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FALL 2020 Ode to Joy 90 YEAR OLD Grandma Proves ON PAGE 40 Today s Pop Up Trailers ON PAGE 63 HOW TO CREATE FOIL PACKET MEALS ON PAGE 32 Interviews how tos camp foods camp style Challenges Win This Trailer
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For more information, please visit www.camco.net/home/girl-camperSubscribe to our YouTube channel for helpful camping tips & gear!A lifestyle brand designed and curated by Camco...Stylish, useful and fun.Show your love for the campsite wherever you go.Girl Camper LIBATC Full Page Ad.indd 1Girl Camper LIBATC Full Page Ad.indd 1 9/14/20 2:01 PM9/14/20 2:01 PM
Contents5 EDITOR’S NOTE8 TRAVEL30 HEALTH & WELLNESS32 FOOD36 GEAR & APPAREL40 LIFESTYLE68 STYLE76 DIY. MAKE AHEAD MEALS Breakfast BurritosGear & Apparel. OUR FAVORITE THINGS The Gift Guide for Every Girl Camper. LIGHT MY FIRE Must Haves for the Campsite. GIRL CAMPER WISDOM Overcoming a Fear of Towing. CAMPFIRE Building the Perfect FireHealth & Wellness. CAMP DOCTOR Snake Safety. THE WELLNESS FACTOR Easy Food SwapsFood. LOOK MOM NO MESS! Easy Foil Packet Meals. OUR FAVORITE CAMPGROUNDS Elk Creek Campground, Grand Lake, CO. OUR FAVORITE CAMPGROUNDS Pelican RV Resort, Marathon, FL. TRAVELING WITH PETS Top Tips for a Safe Camping Adventure. ASK THE EXPERT Do You Need a Weight Distribution Hitch?. GIRL CAMPER CHOICE Aliner Scout Park. THE CALL OF THE WILD The Rocky Mountain Elk RutTravel . AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL The back roads of the Vermont Hills. AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL Cades Cove in the Great Smoky Mountains. SPOTLIGHT ON Black Hills of South Dakota. OUR FAVORITE CAMPGROUNDS Inn Town, Nevada City, CA. OUR FAVORITE CAMPGROUNDS Sequoyah State Park, Hulbert, OK Lifestyle. ODE TO JOY! On the Road with Grandma Joy4 GIRL CAMPER / FALL 2020207074
GIRL CAMPER / FALL 2020 5TABLE OF CONTENTSStyle. COLLECTIBLES Vintage Cooler Jugs. CHARITY RAFFLE REVEAL The Relic Custom Trailer. CAMP STYLE Rosie, the 1967 Scotsman Trailer. FACTORY TO FABULOUS Pop Up PrincessesDIY. THE QTIP Making Wax Wraps . CAMPING & COVID Observations From the Road. TENT GLAMPING With Tiara Girlz. GO GIRL GO A Winning Story of Starting Over. ON THE JOB with Jayne Barocela. OUR AUTO EXPERT 5 Vans You Can Camp In. A CLOSER LOOK Today’s Pop Up Trailers. FULLTIME VIEW Embracing Holidays on the RoadADDITIONAL FEATURES. BECOMING A GIRL CAMPER: The Healing Connection. GOOD NIGHT CAMPERS Cinderella40663272
GIRL CAMPER / FALL 2020 7IJANINE PETTITFOUNDER GIRL CAMPER MEDIA EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, GIRL CAMPER MAGAZINEFollow me on Facebook: @girlcamperInstagram: @girl_campertheEDITO RLeer from Monique & Christian Just a couple of cousins camping!love living where the seasons change. I love the rituals attached to each season. There is always something new to look forward to. Camping in the fall is the best. Hiking without a spritzer bottle to stay cool. Sleeping with the windows cracked and smelling the neighbor’s campfire as you drift o to sleep. A morning campfire is something I never do in the summer but love as a fall ritual. Fall is my favorite season for so many reasons. It feels like the season of comfort. The days and nights might cool o but that just means warm blankets and campfires and soups and stews! I am always so ready to let go of grilled chicken and summer salads and break out the foil packet meals. Christie Vanover (girlscangrill) created some simple but delicious recipes for us and added lots of tips to help us master this fun fall food! Lori Simon is taking us on a back roads tour of her beloved Vermont. She has packed her tour with great insider tips on what to see, where to eat and of course, where to get the best maple syrup the Green Mountain State has to oer.Getting to know Grandma Joy was pure joy! She started camping at age 85 proving our belief that you are never too old to do something new! I love her spirit!I also love that her grandson Brad Ryan made that happen for her! He made her happiness a priority in his life. In a world in which it feels like so many of our older friends and relatives suer from loneliness, I love that Joy’s dance card is full and she is so cared for and honored. We decided to place her story front and center because that sometimes with age, comes invisibility. We wanted Joy to know we see her and she is a beacon of hope for those who might be thinking that it’s too late for them. We hope you read this story and book a campsite! There’s lots of inspiration in these pages and we created it all just for you. Our experts are sharing their wisdom on towing, pet care, weight distribution hitches and even snake bites. We loved all of your notes and comments about our inaugural issue. Thank you for the Girl Camper love. Thank you for encouraging each other. Thank you for joining us around the campfire!! Now, go pick some apples!! Happy trails!
The ultimate ownership experience.™A you that will hike to the bottom and bike to the top. A you that will visit every state and take the family on the trip of a lifetime. A you that will see more, do more and live more – someday. For more than one million North Americans, someday arrived the day they became Keystone RV owners. Keystone RVs are built to carry you forward – a transport to the moments, memories and milestones that turn your aspirations into reality. That’s why we listen, learn and evolve. Keystone has been guided by more than 20 years of stories and insights from owners, dealers and the entire community. Your Keystone RV is a culmination of those influences. A legacy, built by those who have chosen to stop dreaming and start doing – to live it out.
GIRL CAMPER / FALL 9FALL 2020 CAMPER MAGAZINEAT YOUR SERVICETo send a comment or question, write to: Girl Camper Media3070 US Highway 206Columbus, NJ 08022844-577-CAMPINTERESTED IN MORE GIRL CAMPER?Here at Girl Camper Headquarters we like to say that there is “No Wrong Way to Camp Like a Girl” and we mean it. All are welcome here – those completely new to camping, those returning to an old pastime or those experienced campers looking to meet like-minded friends. Car campers, tent toters, hammock hangers, RVers or cabin renters – we welcome you to join us around our campfire!To search, savor, find a chapter or share thousands of stories, tips and more, visit girlcamper.com.©2020 Girl Camper Magazine, a division of Girl Camper Media. Published by Girl Camper Media, 3070 US Highway 206, Columbus, NJ 08022. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of the publisher, excepting brief quotations in connection with reviews written specifically for inclusion in magazines or newspapers, or limited excerpts strictly for personal use. Printed in the United States of America. MEDIA INQUIRIESWe would love to share our Girl Camper story, advice and mission with your audience. We also have a wealth of camping information and photography to help you with any print, television or web story. Contact us at contact@girlcamper.com.ADVERTISINGWould you like to advertise in Girl Camper Magazine? Shoot us a note at advertising@girlcamper.com or call 844-577-CAMP. SUBSCRIPTIONSDon’t have a subscription yet? Get four gorgeous print issues and access to all digital archives for just $32 a year. Subscribe at girlcamper.com. PUBLISHER & EDITORINCHIEF JANINE PETTIT MANAGING EDITOR DIANE MCNAMARA EXECUTIVE EDITOR LAURA FAHRENTHOLD ART DIRECTOR & COVER DESIGNER ALANA HOGG WEBSITE & DIGITAL DIRECTOR TANIA MILAN PHOTO EDITOR NELL PITTMAN ADVERTISING DIRECTOR BRIDGETTE HELME DIRECTOR, GIRL CAMPER EXPO WILLIAM SELL... CONTRIBUTORS:GAIL BABLE, PEGGY & TONY BARTHEL, MIKE CAUDILL, ROBBIN DICIACCO, DR. PATRICIA ELLISON, ABBY & JASON EPPERSON, JUDI GEORGE, PAT JENNETTE, MARY KIRLIN, SUZI “Q”LANDIS, KIM FOLEYMACKINNON, LORETTA BOYER MCCLELLAN, LESA MCDERMOTT, GINNY MCKINNEY, KELLY O’BRIEN, MARILOU PARSONS, DAWN & MARK POLK, BRENDA PUCKETT, LORI SIMONS, SHARI BURNS SULLIVAN, CHRISTIE VANOVER, LORRI WEISEN, DAWN WILSON. COVER PHOTO RICK LANDIS - @REVORICK ON INSTAGRAM...GIRL CAMPER CHAPTER GUIDES: DALLAS TEXAS BONNIE SHAFTO EASTERN OKLAHOMA BRENDA PUCKETT CENTRAL NEW JERSEY CAROL THOMPSON NORTHERN CALIFORNIA CATHERINE GOGGIA SOUTHEAST TEXAS DANA NEAL HEXT CENTRAL VIRGINIA ELIZABETH GALLAHAN OHIO/ WEST VIRGINIA GAIL CRAWFORD BABLE OHIO/ WEST VIRGINIA GINNY MCKINNEY NORTHERN NEW JERSEY JEAN TAYLOR CENTRAL FLORIDA JUDI GEORGE BLACK HILLS SOUTH DAKOTA LESA MCDERMOTT NEW YORK LEXIS NOELLE WESTERN OKLAHOMA MARGO CONNELL FRONT RANGE COLORADO SHARI SULLIVAN TEXAS HILL COUNTRY SHARON CUTBIRTH
10 GIRL CAMPER / FALL 2020MARKETPLACE10 GIRL CAMPER / FALL 2020lannel shirts. Roaring campfires. Craft beer. Mountains and valleys ablaze in crimson and gold. These are the things that make leaf peeping through Vermont’s Green Mountains a once in a lifetime experience. Yankee Magazine calls Route 100 one of the best road trips in New England. Color change begins in mid-September and runs through to almost the end of October due to the varying elevation on this 160 plus mile stretch of meandering road from Massachusetts to Canada. With jaw-dropping views and oohh’s and aahh’s stretching from Wilmington north through Stowe, this quintessential Vermont roadway is ideal for at least a weekend if not a five-day escape. Quaint villages and mappable back roads lead to numerous camping, picnicking and sightseeing opportunities.THE VERMONT HILLS ARE ALIVEF
FALL 2020 Ode to Joy 90 YEAR OLD Grandma Proves ON PAGE 40 Today s Pop Up Trailers ON PAGE 63 HOW TO CREATE FOIL PACKET MEALS ON PAGE 32 Interviews how tos camp foods camp style Challenges Win This Trailer
12 GIRL CAMPER / FALL 2020HOMEMADE HAPPINESSRich in history, filled with quaint allure and some of the friendliest folk around, an autumn adventure in Vermont provides memories to last a lifetime.12 GIRL CAMPER / FALL 2020Lori SilmonLori Simon is an award-winning nature photographer and teacher, helping students of all skill levels. She spends weeks each year traveling in her restored vintage Metzendorf. Find Lori’s work at www.lorisimonphotography.com.
