Let the Kids Bake Cookies in Their Own Solar Oven!

Not only is a simple solar oven easy to make, they actually work! And they're perfect for camping trips. Now we can bake up some fresh cookies while we're camping, something we've never been able to do before and you can too.
Here's how. The first thing you need to do is to save your pizza boxes. One per child. The pizza box becomes the oven.
Close the lid of the pizza box as if you were keeping your pizza warm.
Let the kids decorate the outside of their pizza boxes or you can paint or cover the outside in black paint or paper.
Using a sharp knife (parent supervision here or a parent does this part depending on the age of the child) cut along three sides of the pizza box lid, about an inch or two from the edges. This should create a flap.
On the inside of this flap, use some regular white glue and apply tin foil to the entire inside area of the flap. Try your best to get out all the creases from the foil as you press it against the flap.
Now, open up the lid and line the inside of the whole lid with saran wrap or plastic wrap. You want to make this is as snug as you can, creating a nice seal along the edges of the inside of the lid of your pizza box.
This will create a window where you just created your flap.
Using tin foil again line the entire inside of the pizza box.
Find a stick or other sturdy stick like object and after you've closed the lid, open up the flap and hold it open with your stick or other object. Face in the direction of the sun and it won't take long for the inside of your pizza box to heat up.
When you're ready to bake some cookies place the dough in small cookie balls, slightly flattened inside your new oven. With the box lid closed and the flap held open, face your oven into the sun and wait for your cookies to bake!
Baking in a solar oven will take a little longer than in a regular oven depending on the temperature but well worth the wait.
Happy Camping!

Leanne Arnott invites you to read more articles about taking your family camping or going on a family hiking trip at http://www.family-camping-and-hiking.com. You can add your submissions on many topics and subscribe to our monthly ezine.

How to Make a Cardboard Box Camp Oven

For this project the best box would be a banana box or fruit box because of the heavier thicker corrugated design. This box can be picked up for free at your local grocery store. A printer paper box from work would do the job too. The Box Oven can be completely free or as expensive and high tech as you want. The following items can be purchased for about ten bucks or liberated from somewhere else around the house or garage.
4 - 1/8" Diameter Steel Rod (36" long)
1 - Metal Trivet (Steel or Aluminum)
2 - 8 x 8 aluminum Trays
Roll of Aluminum Foil
Aluminum Duct Sealing Tape (optional)
Digital Thermometer with probe (optional - we're going high tech)
Super Glue
Most boxes I have used are 20" long by 15" wide x 9-1/2" deep. Turn box up vertical on end. Measure up 9-1/2" up from bottom and strike a level line on both sides of the box. Measure down 4" from top and strike another level line on both sides of the box. If you do not have a trivet, strike a level line 1" up from bottom.
Mark the top line for two 1/8" holes four inches apart. Mark the middle line for three 1/8" holes three inches apart. Mark the bottom line the same as the top, if you're not using a trivet. (See Photo)
The lid needs to be modified to fit properly. Trim the lip on one end of the lid so it will fit flush on the box without having to handle the box. Use the leftover cardboard to fill the gap in the lid. Use the foil tape to seal off. (See Photo) Remember when baking that the box will be HOT, especially at the top. Caution: Do not use the tape on the inside of the box. The glue on the tape is good for sealing, but not for eating.
Line the inside of the box and lid with two layers of aluminum foil and glue as needed. Be sure and put the shiny side out.
Cut the metal rods in half or have them cut at the home improvement store. Use the rod or an ice pick (be careful) to punch the holes in the box. Brace the box from behind as not to bend or crush it. Also, punch a series on holes on both sides of the box just up from the bottom for ventilation. The handle hole on top can be vented as needed when baking, by taping a foil patch on it as an adjustable flap.
The top and bottom rack will support the aluminum trays and the middle rack with hold the food. (See Photo)
If this oven is going high tech a hole for the digital probe will be needed. The probe should be as close to the food as possible with out touching. Install it about 2" up and near the back of the baking rack.
For a test drive used a tube of store bought biscuits and bake as directed. This oven will need nine briquettes, four on top and five on the bottom. When the charcoals are just turning gray, put four, one in each corner of the tray for the top rack and five, one in each corner and one in center for the bottom rack. Put biscuits in Box Oven. Put on Lid and bake.
The temperature will soar up to 400 degrees or so, then slowly drop to about 225 degrees and hold. Check after about ten minutes or so.
You will be pleasantly surprised. With a little practice you can bake many different types of bread. I pull mine out when I'm grilling, so I do not have to run back into the house for bread.

SouthEast Camper, Dutch Oven and Outdoor Cooking, Backpacking, Hiking, Camping - See our Adventures around the Carolina's and the SouthEast United States. For more about Dutch Oven and Outdoor Cooking - Visit us at SouthEast Camper

Be a Prepper: A Beginner's Guide to Surviving Disasters and Other Emergencies

Be a Prepper: A Beginner's Guide to Surviving Disasters and Other Emergencies was a free book for the kindle when this post was written.

Better to be ready than sorry later! Basic information you need in order to survive disasters and other emergencies.

Disasters, natural or thrust upon us, can happen at any time without any warning, or so little, that you cannot do anything about it. Except…if you are already prepared!

