How to set up a tent

            1.      Practice setting up your tent before you go camping

-         Setting up your tent at least twice before you actually go camping is a very good idea. This will ensure you have all the pieces you need to set up your tent correctly, and prior knowledge is always helpful!

2.      Find a flat ground free of any stick or sharp objects

-         Sleeping on an uncomfortable ground when camping can result is bad sleeping patterns and an un-settled sleep, this is why finding the flattest surface possible is extremely effective. This will also ensure no rips or tears on your tent.

3.      Pick a location free of wind and sun (if possible)

-         Picking a location free of wind and sun will ensure comfortable camping, if your tent in located in a windy area you may lose equipment or your tent may even fly way.

4.      Unpack the tent (all parts)

-         Sort the parts of your camping tent into groups, tent stakes, tent poles, rain fly so you're not hunting for them as you set up the tent.

5.      Connect tent poles

      -     Tent poles usually come in sections that you put together. You need to make sure you connect the           appropriate poles together to ensure the tent poles are even and set up correctly, securely and safely.

6.      Secure the part water proof fly

             -     If your tent has a rain-fly, secure it over the top of the tent. This usually involves            fastening the corners of the rain-fly to cords that attach to the base of the tent.

7.      Take care of zips

                 -    Zips should be treated with respect. Don’t tread on them and wash off any mud.

The picture above is an example of a tent set up on a camp in 2011, The Murray Venture. Through out Murray Venture myself and my group, of five had to set up tents and back up tents numerous times. I found the steps above to be completely successful. The most important step in my opinion would be number 4. A couple times my group did not unpack all parts of the tent, in particular the poles, which meant we set our tent up in correctly because we had the incorrect poles put together, always make sure you unpack all items of your tent! it helps enormously when trying to set up a tent quickly.