FALL 2020 Ode to Joy 90 YEAR OLD Grandma Proves ON PAGE 40 Today s Pop Up Trailers ON PAGE 63 HOW TO CREATE FOIL PACKET MEALS ON PAGE 32 Interviews how tos camp foods camp style Challenges Win This Trailer
FALL 2020 Ode to Joy 90 YEAR OLD Grandma Proves ON PAGE 40 Today s Pop Up Trailers ON PAGE 63 HOW TO CREATE FOIL PACKET MEALS ON PAGE 32 Interviews how tos camp foods camp style Challenges Win This Trailer
FALL 2020 Ode to Joy 90 YEAR OLD Grandma Proves ON PAGE 40 Today s Pop Up Trailers ON PAGE 63 HOW TO CREATE FOIL PACKET MEALS ON PAGE 32 Interviews how tos camp foods camp style Challenges Win This Trailer
FALL 2020 Ode to Joy 90 YEAR OLD Grandma Proves ON PAGE 40 Today s Pop Up Trailers ON PAGE 63 HOW TO CREATE FOIL PACKET MEALS ON PAGE 32 Interviews how tos camp foods camp style Challenges Win This Trailer
FALL 2020 Ode to Joy 90 YEAR OLD Grandma Proves ON PAGE 40 Today s Pop Up Trailers ON PAGE 63 HOW TO CREATE FOIL PACKET MEALS ON PAGE 32 Interviews how tos camp foods camp style Challenges Win This Trailer
FALL 2020 Ode to Joy 90 YEAR OLD Grandma Proves ON PAGE 40 Today s Pop Up Trailers ON PAGE 63 HOW TO CREATE FOIL PACKET MEALS ON PAGE 32 Interviews how tos camp foods camp style Challenges Win This Trailer
FALL 2020 Ode to Joy 90 YEAR OLD Grandma Proves ON PAGE 40 Today s Pop Up Trailers ON PAGE 63 HOW TO CREATE FOIL PACKET MEALS ON PAGE 32 Interviews how tos camp foods camp style Challenges Win This Trailer
FALL 2020 Ode to Joy 90 YEAR OLD Grandma Proves ON PAGE 40 Today s Pop Up Trailers ON PAGE 63 HOW TO CREATE FOIL PACKET MEALS ON PAGE 32 Interviews how tos camp foods camp style Challenges Win This Trailer
FALL 2020 Ode to Joy 90 YEAR OLD Grandma Proves ON PAGE 40 Today s Pop Up Trailers ON PAGE 63 HOW TO CREATE FOIL PACKET MEALS ON PAGE 32 Interviews how tos camp foods camp style Challenges Win This Trailer
FALL 2020 Ode to Joy 90 YEAR OLD Grandma Proves ON PAGE 40 Today s Pop Up Trailers ON PAGE 63 HOW TO CREATE FOIL PACKET MEALS ON PAGE 32 Interviews how tos camp foods camp style Challenges Win This Trailer
FALL 2020 Ode to Joy 90 YEAR OLD Grandma Proves ON PAGE 40 Today s Pop Up Trailers ON PAGE 63 HOW TO CREATE FOIL PACKET MEALS ON PAGE 32 Interviews how tos camp foods camp style Challenges Win This Trailer
FALL 2020 Ode to Joy 90 YEAR OLD Grandma Proves ON PAGE 40 Today s Pop Up Trailers ON PAGE 63 HOW TO CREATE FOIL PACKET MEALS ON PAGE 32 Interviews how tos camp foods camp style Challenges Win This Trailer
FALL 2020 Ode to Joy 90 YEAR OLD Grandma Proves ON PAGE 40 Today s Pop Up Trailers ON PAGE 63 HOW TO CREATE FOIL PACKET MEALS ON PAGE 32 Interviews how tos camp foods camp style Challenges Win This Trailer
FALL 2020 Ode to Joy 90 YEAR OLD Grandma Proves ON PAGE 40 Today s Pop Up Trailers ON PAGE 63 HOW TO CREATE FOIL PACKET MEALS ON PAGE 32 Interviews how tos camp foods camp style Challenges Win This Trailer
FALL 2020 Ode to Joy 90 YEAR OLD Grandma Proves ON PAGE 40 Today s Pop Up Trailers ON PAGE 63 HOW TO CREATE FOIL PACKET MEALS ON PAGE 32 Interviews how tos camp foods camp style Challenges Win This Trailer
When the sun goes down, light the night up with this beautiful, rechargeable “Light Your Patio” lamp from FLI Products. It’s dimmable to set just the right mood and adjustable as a oor, table or even hanging lamp. DURABLE AND WEATHERPROOF, it goes from your home to the campsite with ease. No matter what kind of Girl Camper you are – this lamp is a must! Visit www.GirlCamper.com/aliates for a whole range of beautiful FLI Products that merge form and function - and nd the special Girl Camper discount code!
FALL 2020 Ode to Joy 90 YEAR OLD Grandma Proves ON PAGE 40 Today s Pop Up Trailers ON PAGE 63 HOW TO CREATE FOIL PACKET MEALS ON PAGE 32 Interviews how tos camp foods camp style Challenges Win This Trailer
FALL 2020 Ode to Joy 90 YEAR OLD Grandma Proves ON PAGE 40 Today s Pop Up Trailers ON PAGE 63 HOW TO CREATE FOIL PACKET MEALS ON PAGE 32 Interviews how tos camp foods camp style Challenges Win This Trailer
FALL 2020 Ode to Joy 90 YEAR OLD Grandma Proves ON PAGE 40 Today s Pop Up Trailers ON PAGE 63 HOW TO CREATE FOIL PACKET MEALS ON PAGE 32 Interviews how tos camp foods camp style Challenges Win This Trailer
FALL 2020 Ode to Joy 90 YEAR OLD Grandma Proves ON PAGE 40 Today s Pop Up Trailers ON PAGE 63 HOW TO CREATE FOIL PACKET MEALS ON PAGE 32 Interviews how tos camp foods camp style Challenges Win This Trailer
FALL 2020 Ode to Joy 90 YEAR OLD Grandma Proves ON PAGE 40 Today s Pop Up Trailers ON PAGE 63 HOW TO CREATE FOIL PACKET MEALS ON PAGE 32 Interviews how tos camp foods camp style Challenges Win This Trailer
Look Mom! No Mess!Look Mom! No Mess!Foil Packet Meals at the CampgroundHere’s how it works.Follow one of theeasy to make recipesbelow or get creativeby making your own. Think stirfry in a pouch. The packetscreate a sealed, steamyenvironment for gently cookingeverything from fish and meat,to vegetables or even stewedfruit medleys and desserts. Bestof all, the packets can be madeinto individually customizedmeals by adding only theingredients you like. They arealso great for portion control.When choosing ingredients,select items that will cook inabout the same time period. Forinstance, seafood cooks quickly,so pair it with thin vegetableslike asparagus, zucchini or bellpeppers. Ground beef and porkcan cook longer, so they pairwell with starchy vegetables.Prepping Makes PerfectPrep all of your ingredients athome to save time and fridge space.TIP 1: Dice potatoes and other starchy veggies into small,same-sized cubes to equalizecooking time.Ingredients on FoilTear o two sheets of aluminumfoil and layer them. Add a layerof parchment if you’re usingingredients that might stick tothe foil. Add your ingredients tothe center.TIP 2: Heavy-duty foil holds up better on the campfire.Pull the long ends up towardthe center and fold over twice atthe top. Flatten and turn up theends. Make sure it’s sealed tightly,so any liquid won’t spill out.TIP 3: Use a marker to write everyone’s name on the packet.Hand Over CampfireCook your packets on coals ora grill grate. The temperatureshould be about 350Fº.TIP 4: Hold your hand 4 inches above the coals. If you can holdit there for 4 seconds beforeyou need to pull your handaway, that’s the perfect temp.Tongs Flipping PacketCook until the vegetables are soft,and the meat is cooked through.TIP 5: Use your senses. If it sounds like it’s sizzling too muchor smells like it’s starting toburn, rotate the packets aroundor flip them over. If the coalsfeel too hot, move the packetsto the outer edges.TIPS34 GIRL CAMPER / FALL 2020
CHICKEN AND RICE FOIL PACKETS1/2 cup rice, 1/2 cup chicken broth, 1/3 cup diced chicken, 2 tsp dried vegetable soup mix, salt and pepper, 1/4 cup fresh broccoli, 2 Tbsp shredded cheddar cheeseMade a foil bowl by forming foil over an inverted bowl. Fill the foil bowl with rice, broth, chicken, soup mix, salt and pepper. Gently stir, seal and cook for 30 minutes. Carefully open the pouch. Stir in the broccoli and cheese. Cook for 15 more minutes, until the rice is tender.CHEESEBURGER FOIL PACKETS1 cup ground beef, ketchup, mustard, relish, salt and pepper, 1 slice American cheeseAmp this recipe up with cooked bacon, barbecue sauce, jalapenos, aioli, etc. Layer all ingredients, seal and cook for 20 minutes.
