If your batteries have leaked, remove the batteries and stuff the compartment with paper towels to absorb the acid.  After you remove the towels sprinkle baking soda inside to neutralize any leftover residue.  When the battery compartment is completely dry use canned air to blow out the baking soda while holding the flashlight inside a garbage bag.  If the batteries have made too big a mess or it is a cheap flashlight it is best to just buy a new one.  In order to avoid corrosion you all batteries should be same brand of battery and replaced at the same time.  Never leave a flashlight in a place that is too hot or too humid.  These simple rules can help prevent corrosion and leakage, and lengthen the life of the battery and the flashlight.

Making Your Camping Trip Fun For Cheap

It is a given that the flashlight will become your best friend when camping.  Flashlights are a must have whenever you find yourself in a dark area.  They assist you in walking, hiking and exploring so that you can watch your step and avoid dangerous drop offs, holes and uneven ground.  A flashlight is a great tool for putting a child’s fear at ease in the dark of night.  It is a good idea to give your little ones their own flashlight for security.

To get the most out of your flashlight, replace the batteries if they are more than a year old and always pack extras, just in case.  If you have to shake the flashlight to get it to work or if the light appears dim, replace the batteries, as well.

To set the right mood, turn off any large lights, such as lanterns or electricity based lights that might be on inside camp shelters or cabins.  Let the fire die down until it is smoldering (the smoke will keep mosquitoes away.  Have everyone bring their flashlights and let this be your only light source for a fun, cozy atmosphere.

If you have younger children in your group, sing songs that everyone knows, or let someone teach the words if it is a new song.  If you have a group the consist of teenagers or adults, swap ghost stories.  It’s fun to go around the circle and let each camper get a chance to tell a joke or story.

Flashlight tag is a great twist to this time-honored traditional game. Have each player grab a partner and create a secret signal (one short flash followed by two short flashes, ect.) After each pair has made up a code, everyone is given time to scatter about within a designated area.  Once the allotted time is up, each pair must tru to find each other using their special signal.  The first pair to reunite is the winner.

Fireflies are fun to spot and catch.  A flashlight can be used to attract these beautiful creatures.  If you are camping in an area with fireflies, have your camper hold a flashlight near the ground and switch it on for one second at a time.  Fireflies will draw near and give you a spectacular show.

Following the next few nights, when the final battle with darkness comes, there is a slightly loosened grip on the trusty flashlight, that has acted like the weekend light saber, and there is a realization that “hey, it wasn’t that bad.”. On the way home from the trip there is a mention of a future trip, and once again, gripping tightly to the flashlight, the thought “Bring it on!” comes to mind.