The last campout of the year is over and for some clubs it's time to make sure that all the camping gear is put away for the summer.  It will make the next year start off a lot easier if everything is organized and in good repair.

• Stow your gear - Use a whisk broom and/or rags to wipe off gear as you stow it.  Make sure that your gear is clean before putting it away.
• Check the cooler - Double check that the coolers are clean and dry before storing them.
• Make a checklist - Take inventory of your gear as you store it and not any broken gear that needs repair, missing items that need to be replenished or items that you wish you had.
• High and Dry - Storing gear high helps keep it away from rodents and insects; keeping it dry helps avoid mildew.
• Avoid freezing - Any moisture in materials can cause damage from expansion when freezing, and some materials, even when dry, may crack in very cold temperatures.
• Food smells - Rodents are attracted to the smell of food and and can quickly ruin your gear, chewing through it to look for food that is no longer there. To avoid these pest be sure to air out or wash all gear that smells of food.
• Remove batteries - To avoid any possibilities of corrosion, remove the batteries from any gadgets and store them separately.