It's official! The Girls are Glamping!!

Invitations are out and the Hometown Victory Girls will be partaking 

in the first annual International Glamping Weekend!

This is the brain-child of MaryJane Butters, of the MaryJane's Farm empire.  She really has a rich history if you read up on it.  Raised in Utah, MaryJane worked as a wilderness ranger, carpenter and the first woman station guard in Moose Creek Station in Idaho.  In the years following marriage and children, she formed a non-profit group, Palouse-Clearwater Environmental Institute, to focus on water quality and agricultural issues in the Pacific Northwest.  Resigning as their president, MaryJane decided to build up her own organic farm specializing in ready-to-eat meals for backpackers, kayakers and all outdoor enthusiasts.  Today, along with her farm, she runs a bed and breakfast, a retail store, a magazine and is the author of four books. 

It is that fourth book of hers that has sparked a movement across the country.  'Glamping with MaryJane' is the essential handbook for anyone looking to spend a luxurious weekend in the woods.  And that's just what we're planning to do.

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Now if 'glamorous camping' seems a bit foreign to you, don't worry.  The rules haven't changed from your childhood camping days.  Pack all your gear and tents, but think on a grander scale.  Add real beds, not air mattresses.  Add throw pillows (who doesn't love more throw pillows?).  Add rugs, not AstroTurf.  Add chandeliers, not Coleman lanterns.  Get the idea?

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You'll still need pots and pans, but opt for pretty ones that can be used as much as for decoration as for service.  Ditch the plastic and paper.  Add tablecloths and frilly aprons. The idea here is to make the tent seem more like a home.

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But if tent-camping really isn't your thing, hook up the trailer.  Vintage trailers are making a huge comeback these days, and they can be completely customized to fit your personal taste.  From the romantic, shabby chic Airstream (above)...

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...to the canned ham in full-retro regalia!  The possibilities are endless!  

Your site can be as simple or as extravagant as you want.  

Now try not to lose heart when thinking, "How am I going to haul all this?"  I agree, we do need to be reasonable.  Although some glamping guides show lovely photos of clawfoot bathtubs, that's a bit of a stretch for most of us.  I still suggest packing easy meals such as trail mix, fruit, cheese and sausage.  But take a good look at all the disposable things you pack and replace them with the real thing.  Bring real dishes (one setting for each person) and real silverware.  Cloth napkins, towels and tablecloths.  Winnow your supplies down to one of everything (one wooden spoon, one fry pan, one medium kettle).  A little dish soap at the end of the day, and clean-up is a breeze. 

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Now add just a few frou-frou touches.  A potted plant to use as a centerpiece.  A tea-light in a mason jar for ambiance.  And don't forget those throw pillows.  These things aren't cumbersome to haul, but add a softer touch that makes your whole weekend just a bit more lux. 

So I think you get the idea.  The Hometown Victory Girls will be at Wildcat Mountain State Park on the first weekend in June.  Follow us on facebook for updates and event coverage.  If you happen to be in the area that weekend, let us know!  And next time we'll talk about what to wear when you're glamping.  Because, honestly, that's a whole blog post in and of itself!