He said it all comes down to being prepared (wonder where he got that idea) to enjoy the experience.  "Look at everything you do as getting ready to have a good time at camp."

PAY SPECIAL ATTENTION TO CAMP RULES FOR AN EMERGENCY. Your camp is prepared with procedures to protect you during sudden thunderstorms or other severe weather. However, the success of those procedures depends on each person doing his/her part. Know what YOU are supposed to do. Then DO IT when necessary.

Don't let the weather-RAIN OR SHINE- spoil your fun. No doubt your scoutmaster already said this, but remember RAIN GEAR IS THE LAST THING YOU PACK, so it's the first thing you can grab when you are blessed with a summer shower.

To prepare for sunny days at Scout Camp, SMART SCOUTS PACK SUNSCREEN. Really smart Scouts USE it, too. It's not going to do much good in your camp box. Keep it handy. Camp isn't much fun with a bad sunburn.

PLASTIC BAGS with a zip closure will KEEP CLOTHES DRY and smelling fresh. No matter what kind of weather a day at Camp brings, it's nice to be able to change into dry, clean clothes. Pack 1 change of underwear per bag. When you change, put the worn pieces into the empty bag. Clean underwear stays dry and fresh. AND, your pack or camp chest doesn't smell like dirty socks. Pack 1 change of outerwear in plastic bags, too. If it rains, your tent blows down, and everything gets soaked, you can still put on dry clothing.

DISCOURAGE 4-LEGGED LATE-NIGHT VISITORS by keeping food out of your backpack or your camp chest. You'll get enough to eat at Camp. Most Scout Camps keep a supply of bread and peanut butter on hand for those who might not get enough to eat from the daily menu.

Wearing a cap provides PROTECTION FROM TICKS that may fall out of trees and birds flying over-head (who may drop other presents). Ask your local pharmacist to recommend a safe, effective insect repellant that is effective against ticks and mosquitoes.

EVICT UNWANTED TENANTS IN YOUR SHOES. Make it a habit to turn each shoe upside down and shake before putting it on your foot. Any critter who tried to move in overnight will find itself homeless, and you won't have a spider bite or a scorpion sting to contend with.

The type of area that is great for camping also has perfect growing conditions for poisonous plants. If you are susceptible, you will find POISON IVY BLOCKERS available at your local pharmacy.

Make sure you have PLENTY OF WATER available. Fill your canteen every chance you get and keep it with you. Your body requires lots of water in hot weather.

Assemble a PERSONAL FIRST AID KIT. The Camps First Aid Lodge will be well-equipped, but you may want to pack band-aids, antibiotic ointment, safety pins, matches, and moist towelettes (to clean a cut).

Don't spend all your money the first day at Camp. We'd all like to buy everything the Camp Store sells but that's not realistic. On Monday, think about what you would like to buy on Friday. Stay prepared.

Always remember, YOU have to carry that pack/camp chest to your campsite and back to the parking lot. Keep it as light as possible. Gather everything you want to take to camp. Then, go through it and remove anything you can do without. If it's a long way to the campsite, you will be glad you left your rock collection at home.

If camp rules sound silly or strict, remember they were made to help the camp provide a good experience for you. You will enjoy camp more if you choose to cooperate and participate as part of the team.

Make your mother happy. Change your underwear! She is expecting you to come home with smelly, muddy, clothes that have questionable contents in the pockets. NEVER disappoint your mom!

ONLY YOU CAN DECIDE whether you will have a good time or be miserable at Camp. If your

tent blows over, there's no point in getting upset. Just pitch it again - and ask an older Scout for help in improving your method. Remember, it's only water. You won't melt - and that's why you packed that change of clothes in plastic.

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If you have a camping question for Arnie, please send it to me. I'll pass it on. He promises to try to answer within 24 hours.