FALL 2020 Ode to Joy 90 YEAR OLD Grandma Proves ON PAGE 40 Today s Pop Up Trailers ON PAGE 63 HOW TO CREATE FOIL PACKET MEALS ON PAGE 32 Interviews how tos camp foods camp style Challenges Win This Trailer
MAKE AHEAD CAMPBREAKFAST BURRITOSSunday mornings at my houseare all about big breakfasts.Come on over and you’ll get asmorgasbord of eggs, sausage,bacon, fruit, juice, coee, andtoast. And if you’re really lucky,piles of pancakes!I often try to recreate the samebreakfasts at the campgrounduntil I thought, “Wait a minute,why am I duplicating my eortshere?” If I can make and storemeals in my freezer at home,why not set some aside for the campground?It’s so simple to create frozen foilpack breakfasts to take on theroad. Just make a double batchof scrambled eggs, addwhatever meats or cookedvegetables (or both) likecrumbled sausage and cheese,or spinach and onions, andcreate individually made-aheadburritos. Then all you do is labelthe foil, pop however many youwant in a freezer bag and stashthem away.When you hit the road for yournext trip, transfer them to theRV refrigerator to defrost asyou drive.When morning arrives, eitherplace the foil packs right onyour camp stove, over the grateof a propane grill or get a firegoing and warm them on a castiron pan.Since they were pre-cooked,there’s no need to worry aboutthe internal temperature. Theburrito skin gets a little crispy buteverything in it stays gooey andgood. Top it o with sour creamand salsa and it’s a heartybreakfast that sticks with you.Et voila!Tips• Cool egg leftovers beforemaking the freezer burritos.• Wrap them in heavy dutyaluminum foil.• Flatten the foil pack so it willlay flat while heating.• Freeze foil packets infreezer bags.• Be sure to defrost them in arefrigerator and not on thecounter.Gail Crawford BableGail believes in the “clean plate club” as themarried mother of 10 and grandparent of ninewho sent us her time and money saving foilpacket breakfast meal story from EastPalestine, OH. She’s a lifelong Girl Camper whocamps often with family and friends all overthe United States.GIRL CAMPER / FALL 2020 37
FALL 2020 Ode to Joy 90 YEAR OLD Grandma Proves ON PAGE 40 Today s Pop Up Trailers ON PAGE 63 HOW TO CREATE FOIL PACKET MEALS ON PAGE 32 Interviews how tos camp foods camp style Challenges Win This Trailer
FALL 2020 Ode to Joy 90 YEAR OLD Grandma Proves ON PAGE 40 Today s Pop Up Trailers ON PAGE 63 HOW TO CREATE FOIL PACKET MEALS ON PAGE 32 Interviews how tos camp foods camp style Challenges Win This Trailer
CAMCO FIRE STARTER FLINT. amazon.comEverything you need to spark a fire, even in damp conditions. Scrap o magnesium shavings will burn hot even when damp. ECO-STIX FATWOOD FIRE STARTER$19+ amazon.comThe best resin-rich, 100% all-natural kindling made of Ocote Pine to quickly and easily start your fire. Comes in 10-50lb boxes for any camping adventure. PULL START FIRE3-pack $18 pullstartfire.com Start your fire in any weather with any wood (even frozen or soaking wet)! No matches or lighter needed, windproof, rainproof and burns for more than 30 minutes.NOCRY HEAVY DUTY HEAT RESISTANT GLOVES $12 amazon.comDurable protection for hands and forearms while moving wood around the campfire! A soft, flexible glove that keeps open flames and sparks from touching your skin.OZARK TRAIL FOLDABLE SHOVEL$10 walmart.comMade with a heavy-duty steel construction. Features a serrated edge that makes it easier to break through hard surfaces, such as tough dirt.ESTWING CAMPER’S AXE$39.95 shopmtn.com Forged in one-piece steel with exclusive Shock Reduction Grip®. Comes with a heavy-duty nylon sheath and Made in America too.CAMCO COLLAPSIBLE RAKE$12 toolsid.com Keep your space around your campfire safe and clean by raking away any leaves or debris with this full-size compactable rake.JOLLYGREEN - ROAST’EM STICKS $24.79jollygreenproducts.com Sit back and relax while you roast your marshmallows (or hot dogs!) with these durable roasting roads that extend to 34”. Set of 5 packaged in a beautiful, heat-resistant case.BEHRENS BUCKET $12-30 homedepot.comThis beautiful galvanized metal doubles as an ash can for clean up after grilling and a dosing can for putting the fire out! Comes in multiple sizes too.CAMPFIRE TOOLS:LIGHT MY FIRE!GIRL CAMPER / FALL 41GEAR & APPARELCAMPING tools
42 Have you ever thought it mightbe too late to make a dreamcome true? Well, let GrandmaJoy inspire you to think again!She took her very first campingtrip at 85-years-old and she’sstill chasing the dream ofvisiting every National Park.Six years ago, her grandsonBrad was headed to The SmokyMountain National Parks on aweekend campout. When Joymentioned that she had neverbeen camping, Ben quicklyoered to take her along. Witha mantra of “I’ll try anythingonce,” Grandma Joy willinglysaid yes.It wasn’t an easy entry to thecamping lifestyle though. Theyarrived at 1 a.m. in the pouringrain but that didn’t stop Joyfrom hopping out of the car tohelp Brad. She held theumbrella and flashlight whileher grandson set up the tentand blew up the air mattresses,all in a steady rain. When Joyfinally crawled onto her bed itimmediately deflated. Shethought she was in a real-lifeLaurel and Hardy skit!Everything was going wrong.The next morning it was stillraining. Not the adventure Joyanticipated. It was fun but notsomething she would need torepeat. That was until Bradtook her on a hike to the top ofa mountain. Slow and steadythey climbed the steps to theoverlook. Everyone was passingthem but Brad held her handand they just kept climbing.When she reached the top, allODE TO JOY!ON THE ROAD WITH GRANDMA JOY
who had passed heralong the way applauded herand wanted to take a picturewith the 85-year old grandmasummiting her first mountain.Joy recalls not wanting herpicture taken because she“looked like a wild woman withhair sticking out all over!”When Brad invited hisgrandmother to join him onthat first camping adventure,the invitation was more than achance to see a greatNational Park. It was anopportunity to healdeep brokenness in theirfamily that had led to a10-year estrangement.His parent’s divorce adecade earlier hadshattered the family.Each member retreatedto their own corner toprocess in their own way.Brad became a bit of a “humandoing,” keeping as busy aspossible to avoid the pain ofthese relationships. “I was asolo flyer trying to fill the voidin my heart in the aftermath ofexperiencing the destruction ofmy family. My father,Grandma Joy’s eldest son, andI remain estranged. It took mea long time to realize it wasn’tfair to hold her accountable formy father’s behavior.”When Brad returned to Ohioto complete his Doctorate inVeterinary Medicine at TheOhio State University, he wasliving near his grandmother forthe first time in many years. Itwas an opportunity to use thistime to recover a once happyrelationship. “I called GrandmaJoy. She was surprised to hearmy voice on the other end ofthe phone but it was importantto me to heal that wound inmy own heart. There was noway to turn back the clockand pretend none of ithappened. The only optionwas to start over and createsomething new.”That first trip to the Smokieswas the start of a grandadventure. Their NationalParks tour cameabout organically.
LIFESTYLE(GrandmaJoysRoadTrip),national hotel chainsputting them up nearparks they can’t easilydrive to and appearanceson TV that have given Joy“something to look forwardto.” Brad says, “As timewent on, it became clearto me that showingGrandma Joy all the U.S.National Parks was thebest possible use of mylife. It filled my proverbialcup in a way that myacademic and professionallife never could.”Brad and Joy have nineparks left to visit – theAlaskan and SomalianNational Parks. They wereplanning an Alaska trip for2020 when Covid put astop to their travels. Brad,who works in a veterinaryclinic and is in contactwith the public all day,ferociously protects Joy.He brings her groceriesand leaves them on herporch but won’t go insideeven with a mask. It istheir hope to continueafter this crisis has passed.Brad says of theirphysical and emotionaltrip, “I am immeasurablygrateful that our journeyturned out the way it didand not with a phone callthat she passed while weweren’t speaking. No onewants to carry thatburden. The mostmeaningful messages wereceive are from peoplewho chose to reconcileand plan new adventureswith someone they love.We are living proof thatthere’s nothing the roadcannot heal.”Although Brad had studiedveterinary medicine in SouthAfrica and hiked the 2,190-mileAppalachian Trail, (a NationalScenic route that runs fromMaine to Georgia), he hadn’texplored much of his owncountry. Joy, who was born andraised in Duncan Falls, Ohio, wasstill living in the house she settledin as a newlywed in her twenties.With their Smoky Mountains’adventure helping to heal theirrelationship, they set out on theirsecond trip the following year –an epic six-week journey visitingthe National Parks throughthe Southwest.Brad upgraded his campingequipment to a large dome tentthey could stand in and addedcots to sleep on. Brad did thedriving and Grandma Joy rodeshotgun with the old school RandMcNally Atlas on her lap. Theycovered 29 parks on that secondtrip and became good campingpartners. At age 86, Joy’s jobwas taking down and packing upthe tent while Brad loaded therest of the gear in the car. Theybecame a formidable tag teamon a mission to see as manyparks as they could.As they drove, they talked,laughed, shared and sometimescried but with each passing milethey left more of the pain behindand created new and happiermemories. Joy says of hergrandson Brad, “So many peopleput their old folks in the backseatof their lives. Brad put me in thefront seat of his life and mademe so important. Many of myfriends are envious of that but Iwant them to know that even ifthey don’t have a grandson likeBrad, they don’t have to stayhome. They should call a cab andgo visit a friend, take in a movie –just get out and go someplaceclose to home. You don’t have tosit there waiting to die.”Brad and Joy have become abit of a cause celeb with anInstagram account of fans44 GIRL CAMPER / FALL 2020
Grandma Joy Wisdom• “If you smile and look in a mirror you willfeel better.”• “Kiss my grits! I am going to give it a try!”• “When I die, I don’t want any regrets!”Grandma Joy’s Favorite Things About Camping • “You meet the nicest people who are alwayswilling to help out.”• “When it gets dark and you look up and seeall the stars that you never even knewwere there.”• “When you’re camping it doesn’t matter ifyou are a millionaire or a pauper – we’reall the same.”
Overcoming aFear of TowingI vividly recall the first time Itowed alone. I drove from myhome in New Jersey down toAsheville, NC to pick up avintage trailer I bought onEbay. I set out in my 11-year-old Chevy Lumina minivanwith 140 thousand miles on itand drove 11 straight hours,only stopping for gas andquick nibbles.I met the seller at the DMV thefollowing morning. We did thepaperwork and I inspected“my” trailer. He walked methrough the quirks any50-year-old trailer was boundto have, helped me hitch herup and away I went. I nevergave one ounce of thought tothe trailers weight, my van’stow capacity, trailer brakes oranti sway devices. Not one! Islapped on the hitch pin,attached two thin, rusty oldchains, and just starteddriving. I was such a newbie, Ididn’t even know what I didn’teven know!If you have ever had thepleasure of visiting theAsheville, NC mountains youBY JANINE PETTITknow that the vistas arebeautiful but the roads are fullof steep inclines followed bydeep declines that twist andturn through mountain passes. White-knuckle driving forthose in cars, never mind thosepulling a trailer. I had all thatmy first time out there plus asteady rain, foggy patchesthat concealed road lines and46 GIRL CAMPER / FALL 2020SUZANNE FRANK
big trucks in the slow lane withflashers on that I was terrifiedto pass.What was I thinking? I calledmy Dad. What should I do?“Stay in the right lane. Do notpass the trucks. Keep a safespace between you and thevehicle ahead of you. Stay at,but not under, the speed limitfor the conditions. Do not usehigh beams in fog. Rememberthat people tow every singleday without incident. Keep yourcool. Slow and steady. Get oif the fog becomes too bad.Call us back in fifteen minutes.”Dads are the best. It was justwhat I needed. Practical wisdomfrom an experienced tower.I took all my Dad’s advice andadded a steady stream of HailMary’s for good measure. Withinthirty minutes I was out of thehilly part, the rain had stoppedand the roads were drying. If I made it through that, I knewI could get the thing home! Ittook me two days to get homebecause, even though thetrailer’s title said it onlyweighed 900 pounds, it was toomuch for my six-cylinder van.First lesson in towing. Justbecause there is a hitch onsomething does not mean it’s atow vehicle.On that drive home I learned totow. I called my dad often andhe spoke to me about mergingand scanning the trac flowfor changes that I might haveto respond to and knowing myplace in the trac hierarchy.Get out of trucker’s way! By thetime I got home I felt I had itdown. I was never afraid again,but I am also never cavalierabout towing. When I ask GirlCampers what stops them fromjoining us on our adventures,the number one reply I get is a“fear of towing.”HERE ARE SOME TIPS TOHELP YOU GO FROM“FEARFUL TO FEARLESS” AND SET YOU ON THEHAPPIEST OF TRAILS.• Always purchase your tow setup from a reputable RVdealership so you know thatit’s the right equipment and itis properly installed.• Take notes and videos of anyinstructions given. That wayyou won’t forget anything.• Watch lots and lots ofYouTube videos to learn theprinciples of towing like howwide to make your turns,when to pivot to get out of agas station without jumpingthe curb and how to backinto a campsite. All of this willhelp you once you are behindthe wheel yourself.• Find a friend who knows howto tow and ask them to letyou ride shotgun while theytow. Or bring a friend alongwith you for moral support.• Practice makes perfect! Gofor short spins around theblock and gradually “up”your driving time during opeak driving hours. If youdon’t yet have a trailer, or ifyou just want practice beforeventuring out on your own,rent a utility trailer fromU-Haul or any other trailerrental place.• Remember, towing is alearned skill set just likedriving a car or riding a bike.There are do’s and don’ts andtips and tricks that willeventually become secondnature. Give it time.• Don’t let well-meaning peopleproject their own fears on toyou. Oftentimes peoplecreate “Henny Penny”narratives to keep them intheir own comfort zones.• Trust your gut. You can do this! • Know that you’re not alone.More than 46 million peopleare taking to the roads thisyear in recreational vehicles.• Start slow by taking your firstfew camping trips close tohome. Travel there at o-peak trac times and don’tbe afraid to ask for help. Oneof the best things aboutRVers is that they are alwayshappy to help others!JANINE & HER DADMONIQUE PETTITLIFESTYLE
HOMEMADE HAPPINESSThere must be scientific There must be scientific evidence somewhere that evidence somewhere that confirms what most people confirms what most people believe -- that a circle of believe -- that a circle of laughing friends around a laughing friends around a campfire is good for the soul! campfire is good for the soul! There is a science to building the There is a science to building the perfect campfire and we’ve got perfect campfire and we’ve got all the essential elements here. all the essential elements here.
