Outdoors

Traditionally a symbol of liberty, the American flag has carried the message of freedom to many parts of the world.

Here in the United States, the flag is displayed daily in or near government buildings and schools and in many public areas. It is customary to fly the flag on Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, Labor Day and most other U.S. holidays.

Each of the flag’s colors has a significance: Red signifies hardiness and valor; white is symbolic of purity and innocence; and blue denotes vigilance, perseverance and justice. Just as the flag’s colors and design are deeply symbolic, so is the way the flag is displayed.

Here are some flag etiquette tips from AmericanFlags.com:

* When the flag is displayed over the middle of the street, it should be suspended vertically with the union (stars) to the north in an east-and-west street or to the east in a north-and-south street.

* When the flag is displayed from a staff projecting horizontally or at an angle from the window sill, balcony or front of a building, the union should be placed at the peak of the staff unless the flag is at half-staff.

* When flown at half-staff, the flag should be first hoisted to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. It should be again raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day.

* When the flag is displayed in a manner other than by being flown from a staff, it should be displayed flat. When displayed either horizontally or vertically against a wall, the union should be uppermost and to the flag’s right (to the observer’s left). When displayed in a window it should be displayed in the same way, with the union to the left of the observer in the street.

* To fold the flag, first fold it in half along the stripes twice. Fold up a triangle, starting at the striped end, and repeat until only the end of the union is exposed. Then, fold down the square into a triangle and tuck inside the folds.

* Never throw a flag in the garbage. For information on how to properly dispose of a worn flag, contact your local American Legion hall, VFW chapter or Boy Scout troop.

Many hikers who are bored of the normal marked trails, and discovered wilderness areas have come to a new adrenaline rush: mountain hiking. Hiking several hundred feet above sea level gives those with a taste for the extreme the rush they are looking for. If you are that kind of hiker, then mountain hiking is for you.

But wait, before you start day dreaming about the top of the summit, you first need to know how to get there. Mountain hiking isn’t much different than simple hiking. The only major difference is the endurance needed and the terrain you are hiking on. Over all the same gear is needed and the idea is much the same.

The three layer system that is often used in hiking also applies in mountain hiking. Let’s do this real quick: the layering system offers three different layers of clothing that a hiker should follow.

First is the base layer, which is responsible for keeping a dry and comfortable microclimate next to your skin. For mountain hiking, you can wear two pairs of long johns, top and bottom. The clothes should be made from synthetic fiber but not from cotton.

The second layer you need in mountain hiking is the insulation layer. This layer provides more warmth if the base layer and the shell layer do not provide enough insulation on their own. And last is the shell layer, providing you protection from wind, rain, sleet, snow, etc.

Shirts for mountain hiking during good weather
Wool or fleece sweater or synthetic insulated jacket
Wool shirt or sweater, second fleece/pile jacket, vest, etc.
Fleece pants – side zips are nice as they come in handy if you are getting too hot

While in a typical hiking trip, no more than three layers of clothing is needed, this is not so in mountain hiking, where the conditions can be harsher and more extreme. That is why a fourth layer of clothing is usually added, the ‘super’ insulation layer.

You might need to wear eye protection, depending on where you are hiking. In snowy conditions, blindness is common due to the glare, even on overcast days blindness can be a concern. Also in sunny conditions it is important to wear eye protection to protect your eyes.

From basketball and horseback riding to the performing arts and cheerleading, there are many different types of camp to choose from. Traditional summer camp is still, by far, the most popular choice for youths of all ages and day camp for teenagers is on the rise. But how do you know when your child is ready to go to camp and how do you find the best match?

Camping experts at the YMCA of the USA offer tips to help parents choose the best camping experience for their child this summer:

• A good place to start when looking for a camp is with the American Camp Association (ACA) or with the Y. The ACA accredits camps across the country to ensure they meet the highest standards. YMCA camps are accredited by the ACA.

• Camp does not have to be expensive. There are camps available in every price range. YMCA camps even offer scholarship assistance.

• On average, many 8-year-olds are ready for resident or “sleep-away camp” and age-appropriate day camps are available for preschool-aged children. Remember, however, each child is ready to leave the nest at his or her own pace.

• Sleep-away camp shouldn’t be a child’s first time away from home. A sleepover at a friend’s or relative’s house is an important first step to a longer stay away.

• Decide if you are looking to give your child a vacation from school or if you hope for some real growth in character and self-confidence. Some camps are highly structured, while others offer more time to allow kids to set their own schedules.

• Quiz camp staff on the information described in their materials. Find out how the camp encourages positive behavior and teamwork and how problem behavior is handled. Ask how the camp works with children requiring special diets, medications or accommodations.

• Get references from other families who have attended the camps you are considering.

• Don’t forget to include your child in the process, and if possible, plan a visit before making a final decision. Most camps provide tours in the spring as well as once camp is in session. Some even offer family weekends where the family can experience camp together.