It’s time for my husband and teenage son to start packing for Boy Scout camp.   They leave Sunday to spend a week living in tents, without the benefits of air conditioning, internet and cell-phone access that they’re used to at home.

There won’t be “flushie” toilets, either.  And that is why I don’t camp.  I could spend a week sleeping under mosquito netting, but I don’t want to live without indoor plumbing.

This is their sixth year at summer camp, and over the years they’ve learned some tricks to make the week go by a little easier and more comfortably.  Other Scout leaders with more years of camping under their belts have shared their tips as well.  So the boys will be competing for spaces in the “Taj Mahal” tent, which is probably big enough to hold the whole troop if they squeezed in.  My husband has a queen-size air mattress that’s about two feet thick and which has been used as a trampoline when the kids think he’s not looking.  There’s one leader who rigs up car batteries to power ceiling fans and Christmas lights for his tent.

They’re willing to put up with the tough things a week away from civilization brings, because the tradeoff includes opportunities for rifle-shooting, canoeing, daily swims in the lake, woodworking and the Iron Camp Chef competition.

COUPON TIME

If there’s camping in your summer plans, check out these deals on camp necessities and even some luxuries.  You might even find a “Taj Mahal Tent.”

20% off one item at Sierra Trading Post
Applies to the most expensive item in your basket!
Use this link to activate the keycode. The discount will be displayed in your shopping cart and you’ll see a note saying “Your 20% off discount has been applied to your order!” Do not enter a keycode during checkout.
Valid through: August 4, 2009
U.S ground shipping only. Must order online. Cannot be applied to past orders or combined with other offers. Excludes bikes, boats, sporting optics, clearance and other select items. Free shipping excludes oversized items, oversized orders or items with special shipping charges. The purchase of Gift Cards does not count towards the minimum purchase requirement.
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$5 Flat Shipping on orders over $150 at Cabelas
Use promotion code 79HOT during checkout.
Valid through: July 20, 2009
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Buy Waders, get the Boots for free at Orvis.com
Add the waders and boots to your shopping basket. Discount will appear in the basket. Use this link for more details.
Valid through: September 30, 2009
See other Orvis coupons!

$5 off an order of $50 or more online at Camping World
Use coupon code 2325.
Valid through: September 7, 2009
Valid online only. Not valid on previous purchases.
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Save 60%+ off top brands at REI.com
Valid through: July 31, 2009
Offer not valid on special orders, package discounts, REI gift cards or E-gift certificates, gift boxes, memberships, rentals, shop services, bicycles, any item with GPS technology, phones, personal locator beacons. Offer is limited to stock on hand, is nontransferable and is not redeemable for cash. Merchandise purchased with this discount is not eligible for the REI member refund.
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Free shipping on Marmot tents and bags at Altrec.com
Valid through: July 21, 2009
See other Altrec coupon codes!