LIFESTYLELog CabinThe wood is crisscrossed tic-tac-toe style, with the tinder and kindling dropped into the center.Put It Out • Pour lots of water on the fire at the end of the night. • If you don’t have water, stir dirt or sand into the fire to smother it. • Never leave a fire unattended. Teepee StyleCreate a wide base circle and tip the tops of the wood together to create a tower. Fill the center with tinder and kindling. “A good fireplace, a handy wood pile, tinder, kindling, fuel and a match or two are the materials needed for fire!”Fire building Pointers - page 564 of the Girl Scout Handbook circa 1940Lean-to MethodStack large wood to one side and lay tinder and kindling in front of it. Place triangle cut hardwood on top of the kindling against the stack.Tips • If the kindling is too wet, use a pocket knife to whittle o the bark revealing dry wood. • Travel with a small collapsible rake, shovel, axe and heat-resistant gloves. • Old wax milk cartons make great fire starters. • Throw in a piece of old copper pipe to add some color to the flames.TinderFast burning material like leaves, pine needles or dryer lint. Best to bring some from home in case forest floor is wet and damp. Note: Dryer lint works well.KindlingThis is the middleman. Kindling burns longer than tinder and gives the fat, dry wood a chance to catch. Dried sticks, small branches and pieces of wood chopped from bigger pieces of wood (use an axe) make excellent kindling.Dry hardwoodThese are fat logs you can buy at the campground or bring with you from home. These burn slowly and create a good coal bed that will keep your new logs going. A Safe Place to Start the FireIf you are not in a campground with a designated fire ring, make sure that fires are allowed. Rake all the dry grass and leaves away in a 10-foot diameter. CAMPFIRE 101: BUILDING THE PERFECT CAMPFIRE
50 GIRL CAMPER / FALL 2020CAMPING & CORONA:OBSERVATIONS FROM THE ROADWITH TIFFANY BONNE\\\\\\\\\\\50 GIRL CAMPER / FALL 2020hen COVID-19 firsthit the US, therewas a lot of talkabout thechallenges it presented to full-time RVers. Now that adaptingto the pandemic has become abit more routine and businessesare shifting their employees topermanent remote work, a lothas changed. Many RV ownersare considering making thejump to full-time RV living.Our family lives and works full-time on the road, covering theRV and camping lifestyle atRVMiles.com and on the RVMiles Podcast. For the lastseveral months, we’ve beengathering a picture of howtravel has changed for the RVcommunity and how it mightchange in the near future,particularly for us full-timers.But our changes andconsiderations really applyto any RV travel.Rules, policies, and proceduresat everything from resorts torestaurants are still constantlychanging, and we’ve learned tobe prepared to adapt. Thatcampground we have booked1000 miles away might still close.A state may introduce a new 14-day quarantine at any time.We’ve also learned to slowdown our travels, picking onearea to visit for an extendedperiod of time instead of tryingto hop from one popular placeto another. We book weekly ormonthly rates and have cometo enjoy a deep immersion in asingle spot.One of the biggest things wehave noticed is how the virusacts as a dierent challenge indierent places. Sometimes wefeel silly being one of the onlypeople wearing masks, but wetry to remember that we areguests in a community and weshould go above and beyondthe local rules. We avoidunnecessary trips to placeswhere it’s dicult to sociallydistance and always use handsanitizer before entering apublic restroom or using agas pump.Abby & Jason Epperson W
When stocking up, pre-orderedgrocery pickup has been agame-changer. We’ve reallyenjoyed putting in a Walmartpick-up order before we headto a new destination and thenloading it right into the trailerbefore pulling into the newcampground. You can getcurbside pickup at mostgrocery stores and restaurantsand even places like HomeDepot and Camping World.When we get to a new campsite,we wipe down the electric post,water spout and the picnictable. Many RVers have made aregular habit of dipping thewater connection into a bowl ofbleach water. This is especiallyconsiderate given the number ofpeople who don’t use separatehoses for freshwater and sewer clean-up.Probably the biggest concernfor travelers is heading out tosightsee. What’s safer than aNational Park during apandemic,right? Well, we saw lots ofpeople inparksthroughoutthe summerandit’s expectedthat travelwill continueinto the fall this year too. Thething is they often flock to thesame overlooks and famousplaces which is why it’s aperfect time to discover moreremote areas in parks, or less-tracked national forests.We’ve found that busytrails can mean close proximityto lots of people passing youon thin walkways. One-way loops are the best option.
If everyone is heading the samedirection, they’re less likely tocross each other. We’re alsoextra cognizant of other thingsthat could send you to thehospital, like heat exhaustion,dehydration and altitudesickness. We proceedwith caution.A lot of the places we’ve visitedthis year rely on tourism tokeep their economies tickingand many businesses arehurting. It’s always been a joyto us to discover newrestaurants and local shopsand you can still do that. It willjust take a little more eort toscout them. We’ve eaten take-out in the truck bed at ahandful of restaurant parkinglots. We’re getting to-gogrowlers of beer instead oftasting flights. And we’re seeingmore outdoor shopping sites inpop up tents.Just like most people, full-timeRVers have learned to live a littledierently for the time being.Our day to day is slower; westay home; and when we doventure outside our campsite,we are more deliberate thanever about the space we takeup. If we all assume we arecarriers and take care of ourfellow humans, we’ll get back tonormal faster. But until that daycomes, we’re getting to knowthe real meaning of slow traveland what it looks like to live tinyas a family of five.GIRL CAMPER / FALL 2020 51Abby and Jason Epperson travel thecountry full-time with their three boysJack (12), Ethan (9) and Henry (6),documenting their adventures on socialmedia as “Our Wandering Family.” Theyare the creators of RVMiles.com andproduce three weekly podcasts - RVMiles, See America, and the America’sNational Parks Podcast.
LIFESTYLEJoanne Mundy grew up tent camping in upstateNew York with her extended family and createdwonderful memories they still laugh about today.When Joanne married, she settled down in Miami.When her daughter came along, she wanted to createthose great camp memories for her too. She pitchedthe same tent she grew up in but, this time she did ither way. She filled it with inflatable mattresses, chairsand tables, artwork, plants and rugs. She did notknow it at the time, but she was glamping.TENT GLAMPINGwith T iara GirlzJOANNE MUNDY
family of three went from atent to a pop-up camper, to ahybrid with tip outs, and finallyto a hard sided 24’ trailer. WhenJoanne discovered the GirlCamping movement, she knewshe did not want to haul thatbig trailer alone. “That was mymoment of realizing I couldleave it home and simply bringmy tent,” she said. “It was anobvious next step.”She has glamping down to apersonal expression ofdecorating science now andnever forgets the glitter. Sheeven created a side businesscalled Tiara Girlz making herown personalized crowns forher fellow glampers. “The worldneeds to sprinkle more glitter,”she says.When glamping alone Joanneuses her Ozark Trail yurt-styletent which she dresses up in hersignature brights and Bohoflorals. When sleeping on an airbed, top of the line linens are thekey to a restful slumber. Shemakes the bed with a woolblanket over the mattress to addwarmth, then adds an electricblanket, sheets, and a puycomforter. Comfy throw pillowsdouble as extra floor seating.Creature comforts areaddressed by keeping aportable potty in thecorner of her tent forconvenience. For heat, shekeeps an electric fireplaceand for cool, a free-standing, portable airconditioning unit.Once her daughter is o tocollege, she may be hittingthe road a lot more. Justfollow the trail of glitter ‘tillyou find Joanne’s smile.Ginny McKinneyGinny lives with her husband “Mr.FixIt” on a 74-acre family farmand posts daily inspirations onher faith-based blogMarshmallowRanch.com.
When Michelle Wyland fell to the floor in a puddle of tears, at first her co-workers thought the call she had received was bad news. Maybe something happened to her beloved dog Bobbie Jo? They rushed to her side, only to find her screaming tears of joy.“I WON! I WON! I WON THE CAMPER!”Just days earlier, she had spent her last $20 before payday on two rae tickets to enter the annual Girl Camper Charity Rae. That’s when one lucky winner gets a brand-new trailer with Girl Camper’s signature “Factory to Fabulous” makeover. In Michelle’s case, that included a reupholstered couch with beautiful new curtains, wallpaper, lamps, dishes and more. “Everyone always hopes they’ll win the lottery or whatever, but I actually did!” said the proud owner of a new r-pod by Forest River. “It was my golden ticket to a new life.”Hers had already taken several dramatic turns. First, divorce after two decades of marriage. Then a tragic accident that claimed the life of her beautiful 11-year-old son, Colin. Adrift in grief, she made the bold move to leave her 25-year job as a vet tech in New York to resettle near her eldest daughter and grandchild in Pennsylvania.There, she bought a rundown house with the goal of fixing it up and selling it. She used the bit of profit to buy and fix up another, then another. While she enjoyed the hands-on work, as it gave her something to sink Go girl goGo girl go54 GIRL CAMPER / FALL 2020
GIRL CAMPER / FALL 2020 55her grief into, she still neededto make ends meet. She took a“day job” working at Lowe’s.While she was working on thehouses alone, she beganlistening to Janine Pettit’s GirlCamper podcast. “I lovepodcasts. They take you awayinto other peoples’ worlds,”she said. “But this RVing thingreally resonated with me. Ilistened to each and everyone of them.”She spent several yearsdreaming about hitting the roadin an RV of her own, but thereality was a bridge too far.“At the end of the day, it wasjust me, myself and I,” shesaid. “I longed for somethingdierent, for an excitingnew beginning. I wanted thecourage to travel. To go places.To meet new people. And to bein nature.”She now works as a KOAreservationist/camp host nearBar Harbor, Maine where herdays are filled with beautifulmountains, ocean breezes, tonsof new friends, and a job shetruly loves.“It took all the courage I had tofirst, find the job and second toget into that trailer and drivetoward my new life,” she says.“I think my legs trembled for thefirst hour. But that’s life. Youhave to face your fears.” Withmore than a year of campingunder her belt, Michelle saysthere’s no turning back.“I love my new life and RVing!”she exclaimed as her dogbarked happily in thebackground when one of hergirlfriends knocked on hertrailer door to come join thecampfire. “I am truly blessed.”With the season winding down,this Girl Camper is now o totake “how to” classes at theNational RV Training Academyin Athens, Texas while workingat the RV park in exchange fortuition and a campsite. It’s yetanother dream come true to“really learn” the ins and outs ofRV systems, mechanicals,inspections, repairs, and more.“Who knows what this will leadto?” she said of her next step.What’s more, the drawing washeld on Valentine’s Day.“When I won, I knew it was sent from heaven.”Laura FahrentholdLaura is a long-time newspaper andmagazine journalist, executive editor ofGirl Camper Magazine and author ofThe Pink Steering Wheel Chronicles,published by Penguin Random House/Hatherleigh. Her next book, The AirbnbChronicles, launches in Spring 2021.MICHELLE’S SON COLINBOBBIE JO
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18 GIRLCAMPER.COM / SUMMER 2020BEDDY’S BEDWe all know that making an RV bed is like a trip to the gym! Bythe time you are done stung and tucking, you’re ready for a nap.Beddy’s Beds has the perfect solution for RV bed makinggymnastics – their all-in-one, high quality bedding. You put iton like a fitted sheet and the elastic keeps all the bedding neatand tucked. The top piece zips all the way around so you canchoose to have it partially or fully unzipped while you sleep. Thebottom piece has the sheet sewn into a matching fabric panel.In the morning you tuck in the wings that fold out of the toppanel for full coverage, zip up the sides and you have a beautifulbed without the tussle. They are an RVers dream! Various sizesand beautiful patterns in 100% cotton or minky lined.
