Adolph’s Meat Tenderizer: Ulster Publishing columnist and naturalist Rich Parisio adds this surprise to his first aid kit. “In case you get stung by yellowjackets (usually because you’ve stepped on the chipmunk-sized hole in the ground which is the entrance to their underground nest), you can make a paste out of the meat tenderizer crystals with a little water (which you should be carrying at least a pint of) in the palm of your hand, then rub this paste on the sting. The enzymes in the meat tenderizer, which break down protein, will work to neutralize the venom (which is a protein). It’s the best instant remedy I know of to treat a painful situation outdoors. Of course, if the stung person starts to show signs of a severely allergic reaction, she should be brought out of the woods immediately, to receive medical attention quickly if needed.”
Durable snacks: Parisio shared some examples of rugged trail food: “For high-energy healthy snacks on hikes, I like things that don’t melt (as cheese and chocolate do) or crumble easily (as crackers do). I recommend dried fruit (like figs) and nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans – pick your favorite, or a mixture). Roasted chickpeas or edamame are also good, and you can buy them at local markets. For meat-eaters, a good-quality dried sausage or jerky (made from pastured pork or beef, or venison) is also a good choice. I bought an excellent dried sausage from a stand at the Rosendale Farmers’ Market recently that was locally made.”
Extra clothing, non-cotton: Wild Earth instructor Erin Rauth asks herself these questions in packing for a hike: “What would I do if I had to spend the night out here? Will I have light? Will I be warm? Will I be hydrated? Then you’re set to go!” Wearing clothing that dries easily and keeps you warm when you need it is a way to protect yourself from the elements, and packing a rain jacket can help prevent you from getting too wet in the first place.
Post-hike drinks: Mike Cavanaugh, scoutmaster of Troop 7 of Kingston, passed along this refreshing tip: “Leave a cooler of cold drinks on ice in your car at the trailhead that you can enjoy at the conclusion of your hike.”
Cavanaugh also shared, “Any dummy can go into the woods and suffer. The trick is going out and being comfortable. Enjoy yourself and appreciate the great outdoors.” But what about when things don’t go exactly as planned? What if it rains? Cavanaugh said, “I hope you have a lot of great outdoor experiences! But as I think back, the trips I remember most vividly are the ones where the weather stunk, or I got us lost, or the stove wouldn’t start so we had to eat cold food. The ones where everything went well, where the weather was great – they just kind of run together in my mind. So honestly, when things stink and the weather’s terrible and the crew’s grouchy, just think, “Hey, we’re makin’ memories.”
If hiking, camping, backpacking, canoeing, climbing, shooting and swimming sound good to you and you’re a boy aged 7 to 20 or a girl aged 14 to 20, call the Rip Van Winkle Council of the Boy Scouts of America office at (845) 339-0846 or visit https://beascout.scouting.org. Girls from kindergarten through 12th grade can learn more about Girl Scouts at (845) 452-1810 or visit www.girlscoutshh.org. School-aged children and youth interested in co-ed traditional scouting can find out more about Baden-Powell Service Association at https://bpsa-us.org. See you on the trails!
Summer activities with teens
I’ve been asked about my suggestions for activities to do with teens a handful of times this month alone. Whether you have relatives visiting from out of town, or you are hosting a foreign exchange student, or you’re just looking for some new ideas to do with your own teenagers, here are some ideas:
1. Splashdown Beach has a variety of challenging rides for the older set, but is also welcoming to younger siblings with its collection of water slides and play zones for little ones. 16 Old Route 9 in Fishkill, (845) 897-9600, www.splashdownbeach.com.
2. Palisades Center is the eighth-largest mall in the US, and in addition to shopping, it offers activities like rock climbing, a ropes course, carousel, a Ferris wheel, an ice rink and an IMAX theatre. 1000 Palisades Center Drive in West Nyack, (845) 348-1010, www.palisadescenter.com.
3. Grand Prix New York is a super-fun place for go-karts, bowling and the arcade. Remember to wear closed-toe shoes for the go-karts, whether you drive on the adult track for ages 16 and up with a permit, the brownstone track for ages 11 and up or the kids’ track for ages 8 and up. 333 North Bedford Road in Mount Kisco, (914) 241-3131, www.gpny.com.
4. Hudson Valley Raceway is all about zipping your slot car around the track, which you operate with a controller along the tracks. These things are fast! 629 Route 52 in Beacon, (845) 838-5333, www.hvraceway.net.
5. The ropes course at Catamount Mountain is incredible and lots of fun for any age. Those who prefer to watch can gaze up at the canopy from the benches and forest floor below. 2962 State Highway 23 in Hillsdale, www.catamounttrees.com.
6. There’s nothing like the freedom of flying while ziplining, and it can be done in Hyde Park at 817 Violet Avenue – (888) ZIP-BBZI, www.bigbearziplines.com – or at Hunter Mountain at 64 Klein Avenue in Hunter, (518) 263-4388, www.ziplinenewyork.com.
7. Tubing the Esopus in Phoenicia is a chance literally to go with the flow and is recommended for ages 12 and up. 10 Bridge Street in Phoenicia, (845) 688-5553, www.towntinker.com.
Join the family! 
