hardcore enthusiast you do not need to spend thousands of dollars to enjoy a few nights outside. If you plan on doing most of your camping during the spring and summer months consider a sleeping bag that is suited for thirty-forty degree temperatures.


If you aren’t planning on using an inflatable mattress, it’s always a good idea to purchase a pad for under your sleeping bag. The sleeping pad will add a little bit of comfort, but most importantly it will keep you dry and warm. The pad prevents moisture from being absorbed through the floor of your tent.


Chances are good that you will spend the day hiking, swimming, fishing, or running around before you zip up the tent at night. It is a good idea to change all of your clothes before you go to sleep, especially your socks! If you don’t, you can expect cold feet to cause you discomfort throughout the night. Remember this is important even when nighttime temperatures remain in the 60s and 70s.


Once you have your equipment and sleeping arrangements established, you must remember to pack the true camping essentials. Marshmallows, graham crackers & chocolate for Smores, and nothing beats a hotdog cooked to perfection over the flames of a campfire. Check your local library for books that offer great campfire stories, and other activities you can enjoy while you’re under the stars.
If you head out into the woods this spring, be prepared, be safe, and have fun!