READY TO TRY?Use the coupon code GIRLCAMPER for a 20% discount at checkout!beddys.com/collections/rvs-campers
58 GIRL CAMPER / FALL Jayne Barocelaon the jobIt seems unlikely that aCraigslist ad could changesomeone’s life in a radical wayonce, let alone twice, but forJayne Barocela, that’s exactlywhat happened. Jayne, avintage trailer fan, wasbrowsing the site several yearsago when she saw an ad for afree Spartan trailer. She took achance and had the trailerdelivered to her. That becamethe beginning of her side hustlerehabbing and selling time-honored trailers.She didn’t know it yet, but hersecond life-changing Craigslistpost, simply titled “VintageTravel Venture,” would soonappear. It described a 50-plus-year-old abandoned project inthe Michigan warehouse of awould-be trailer manufacturer.Jayne was immediately inspiredby the mid-century trailerprototypes and felt an anitytoward the creator, a deceasedhigh school welding teacher.His work sat there undisturbedfor decades, until Roy’s widowsold the warehouse and itscontents to a new owner, whothen placed the fateful ad.Jayne’s life took a turn thatMarch of 2015. We asked whatdrove her to that first trailer andwhy she simply had to have thevintage designs, which she thenturned into a booming business,Relic Custom Trailers.TELL US ABOUT THAT FIRSTTRAILERI didn’t know anything abouttrailers, but I knew I wantedthat beautiful time capsuletrailer. I had to get a flatbedand put it at my mother-in-law’s. I had a full-blown panicattack after it got deliveredand was longer than her house!I thought, what am I going todo with it? I know it’s incredible,but I don’t even know how toplug it in! After we fixed it up,we listed it for sale and itended up paying for ourwedding and our two-weekhoneymoon in Hawaii! Afterthat, I started getting trailershere and there and redoingthem low-key. That was until Isaw the warehouse prototypes.
GIRL CAMPER / FALL 59WHAT DREW YOU TO THEDRAWINGS?I was immediately enamoredwith them. They spoke to me. Icalled the seller and he told mehe’d take my name down andget back to me. I hung up thephone and paced around for anhour and thought, no, no, that’snot going to happen. Theybelong to me. So, I called theseller back and said I know youhave a number in mind for howmuch you want. Let’s just bedone. He gave me his amountand I said okay. He was shockedthat I would buy them sightunseen. It took a 45-foot semiand a 20-foot flatbed to get allthe equipment from Michigan toWashington. And again I had apanic attack, because what didI do? Where am I going to put allthis stu? And what was I goingto do with it?WHAT DID YOU DO NEXT?They needed to bemanufactured, so I spent a yeargetting licensing and finding afiberglass manufacturer. Wehad to do a lot of research anddevelopment because thedesigner didn’t leave anyinstructions. He didn’t leaveanything except the equipment,so we had to figure it out. Webuilt 12 to start. Eventually,we came to have a 90,000square-foot facility inYakima, Washington.We finally have it down. Wehave evolved from justmanufacturing to also restoringand repairing vintage trailers.TELL US ABOUT THE RELICSWe make our trailers heirloomquality, like they did back inthe fifties and sixties. They aremade with today’s safetystandards, but we usereproduction hardware that’seither authentic vintage orvintage-inspired. These trailersare going to last forever. Itnormally takes about six weeksto make a trailer from the dateof order to the date of delivery.They are custom-made foreach buyer.WHAT KIND OF CHALLENGESHAVE YOU FACED?I’ll just say that this is not theeasiest industry for women, butif you know your product, youknow what you’re talking about,and you know what you’redoing, then you can’t beintimidated by anyone. You’rejust as knowledgeable and justas valuable as anyone.To get started dreaming anddesigning your own RelicCustom Trailer, head over towww.relictrailers.com.Kim Foley MacKinnonKim is a Boston-based writer. Herwork has appeared in the BostonGlobe, Forbes, and USA Today,among others. Her latest book iscalled Secret Boston. Find her atwww.escapewithkim.com or @escapewithkim on Twitter andInstagram.
60 GIRL CAMPER / FALL 2020LIFESTYLEhen did you ever think you’d hear the words “minivan” and “cool” in the same sentence? This family hauling, grocery-getter has earned a new reputation since rolling o the assembly line way back in 1993. Not only has it been rediscovered as an Instagram favorite for millennials, but us boring moms and dads love them too!The Plymouth Voyager launched in 1983 as the first minivan and the mania took over as people lined up to buy this incredible new family van. They were super comfortable, the ride height was higher than sedans and to be honest, they were just easy! If you were lucky enough to own one with the faux wood paneling side stripe, you were the talk of the town. Fast forward to 2020 and the minivan is in its own vehicle category with the big two players being Dodge and Chrysler with a sprinkle of Honda and Toyota for variety. They’re packed with so much cool technology and creature comforts that they’re now considered a great option for camping too! We’re sharing minivan’s that range from the “vehicle next door” to the “vehicle that has just conquered a mountain.” You’ll find the perfect ride for your camping adventure here.Chrysler PacificaThe Chrysler Pacifica is literally one of America’s coolest minivans out there. Dare I say edgy-looking with a performance-inspired exterior? But can it be a camper? The answer is a resounding Yes! • Stow ‘n Go feature allows the second and third row seats to fold down completely flat – perfect for an inflatable mattress.• 140.5 cubic inches of cargo space. • Optional built-in vacuum. • All-Wheel Drive and Plug-In Hybrid Electric engine packages.• Up to 32 miles of electric driving and up to 520 miles of total driving range.• Starts around $32,000.5 VansYou Can Camp InBY MIKE CAUDILLTIP: Colorado based Contra Vans will build it out with a 4-person pop top sleeper, a 600-watt inverter, 12-volt charging stations, a cooking area, refrigerator, sink, flip up table and more.W
HOMEMADE HAPPINESSHonda OdysseyHonda calls this their “living room on wheels” with options and style that lives up to that reputation. But don’t let the comfort fool you. The Odyssey has an engine that makes heading to the mountains a breeze. Because it is a Honda, it’s packed with safety features. Add in the handful of awards from notable outlets like Car and Driver’s 10 Best and you have a winner in the Odyssey. • 11-speaker audio system for listening to music at the campsite.• Multiple USBs to charge your devices as well.• A cool exterior with monochromatic paint.• Large 19” dark colored wheels.• 280-hp 3.5-liter V-6 with a 10-speed transmission. • $32,000 price point.Ford TransitWe’re moving into vehicles that can transition into amazing camping vans. All-Wheel drive is an option as well, so for those that want to backcountry camp, you can get there in the Transit. Leave it bare and build it your own way. A few key attributes that make the Transit ideal for camping:• Ford Co-Pilot 360 – the Transit’s suite of technology with a dozen cool features to help any RV experience such as: • Pre-Collision Assist, braking automatically in an emergency. • BLIS® - Blind Spot Information Systems for your van & anything you’re towing. • Active Park Assist.• Pro-backup Trailer Assist.• Auto High-Beam Headlamps.• Cross Trac Alert. • Starts around $34,510.TIP: You’re going to want to bring your tent along as the second-row seats don’t disappear into the base of the floor. But do not let that deter you. Oasis Campervans oers conversions ranging from $10k-$25k that will turn your van into a home on wheels with a sink, refrigerator, bed, storage and more. TIP: There are conversion companies that will turn the Transit into an amazing camping vehicle. The key is identifying how you want to use your van and having it built to your specifications. Ford doesn’t do it in house so we’ve listed a few of our favorites in this article.GIRL CAMPER / FALL 61
Mercedes-Benz Metris GetawayAt the 2020 Chicago Auto Show, Mercedes surprised show goers with this unique new concept in a production van. The Metris is the result of a partnership between Mercedes and two van builders – Driverge Vehicle Innovations and Peace Vans. Mercedes-Benz boasts this is “the right size van.” These little vans pack a major punch with luxury options that truly stand out, including: • Standard elevating roof that creates a penthouse sleeping area for two with a memory foam mattress.• Three windows and USB ports up top.• A rear bench that converts into a bed. • Driver and passenger seats swivel. • Solar panels for additional power.• An extendable awning. • Pullout rear kitchen.• Utility rack to store your paddle boards or kayak.• Starts around $40,000 with the entry level starter kit at $25,000 which includes the roof, beds and more. LIFESTYLE62 GIRL CAMPER / FALL 2020
Sportsmobile Classic 4x4Founded in 1961, Sportsmobile is considered the grandfather of camping van conversions and nobody really knows the market better than this gang. What Sportsmobile does that nobody else can really do in the marketplace is create a heavy-duty adventure van like no other. The Classic 4x4 is a Ford cutaway body, molded with a steel reinforced fiberglass shell. The integrated penthouse top drops flush into the shell. With a 4X4 system and 7.3 Liter V-8 motor, rock crawling, overlanding, hitting the Badlands is a breeze in this o-road vehicle.• Fox 2.0 Performance Shocks & massive brakes for o-roading.• Heavy Duty Steering Arm & Locking Dierentials.• Front Sway Bar with Disconnect.• Refrigerator, stove top, microwave, shower, two double beds.• Generator & Inverter system.• Plenty of storage.• Pricing spans the globe from a decked-out version starting at $100K to the all-out classic from $175k - $200k. TIP: Sportsmobile can convert any van including all those on this list. They also create Mobile Disabled Vans. Starting from scratch? They can buy the van directly from their preferred dealers which should save you money on that end.Mike CaudiMike is an internationally recognized expert in all-things-auto and a frequent contributor to major media outlets nationwide. Follow Mike at OurAutoExpert.com or at GirlCamper.com as our auto expert too!LIFESTYLEGIRL CAMPER / FALL 63
Having Air Li on your vehicle means you can relax, and actually enjoy the drive. Air Li eliminates squat with the touch of a button*, leveling your vehicle’s suspension so you have less trailer sway, light steering feel, bounce, and white knuckles. So when you’re ready to chase the sun...relax. Air Li will help get you there with safety and comfort. Relax and enjoy the driveTo find out how Air Lift can help you enjoy the drive with safety and comfort. Go to: NoSquat.com* Requires optional digital air compressor system | ©2020 Air Lift Company, Inc.