Knowing the things to do and what decisions to make to protect your loved ones and yourself has become crucial due to changing global climate, political tensions and other unforeseen events that could affect your livelihood. We all know we have to do it. Isn’t it time to get it done? This book contains the basic information you need to become a prepper and to be ready when unfortunate disaster strikes. In this book you will learn:

• Why you should become a prepper
• What you need to do to get ready
• Identify potential risks and hazards
• Prepare an emergency plan and test it
• Build your emergency supplies
• What is a bug-out bag and why you need it
• Securing supplies for your personal defense
• What you need to know to evacuate
• Sustainable living and long-term prepping
• Emergency barter

Be prepared and live safely through the worst situation life could bring upon you and your loved ones. Be a prepper!

Camping And Cooking: Everything You Need To Know About Camping And Cooking In One Place

Camping And Cooking: Everything You Need To Know About Camping And Cooking In One Place (Camping Cookbook, Camping, Cooking, Outdoor Cooking, Camping Recipes, How To Camp, Camping Guide Book 1) was a free book for the kindle when this post was written.

Camping And Outdoor Cooking Has Never Been Easier!

Today only, get this Kindle book for FREE. Regularly priced at $5.99. Read on your PC, Mac, smart phone, tablet or Kindle device.

Have you been thinking about getting out the great outdoors? Do you have kids that pester you to go camping, but you don't want to admit to them that you don't know anything about it? Is the thought of creating a campsite daunting? Is the idea of eating cold food out of tin cans day after day a turnoff? All you need is a little guidance and you can be camping in style!

Learn how to create a comfortable campsite cook some of the best tasting foods you've ever had download this book TODAY and:

• Learn About The Various Types Of Camping Equipment Available.
• Learn How To Provide Comfortable Shelter In Most Camping Environment.
• Learn How To Cook Great Tasting Food In The Outdoors.
• Discover How Easy And Fun Can Be Can Be For Your Whole Family!

Are you worried that there might not be anything to do when you go camping? Do you think your family will get so bored that the want to come home right away? Download this book NOW and:

• Learn How To Make Camping The Best Family Experience Ever!
• Create Fun Activities That Can Be Done Even If You Are Stuck In A Tent When It's Raining.
• Learn Activities That Will Teach Your Kids How To Appreciate Being In Nature.
• Discover Some Great Activities To Do Outdoors That Will Entertain Your Whole Family.

Explore everything from what type of tent, sleeping bag and foods to use when camping. Download this book TODAY and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime!

React Sidekick, a Bluetooth wearable safety device

REACT SIDEKICK LAUNCHES KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN TO CHANGE THE WAY PEOPLE CALL FOR HELP IN AN EMERGENCY

Wearable safety device issues a widespread alert without the need to unlock a smartphone

RELEASE EMBARGOED UNTIL: 9 a.m. ET, August 13, 2014

SEATTLE (August 13, 2014)—A new Kickstarter project is launching today that has the power to transform the way people call for help in an emergency. The new React Sidekick is a low-energy, wearable Bluetooth safety device that pairs with a powerful safety app putting security within reach when it counts. With a simple click of a button the React Sidekick issues a widespread emergency alert, without having to reach for or unlock a phone.

“Since we launched our app (React Mobile) over a year ago, we’ve been continually evolving our software and it’s become clear that an app alone is not enough. That’s why we’ve created the React Sidekick,” said React Mobile CEO and Co-Founder, Robb Monkman. “The Sidekick provides peace of mind at your fingertips without the need to find your phone, unlock it, and dial. Simply press a button to send out a widespread emergency alert to friends and family.”

The React Sidekick’s modular, gender-neutral design is geared toward those with an active lifestyle, especially when alone or in new environments, meeting new clients, or in a new dating situation. The React Sidekick easily pairs with the React Mobile app and can be worn on a clip, keychain and carabiner. It is also a great tool to give to children and teens so they can easily call for help in an emergency when their phone is out of reach.

After being the victim of an armed robbery several years ago, co-founder Robb Monkman developed the React Mobile app as a way to discretely send out a call for help. After launching React Mobile a year ago, Robb brought together a new team with product design and connected device experience to create the React Sidekick. That team includes hardware veteran Rob Bangerter who has more than 25 years of extensive experience in consumer products and created the world’s first app-enabled game accessory for the iPad. The team also includes Josh Buesseler, an award-winning industrial designer with experience creating products for a broad range of industries, from outdoor to consumer electronics and medical markets.

Kickstarter backers can choose between the black tricolored LED React Sidekick for $29 (early bird special) or a special only for Kickstarter color sold exclusively as part of a VIP package for $99. The team plans to ship the device by December 2014.The Kickstarter goal is $25,000, which will go exclusively to cover tooling costs for the project.

To see the React Sidekick Kickstarter campaign video or for more information on the React Sidekick, go to: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/robbmonkman/269720949?token=754c3545.

About React Mobile

Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, React Mobile is an app and wearable tech solution focusing on transforming the way people call for help in an emergency. To learn more about React Mobile, visit www.reactsidekick.com.

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Media Contacts:

Sarah Lemmon \\\ GREENRUBINO

206-447-4747, sarahl@greenrubino.com