Adventure to start-Booklet Booklet SHO-Adventure to start | Page 15

  Determine where the sun will rise. It can be a good idea to anticipate the sun's path for the morning time, so you won't be rudely awakened. In the summertime, tents can act like ovens, meaning that you'll wake up sweaty and irritable if you set up your tent in the direct path of the sun. In the ideal tent placement, you'll remain in the shade through the morning so you can wake up comfortably at a time of your choosing. Organize your campsite appropriately. Keep the sleeping area well away from cooking and toilet areas, preferably upwind of them. If you have a fire at your campsite, make sure it's not close enough to spray sparks onto the tent, and make sure you put your fire out completely before you turn in for the night. SETTING UP A TENT When we found the right spot, its time to set uup our tent: 1. Lay a tarp down before putting up your tent. When setting up your tent, it's important to put a barrier in between the ground and the bottom of your tent to protect it from gathering moisture. A good-quality plastic or vinyl tarp should accompany any tent. Fold the tarp into the relative shape of the tent, but slightly smaller. You don't want any part of the tarp to hang out beyond the edge of the tent, otherwise it'll collect water underneath in case it rains. Fold up longer edges and tuck them under the tent. 2. Lay out and account for all the components of your tent. Most modern tents are made of lightweight nylon, all-in-one tent poles, and stakes, while older army-style tents often feature more complicated poles and cloth coverings. At the very least, you'll need the tent itself and the poles, and the method of putting them is generally the same. 3. Lay your tent onto the tarp. Find the bottom side of the tent and put that side down on the tarp. Orient the windows and door of the tent in the direction you'd like them to face. Lay it out flat and turn your attention to the poles.