GIRL CAMPER / FALL 65LIFESTYLETODAY’S POP UP TRAILERSCamp 365The only way to truly wrap your head around the Camp 365 trailer is to see it. It is a narrow pyramid when folded up and sort of clam shells open to sleep up to six adults. Options include an outdoor shower, furnace, air conditioner, bunks, and more.At 1500lbs, the aluminum and Aqualon structure means no wood rot.The unique axles are adjustable and can retract down to 48” in width, so it could be towed into the backcountry with an ATV. Those axles can extend back out to support racks that carry bicycles or kayaks on the side of the trailer.Time Out TrailersDon’t underestimate the little Time Out Trailers which, at 385lbs for even the heaviest model, are popular even with motorcycle campers. Essentially this is a tent on wheels that folds out to accommodate a queen-sized bed, a table for two and even some floor space. When folded for transit, 23 sq. ft. of storage space holds the tent and supplies. Considering that the price at the factory for the Deluxe model is under $5,000, the Time Out Trailer also won’t break the bank.As life-long enthusiasts of the RV and travel lifestyle, my wife Peggy and I have camped in almost everything imaginable, from vintage trailers (before they were called vintage), to camper vans and even a converted cargo trailer. While Peggy is more of a go with the flow type, I get a little nutty about the details and enjoy comparing dierent models’ perks and quirks. But whatever the RV, it’s truly all about the destination. We got a chance to look at some stand-out examples of today’s builds, and found a few favorites to share with Girl Campers.
66 GIRL CAMPER / FALL 2020LIFESTYLESylvan SportThe Sylvan Sport’s “GO” can be described as a cargo trailer with an impressive lid arrangement that holds a folding tent. Crank up that lid, do a little tent magic and suddenly you have a camper. The company’s own literature describes it as the Swiss Army knife of trailers; an apt description.In camping mode the trailer is essentially elevated tent camping: a place to sit and eat or catch some shut eye. It’s dicult to do much more in a compact trailer that weighs 840lbs and has no electricity or water, but it can be towed by almost anything. It’s pretty cool that the tent roof can be removed for use as a cargo trailer and that you can put things on top of the trailer when it’s being towed to your awaiting adventure. And it’s American made!Opus CamperThe Opus brand specializes in rugged oerings that look perfect behind a Jeep. With a suspension designed for o-road duty, this camper isn’t just for looks. It delivers. The upper “tent” structure becomes inflatable by use of the on-board compressor. The Opus features a pull-out kitchen with a stove, pressurized water and even a 12-volt cooler. You can bring more of the outside in with a second inflatable tent that covers the kitchen area.
GIRL CAMPER / FALL 67LIFESTYLETaxa - Tiger MothThe Taxa Tiger Moth is more of a tactical trailer than a folding trailer that proves itself capable when o pavement. The interior is loaded with exposed metal beams oering pre-designed areas for hanging bungee nets and such. Adjacent to the rear door is a pull-out kitchen with an awning optional screen room. A five gallon “Jerry can” jug with a push button spigot serves as a refillable water system. Note the huge side “door” that swings up on gas struts.While not foldable, the Tiger Moth’s 82” height fits into most garages. Options like a roof top tent and the Thule rack system provide a ton of choices for holding adventure gear. European-style Lexan windows and torsion flex axles point to a high grade of quality.RockwoodFolding trailers have come a long way and the Rockwood-Flagsta hard-sided pop ups are a prime example. They still fold down to fit into a garage, and are still ultralight starting at around 2000lbs, but the a-frame sides are all hard-sided and easy enough for one person to set up and fold down. They also have features like dormers for added standing room. The Rockwood A213HW, for example, features things like MaxXair fan for great o-grid breezes inside, a dormer above the dinette for additional headroom and two twin beds - perfect for that girl camping getaway with a friend. Even in this 2670lb trailer, there is actually a cartridge toilet, fridge, air conditioner and an outside grill.Peggy andTonyPeggy and Tony live in Northern California where they host their podcast on StresslessCamping.com. They also write for GirlCamper.com and RVTravel.com. Recently, they’ve been exploring their own backyard.
we’ve traveled to newplaces, savored newexperiences andmade new friends. Whether youare a family, a couple like us ora single traveler on the road,perhaps you’ll discover newholiday experiences, too. Weshare some of ours here.DECORATINGWe purged countlessdecorations when we sold ourhome. We now carry two bins ofour most memorable items, plustwo small trees. Here is how wecreate holiday magic:• Across a slide-out, we string greens with twinkle lights, thenhang our lifetime ornamentcollection. It’s a festive way toenjoy those memories!• One small tree features ourRV’s “coastal” theme withtravel ornaments we collect.• A tinier tree displays one-of-a-kind ornaments from adear friend.• Next to our fireplace are twosmall pieces that my husband,John, hand-carved when ourdaughters were young. Theyremind us of their childhoodsand our old home.• We hang a live wreath with a festive bow on our front door,purchased from ourgrandson to support hisschool fundraiser.GIFTINGInstead of exchanging gifts, wedonate to organizations close toour hearts. It’s cumbersome andexpensive to shop, wrap, andship gifts while on the road.Although we still send gifts tothe grandchildren, family andfriends receive gift certificatesor cards.We’ve discovered many creativeways to send gifts online!STAYING IN TOUCHThis season our holidaygreetings went digital,eliminating postage and paper.Our annual newsletter withupdates of our travels and life iseagerly anticipated by ourfamily and friends, only now it’sin digital form. COVID hasnudged us toward expandeduse of technology to keepconnected. As we have done allyear, over Christmas weconnected on Zoom andFacebook Chat.EMBRACING HOLIDAYSON THE ROADA
WORSHIPLeaving our hometown of 30+years and long-timerelationships was dicult. Thechurch where we married andwere involved in was part of ourholiday traditions.Nowadays, we engage with alargely Asian church where westay for the winter. Weexperience their culture andparticipate in their communityservice, assembling anddelivering blessing bags forthe homeless. We’ve beenblessed with the gift of newfriendships, too!CELEBRATINGEvery town celebrates uniquely.While wintering in St. Augustine,Florida, we experienced theNights of Lights months longdisplay. While in Los Angeles,we took our grandsons toCandy Cane Lane, a popularone-mile square area ofneighborhood homes that pullsout all the stops to decorate,play music, and pass out treats.We’ve explored the RonaldReagan Presidential Library andMuseum international treedisplay in Simi Valley, Californiaand celebrated New Year’s Evefireworks over Myrtle Beach,South Carolina. After all, evenholiday discovery is part of thetravel experience.TRADITIONSBesides my husband’shandmade pieces and ourornament collection, wemaintain our 45-year traditionof making homemade fudge.We generously share withfamily and friends and givesome to our RV sta and churchfamily. Food is a large part offamily celebrations. While wemiss the large holiday meals,we make our traditional wassailnow in a mini-crockpot and ourdinner is a small ham with sides.It hasn’t been easy to adjust tocelebrating holidays dierently. Imiss being with loved ones, thewhirlwind of festive events andgatherings and hometowntraditions. We’re learning tocelebrate wherever we are andwhomever we’re with in this full-time RV life. After all, it’s a seasonof spreading joy to others andexploring new experiences!There will come a time when ournewfound traditions will changeagain as we enter another lifechapter. I have always believedthat the only thing constant ischange. For us, the holidayshave demonstrated that evenchange is good when it comesto celebrations. Wishing youand yours a glorious new yearin 2021!P JenneeFull-time RVers since 2016, Pat andher husband, John, spend much oftheir time visiting National Parks.After selling a series of communitymagazines she owned and publishedfor 15 years, this year Pat plans tolaunch a new magazine, “All ThingsNational Parks.” For more, email herat allthingsnationalparks@gmail.com.GIRL CAMPER / FALL 69
70 GIRL CAMPER / FALL 2020VINTAGE COOLER JUGSPrey & PracticPrey & PracticFor the past 25 years, I’ve been selling and collecting “vintage” as a lover of things that have a history orpast life, have been loved and have a time-worn patina. One find I’ll never pass up is a vintage cooler jug.I sell them in my booth at Ye Old Goat in Appleton, Wisconsin and at my annual home Barn Sale. Theydon’t all make the sale though. Some have too much “soul” to part with. These jugs are a staple for GirlCampers who collect vintage camp items. Here are a few of my favorite ideas for using them at home andat the campground.Key O’BrienKelly is a Fond du Lac, Wisconsin farm girl living her best life with her husband of20 years and their three children. She’s an avid collector and stylist. Look for hertreasures on sale at Instagram and Facebook under @SoulPatina.LEMONADE STANDA handful of ice and your favorite beverage willstay cold all day in a shady spot in casecompany stops by.HOLD FOODMany of the older versions of these jugs haveceramic linings that keep hot food really hot.Add chili or soup and serve!
GIRL CAMPER / FALL 2020 71GIRL CAMPER / FALL 2020 71LIGHT FIXTUREA simple kit fromthe hardwarestore is all you need toconvert this intoa pretty andpractical light.ICE BUCKETThese cooler jugskeep thingsreally cold andmake great icebuckets at yourbeverage station.STORE THINGSStash your firetinder, dryer lintand matches tokeep themoisture at bay.Dry tinder ishard to find in adamp forest.
THE CLASSICLARGE SKOTCHKOOLERThese big coolerswere used for acrowd and makegreat footstools,storagecontainers andan extra seataround thecampfire ina pinch.
