Pitching a Tent
As mentioned previously, pitch the tents at a meeting prior to going camping. If a new tent is being used, this could also be the time to complete the manufacturer’s instructions for sealing the seams. Look for directions! Sometimes the instructions for pitching the tent are stamped or sewn on the tent door or bag. If they are not, creating a laminated instruction sheet with a complete inventory of the number of poles, stakes and guy-lines is a wonderful project for the girls.
Lay out poles, stakes and guy lines.
Lay down a ground cloth if extra protection is desired. The ground cloth should be smaller than the tent floor by approximately 1 inch on all sides so that it doesn’t act as a rain gutter.
Position tent over ground cloth with entrance angled toward center of camp site.
If a free-standing tent, assemble poles and attach to tent (there should either be sleeves through which the poles are insert or hook on clips). If the tent requires guy-lines to keep it pitched, loosely stake the four corners before inserting poles and erecting the tent.
Pull tent floor smooth and stake the corners (the tent is stretched too tightly if the floor balloons away from the ground).
Adjust guy-lines and attach rain fly.
Open windows or sides of tent. Keep bug screens closed.
Place sleeping bag ground cloths, mattresses and sleeping bag evenly in tent. Keep bags and belongings away from the tent walls. Keep excess gear in an extra supply tent or in the vehicle.
Open flaps and windows during the day to air the tent. Keep windows open during the night to allow perspiration and other vapors to escape.