STYLETHE RELIC CUSTOM TRAILERSIt’s always said that charity begins at home. In GirlCamper’s case, that’s literally true.Growing up, my sister Natalie had a health scare thatlanded her in the Oncology Unit at The Children’sHospital of Philadelphia. Having our mom by her sideduring testing was both a comfort and a blessing. Butwhat about the kids who suered alone because theirparents had to be at work to keep the lights on? It leftsuch a huge impression on her heart that years later,as an adult, she started a charity she named HoldYouFoundation to help shoulder the often-devastatingfinancial burden facing families with sick children.Fast forward to 2018 when we at Girl Camper had anidea. What if we could take an RV, do our ‘Factory toFabulous’ makeover on it and rae it o for HoldYoufamilies in need? We pulled that o in 2018 and 2019raising more than $100,000. The need now is even greater.BY JANINE PETTITCHARITY RAFFLEAnnual72 GIRL CAMPER / FALL 2020
This year we are shaking it up abit and raing o a firstgeneration Relic trailer that webought from one of our GirlCampers. It’s a 2016 yellow andwhite, head turning fiberglassbeauty we call “Belle.” I askedour Eastern PennsylvaniaGuide, Suzi “Q” Landis to puther ‘Factory to Fabulous’ touchon what was already a beautifulRV. “You know how I live todecorate campers,” Q remindedme. “I can’t wait to get myhands on it!” I couldn’t ask for abetter set of helping hands!Once home with the trailer thatshe picked up in Memphis fromBelle’s owner Janet (each ofwhom drove 14 hours to meethalf-way), Q began to unleashher renovation and decorationsuperpower on this show-stopping, vintage-style beauty.She first got to work makingany small repairs and fixes thencamped in it to get a better feelfor the space. She chose a turtlegreen color for the lower kitchencabinets and a creamy whitefor the uppers to complimentthe exterior. Next came thecurtains. While she appreciatedthe original pom-pom theme,she modernized the look byadding solid colored fabricblinds. The rear blinds areactually made from cork! Othertouches are revealed in theaccompanying photos, with thepièce de résistance being thephotos of national parks shecurated and framed to adornthe walls.Things to note: The trailer ispetite, weighing in at just 1,500pounds – perfect for anyonewho doesn’t have or want a bigtow vehicle. Her 10’ fiberglassbox is 13’ long from fin totongue. The U-shaped banquetoers the option to be used astwo twin beds, a full King bed ora single bed for added seatingspace. There’s a hoseconnection for city water andan electric fridge. The owneropted out of a built-in stove,preferring an electric skilletwhen not cooking outdoors.This leaves lots of counter andprep space. A hidden airconditioner cools hot days anda small counter space heater isall you need to stay toasty inher on chilly nights.WANT HER? HEAD OVER TOGIRLCAMPER.COM TO GETYOUR RAFFLE TICKET(S)! We’re working with NFL SuperBowl winner Matt Light’s charitynetwork to manage the ticketsales which are just $10 each (agreat holiday stocking stuer)!Proceeds benefit HoldYouFoundation. The winner will beannounced on Valentine’s Day,February 14th, 2021. Good Luck!GIRL CAMPER / FALL 73
Nancy and Richard Lucier turned their $350, 1967Scotsman trailer, into the perfect backdrop for theirbooth at the world-renowned Brimfield Antiquesand Flea Market in Massachusetts. They replacedall of the butyl tape and screws on the windowsand trim, repaired the leaky roof and damagedcabinets and then freshened her up with a newpaint job. They named her “Rosie” and decoratedthe interior of this “nod to nostalgia” to suit hercheery new personality. “Rosie soon became thebelle of the antique ball,” Nancy says. “Everyonewants a peek inside before shopping at our booth!”I guess you can say Rosie came up roses!CampStyle
GIRL CAMPER / FALL 2020 75Nancy & Richard’s Renovation Pro Tips• Be sure to replace the Butyl tape in thewindows and around the seals. Water leaks dolots of damage.• Consider what you can and cannot do yourself andfactor in the cost of subbing out some of the work.• Join vintage camper social media groups as greatsources for parts, advice and encouragement.(Chances are high someone has dealt with the sameproblem you may be facing.)• Don’t know the year of your camper? Check the cushions. If original, the year will be stamped on the tags.To help navigate the fair, you can download the freeBrimfield App developed by the Lucier’s daughter andson-in-law, Kaitlin and Ryan Servant. You can also findthem at a new space in Worcester, Mass.at the Crompton Collective.Nancy and Richard Lucier
76 GIRL CAMPER / FALL 2020STYLEMary-Kathryn Nourse is the mom of one big blended family with kids ranging from 7 – 23 years old. She started as a tent camper, then moved onto a vintage travel trailer, took a turn in a motorhome and now enjoys the versatility and ease of a pop up. We asked her about the beautiful makeover she did with her 1992 Coleman Destiny, hoping it inspires you to take your pop up from factory to fabulous!Where did you buy your pop up? I bought it from Facebook Marketplace. I was searching for one that had a good canvas and layout where we knew we could fix the rest. What kind of work did your pop up need? After a thorough cleaning, there were some missing parts such as light covers and bed hardware that we had to fix or replace. Then it was onto the painting and refinishing.
GIRL CAMPER / FALL 77How much money did you invest in the project?We actually invested very little in it, maybe $1000 including the cost of buying it. Most everything we used were things we already had like the comforter, paint and quick drying cement we had left over from house projects. What was the hardest part of the rehab? We wanted it to feel like a little farmhouse on wheels so we had to think in terms of having it fit our needs while also making it appealing and relaxing. Deciding on the design is always harder than the execution!Do you have a design philosophy?I really like to keep things simple and comfortable, using things we already have. Keeping the design timeless is important too so it can accommodate new trends or your own changing whims. What’s your advice for others renovating a pop up? Start with good bones, either a great shell with no leaks, a layout you love or one with a newer canvas and go from there. I think it can get overwhelming if you’re dealing with one that needs a lot of work. We just bought our second one that has great potential and only needs a new canvas. It’s an easy fix and then we can start the fun part – decorating! What kind of response do you get from fellow campers? Most people think it’s a brand-new camper or that we invested a lot of money into it! They’re always so surprised that everything, including the cost of the camper, came in under $1,000.Anything else you would like to share about your pop up journey? This was my personal project so I was able to do it all by myself with very minimal help from my husband. That was a personal goal I set myself. Hopefully I can inspire other moms and women out there that it’s something they can do on their own too. It’s so rewarding! I think camping is ultimately such a great experience for women. Having your own RV allows you to have a space all your own that you can decorate and have fun with. It’s kind of an escape from all of the crazy stu happening in 2020!For more of Mary-Kathryn’s designs and inspirations, follow her on Instagram @noursesnest and at Wanderluxdesignanddecor.com.
THE GIFT THATKEEPS GIVINGI love making things for friendsand this is my newest “go to”gift for special occasions,hostess gifts and the upcomingholiday season.
WAXED FOOD WRAPSare a greatway to cut down on single useplastics. No more plastic wrap onbowls, sandwiches in zip lock bagsor plastic wrapped leftovers. Theseare simple to make, reusable up to150 times and can be personalizedto color coordinate to a girlfriend’sRV or home kitchen. Here is howyou can make them at home.Suzie “Q“ Landis “Pennsylvania Girl Camper Chapter Guide, Suzie “Q” LandisA“Q”TipYou will need:Beeswax with tree resin, jojobaoil and coconut oil + Syntheticbrush + Cotton quilting fabric+ Pinking shears +Ruler + Smallcrock pot +Parchment paper + Drying rack1
DIYWash, dry and iron yourquilting weight cotton fabric.Cut it to the sizes you wantwith pinking shears. I cut8”x8” for small jars, 12”x12”for sandwiches and 14”x14” forlarge bowls.2Melt the beeswax on low ina small crock pot. I buy apremade mix that containstree resin, jojoba oil andcoconut oil. These additionaloils and resins make the waxstick better.3Place the fabric on parchmentpaper and brush on themelted wax. Make sure it isthoroughly coated. You canput it in a 200 degree oven fora few minutes to “spread” thewax across the fabric.4
80 GIRL CAMPER / FALL 2020Remove from the oven and carefully hang it on a drying rack to cool. You can also use a wooden coat hanger. They dry really quickly so only work on one at a time.5I first cover recycled cardboard with pretty paper. I then place the folded wax wraps on top and wrap them with a complimentary paper sleeve. Secure them with a waxed string and a fun button.6
GIRL CAMPER / FALL 2020 81CARE INSTRUCTIONS I like to hand write the care instructions on a heavy stock card and slip it behind the folded wax wraps. Clean by wiping with a damp cloth or rinsing under the faucet with lukewarm water. Air dry them and fold them up. I store mine in an oil cloth bag in a kitchen drawer.DIYI made a simple oil cloth envelope to keep them in. It’s pretty but also keeps them clean and organized in your kitchen drawer.7Pretty paper is a must. This is the Camco “Life is Better at the Campsite” paper. Look closely. It is not actually holiday paper but with a plaid bow, it sure looks like it is. Double duty gift wrap!8
82 GIRL CAMPER / FALL 2020BECOMING A GIRL CAMPERCamping: The Healing ConnectionBY LORETTA BOYER MCCLELLANLike many native Californians, Istarted tent camping from ayoung age with my family. Ourdestination was primarily innearby Big Basin State Park inthe Santa Cruz Mountains ofNorthern California. Campingshaped me immeasurably, aswell as set a precedent to getback to nature often, or rather,to immerse myself within it.Back home when I was nottrekking through the mistyredwoods, I found myselfcraving the vitality andsplendor of the forest andthe ocean. I often sat aloftin my little backyard tree orran barefoot across our lawn.I wanted—no, needed—toconnect with nature andobserve the world’s wonders.The leaves, earth, sky, and birdsof my neighborhood gave greatcomfort to this Girl Camper.My father helped me procuretwo refrigerator boxes from alocal appliance store tobecome my private fort on ourcovered patio. It became myrefuge where I could view thesuburban ’scape, daydreamuninterrupted, and pretendthat I was solo camping. It wasmy first experience of respite ina “camper,” complete with popout windows, a constructionpaper picture of flowers on thewall, and a variegated pinkshag carpet remnant at theentrance as a welcoming mat.The year that my cardboardcamper deteriorated from useand the elements, I received apup tent as a Christmas gift.What better way to put the“pup” in pup tent than havingbackyard campouts with mydog Toby, an obligingMiniature Schnauzer.
GIRL CAMPER / FALL 83An important part of my wellness regimen was to sit in a camp chair in the meadow, surrounded by trees and wildlife on the mountain property where we lived. Those were the same mountains I once camped as a child, in my youth and as a new mom. Soon our six-person family tent was set up as a screen room in the field, where I learned the art of fully letting go during meditation as owls, hawks, jays, deer, and other wildlife joined me in these moments. Being in the tent with the vista and experiences that I savored reminded me of that refrigerator box camper I had enjoyed long ago. Whether tent or box-haven, each was my serene vantage point for observing the restorative natural world, and to see, most clearly, within myself.I had wished for a Coleman pop-up tent trailer for years; this evolved into a yearning for vintage trailers, particularly a 1960s Shasta Airflyte, to appease my nostalgia and designer aspirations. It was not long before a new, but retro-inspired trailer caught my eye: the well-designed Winnebago Minnie Drop travel trailer. My husband and I ordered our own cheerful little ray of sunshine in vibrant yellow—one of several color choices oered When I took my tent to the next family campout in the woods, as well as on all my Campfire Girl group campouts, it was empowering to set it up and neatly pack it up myself. The stakes are a bit rusty, but I still have the tent as a badge of honor in becoming a Girl Camper.Years later, as a married mother with four teenage sons and a home-based career as a writer and artist, I was faced with the onset of an aggressive case of severe Rheumatoid Arthritis, with its accompanying mobility challenges and chronic, systemic pain and inflammation. Three dierent Rheumatologists told me I was headed for a wheelchair. Even premature death became a consideration due to the severity and how organs can be aected. This put me on the path of learning methods and modalities for well-being and pain management, including complementary therapies of mindfulness and meditation. Meditation helped bring that quest into balance and to be at peace, with nature as my teacher.for the model. In a poignant awareness, I remembered that the construction paper picture on the wall of my childhood backyard “camper” was of daisies. Hence, we named her Daisy!She became a cherished blessing for quality of life, for camping heals, nature is a wise teacher, and together, the two connect us to ourselves. Lorea McCleanWith nature as a recurring theme, Loretta is the author of five books of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry, including her memoir, The Nature of BEing: A Healing Journey. An award-winning artist and designer, her original watercolors and design grace the covers of all her books. Visit LorettaBoyerMcClellan.com and McClellanCreative.com for more information.
SUBSCRIBE TODAYONLY$32/yea rDon’t have a subscription yet? Get four gorgeous print issues and access to all digital archives for just $32 a year.at girlcamper.com
GIRL CAMPER / FALL 2020 85
86 GIRL CAMPER / FALL 2020COME IN AND Get AwayGeneralRV.comGeneral RV has the perfect trailer or motorhome for your girls’ trips and weekend escapes. Our RV experts will help you camp with confidence. Visit one of our 13 Supercenters nationwide and start making memories today.RV SALES | FINANCING | PARTS | SERVICEA RVMAINTENANCE & REPAIRTRAINING FOR EVERYONE!80% of the problems that women have with theirRVs are easy things to fix… if we know how. As anRV Maintenance Course Graduate, you’ll be able tofix 80% of your RV issues!Want to take that knowledge even further?Get certified remotely and work anytime – anywhere!I’m so happy to see so manyI’m so happy to see so manyof my fellow Girl Campersof my fellow Girl Campersgetting certified & starting agetting certified & starting awhole new career!whole new career!Girl Camper Chapter GuideBrenda PuckettStephanie HensonDirector of the National RV Inspectors Association
FALL 2020 Ode to Joy 90 YEAR OLD Grandma Proves ON PAGE 40 Today s Pop Up Trailers ON PAGE 63 HOW TO CREATE FOIL PACKET MEALS ON PAGE 32 Interviews how tos camp foods camp style Challenges Win This Trailer
FALL 2020 Ode to Joy 90 YEAR OLD Grandma Proves ON PAGE 40 Today s Pop Up Trailers ON PAGE 63 HOW TO CREATE FOIL PACKET MEALS ON PAGE 32 Interviews how tos camp foods camp style Challenges Win This Trailer
GIRL CAMPER / FALL 2020 89Pricing, promotions, and availability may vary by location and at www.harborfreight.com and are subject to change without notice. We reserve the right to limit quantities. “Compare to” advertised price means that the specifi ed comparison, which is an item with the same or similar function, was advertised for sale at or above the “Compare to” price by another national retailer in the U.S. within the past 90 days. Prices advertised by others may vary by location. No other meaning of “Compare to” should be implied. Although we make every effort to assure that our prices and products are advertised as accurately as possible, we are only human and in the event an error is made, we reserve the right to correct it.Shop When You Need To Online & In-StoreSUPER COUPONSUPER COUPONSUPER COUPONSUPER COUPONSUPER COUPONSUPER COUPONSUPER COUPONSUPER COUPONSUPER COUPONANY SINGLE ITEM*20%OFFUse Online & In-StoreUse Online & In-Store* 45210384 * 45210384 In-Store Only* 45244260 * 45244260 Use Online & In-Store* 45227450 * 45227450 Use Online & In-Store* 45215432 * 45215432 Use Online & In-Store* 45216674 * 45216674 Use Online & In-Store* 45216658 * 45216658 Use Online & In-Store* 45212900 * 45212900 * 45210181 * 45210181 Use Online & In-Store* 45222140 * 45222140 Use Online & In-Store* 45214351 * 45214351 *Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 12/3/20.1,100+ Stores Nationwide • HarborFreight.comLimit 1 coupon per customer per day. Save 20% on any 1 item purchased. *Cannot be used with other discount, coupon or any of the following items or brands: Inside Track Club membership, Extended Service Plan, gift card, open box item, 3 day Parking Lot Sale item, compressors, fl oor jacks, power stations, safes, storage cabinets, chests or carts, trailers, welders, Admiral, Ames, Atlas, Avanti, Bauer, Central Machinery, Cobra, CoverPro, Daytona, Diamondback, Drummond, Earthquake, Fischer, Hercules, Icon, Jupiter, Lynxx, Poulan, Predator, Tailgator, Viking, Vulcan, Zurich. Not valid on prior purchases. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 12/3/20.LIMIT 1 - Exp. 12/3/20 *LIMIT 4 - Exp. 12/3/20 *LIMIT 3 - Exp. 12/3/20 *LIMIT 1 - Exp. 12/3/20 *LIMIT 1 - Exp. 12/3/20 * LIMIT 3 - Exp. 12/3/20 *LIMIT 3 - Exp. 12/3/20*Exp. 12/3/20 *LIMIT 4 - Exp. 12/3/20 * 2000W Super Quiet Inverter Generator $ 44999 $ 49999 Compare to Honda EU2200iTA $ 1,049 ITEM 62523 Inverter Generator Save $599 ITEM 63585 250 Lumen Pop-Up Lantern $ 499 $ 599 ( 3686 )( 5160 )Save 66% Compare to Go Green Power GG-113-30LPOP$ 14.99 ITEM 64110 69¢WOW!12" x 12" Microfi ber Cleaning Cloths Pack of 4ITEM 6335863925/63363 shownWOWSUPER COUPONSAVE 88%( 6504 )Compare toProElite AZC0AB$5.99$ 289 LIMIT 3$ 299 $ 499 ITEM 57593 4 WHILE SUPPLIES LAST Non-medical. 3-Ply Disposable Face MasksPack of 10 ITEM 57593 Save 40%( 2768 )Less Th an 30¢ per MaskSUPER COUPONSUPER COUPONSUPER COUPONSUPER COUPONSUPER COUPONSUPER COUPONSUPER COUPONSUPER COUPONSUPER COUPONITEM 62515 66911 shown 18" Working Platform Step Stool $2999$1999Compare toNeocraft 60635$39.99* 45227450 *Save50% Rapid Pump® 1.5 TonLightweight AluminumFloor Jack $ 5999 $ 7999 ( 1924 )Compare to K Tool KTI63094 $ 163.09 ITEM 64552/6483264980 / 64545 shownUse Online & In-StoreSave $103 100w Solar Panel Kit$18999$19999(927)9999Save$10PER WATT$1.891.89RENEWABLE ENERGY,ANYWHERE3 Gallon, 100 PSI Oil-Free Air Compressors$3999$5499(4172)Compare to Porter-CablePCFP02003$98.6239Save 59%YOUR CHOICEITEM 60637/61615 shownPancakeHot DogITEM 69269/97080 shown$1999$2999(5406)Compare to Coleman635394$56.49Save 64%ITEM 56719BlueGreenITEM 63066/62314 shownHeavy Duty Foldable Aluminum Sports ChairsYOUR CHOICE OF COLOR(1630)hft_girlcamper_fall_M-REG175074.indd 1 9/28/20 2:59 PM
90 GIRL CAMPER / FALL 2020Page 2: Stock photos; Relic Trailer – Suzi “Q” Landis; Land O’Lakesflower box – Nancy & Richard Lucier; foil packets – Sta; Christmasornaments – Pat Janette; Page 8 – 10: Lori Simon; Page 11 – 13:Marilou Parsons; Page 14: AMB-MD Photography; Page 15: Bualo– Turtix; Crazy Horse & Central Railroad – Blackhillsbadlands.com; Women & Devils Tower – Lesa McDermott; Page 16: Inn TownCampground; Page 17: Sunset – Brenda Puckett; all other photos –Sequoyah State Park; Page 18: Shari Sullivan; Page 19: Pelican RVResort & Marina; Page 20 – 21: stock photos; Page 22 – 23: MarkPolk & Janine Pettit; Page 24 – 25: Robbin DiCiacco; Page 27 – 29:Dawn Wilson; Page 30: Stock photos; Page 31: Lorri Weisen; Page32 – 35: Sta; Page 36 – 37: product companies; Page 39: Sta;Page 40 – 43: Brad Ryan; Page 44: Janine Pettit & Suzanne Frank;Page 45: Janine Pettit; Page 46 – 47: Stock photos; Page 48 – 49:Abby & Jason Epperson; Page 50 – 51: Joanne Mundy; Page 52 –53: Michelle Wyland; Page 56 – 57: Relic Trailers; Page 56:illustration - Scott “Scooter” Burroughs; Page 58 – 61: manufacturersphotos; Page 63 – 65: manufacturers photos; Page 66: fudge –stock photo; Christmas tree in RV – Pat Janette; Page 67: ornaments& sled – Pate Janette; Candy Cane Lane – stock photo; Page 68 –69: hold food jug - Nell Pitman, all other photos - Kelly O’Brien.Page 70 – 71: Suzi “Q” Landis; Page 72 – 73: Nancy & Richard Lucier;Page 74 – 75: Mary-Kate Nourse; Page 78 – 79: Suzi “Q” Landis;Page 80: Loretta McClellan; Page 81: Twilight trailer – StevenMcClellan; all others – Loretta McClellan; Page 88: Sergiy Artsaba;Page 89: Janine PettitPHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS
HOMEMADE HAPPINESSGOOD NIGHT CAMPERIn my own little cornerIn my own little chairI can be whatever I want to beOn the wing of my fancyI can fly anywhereAnd the world will open itsarms to me-Rodgers & Hammerstein’s“Cinderella”
Date: 7-2-2020 11:06 AMALL CONTENT WITHIN THIS FILE IS FOR OUTPUT ONLY BY END PRINTER/VENDOR. CHANGES, SHARING AND/OR DISTRIBUTING CONTENT IN WHOLE OR IN PART ARE STRICTLY PROHIBITED. LICENSING RIGHTS AND APPROVALS MUST BE REQUESTED AND APPROVED TO/BY FCB CHICAGO.Job Number: 11408220v_GoRVing_NeedVacation Client/Brand: Go RVing/NoneColors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, BlackImages: 11408220c01_R1_Go_RVing_Family_CMYK.tif (522 ppi; CMYK), GoRVing_Wht.aiFonts: Interstate (Bold; OpenType)PA: Jim GreinerRET: Bob FaetzAB: NoneVendor: NoneOutput%: NoneFile Name: 11408220v_GoRVing_NeedVacation_4C.inddAPPROVALSQC: NonePR: None PP: Stacy SinasonTM: NoneGCD: Justin Enderstein, Tor Lemhag, Niels Sienaert, Tim SchoenmaeckersAD: McKenzie MooreCW: Blythe GreenPublications: NoneNotes: NoneGutter: NoneFolds: NoneNoneMedia/Color Sp: PRINT/4 COLORCountry: NoneLanguage: NoneBleed: 8.75" x 11.25" Trim: 8.5" x 11"Safety: T:0.375", B:0.5", L:0.375", R:0.375"Scale: 1:1 YOU DON’TJUST NEEDA VACATION.YOU NEEDAN RV.GO ON A REALVACATIONS:7.75"S:10.125"T:8.5"T:11"B:8.75"B:11.25"