Overland Expo 2013

 By Grace Howard

Age - 12

I taught at the Overland Expo again this year.  This year I taught by myself (with the help of my parents) and this made it more fun. 

My favorite and most successful class was Knot tying: It's not just for kids.  Amazingly on Friday we had more adults than kids.  We cut 45 ropes and they were all gone by the end of Friday’s class.

On Friday one girl who participated in the class, went home that night and practiced the knots until she knew them and could do them as well as me.  She came back on Saturday and showed me how well she could do the knots.  Then she helped with the class on Saturday!!

We found out on Saturday that Andy Dacey and Duncan Barbour, from the Camel Trophy had been recommending my class.  What a compliment!  

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 Last year Andy and Duncan taught me several knots while building a stationary bridge.  This year I got to help Andy and Duncan build the floating bridge.

Tying up sections of the floating bridge.

The finished floating bridge.

  I got to run the winch for putting the final sections of the floating bridge into place.

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 I also taught a journaling class.  I talked a little about how kids could journal their adventures and then we made Zebra journals.

  I want to teach knot tying again next year, but with different knots.  I hope to see you there!

Grace is teaching at the Overland Expo

I am happy to announce that Grace will be teaching, once again, at the Overland Expo. 

Journaling for Kids—Zebra style - Saturday 10am

In this fun hands-on class, Grace will teach techniques for helping kids to

effectively journal. Then, they will make their very own zebra journals to

use on their next adventures. Supplies included.

I Can Knot, I will Knot: Knot-tying for kids - Friday and Saturday 11am

Come learn to tie basic knots in a game setting. Then learn how to tie down tents, awnings or anything so it won’t blow away. We think there are quite a few adults at the Overland  Expo who need this class. 

Grace has been an instructor for the last Overland Expos with a group of girls.  This year she is striking out on her own.  Please come join Grace (and her parents) at the Expo.  We look forward to meeting you!

Grace's Expo Bio: 

Twelve-year-old Grace Howard spends her weekdays attending Basis School in Tucson and her weekends and holidays camping, hiking, and traveling. She is a Junior Ranger at 24 National Parks, has been to 18 states and once spent 2 weeks with her parents touring Japan.  Her favorite activity at the 2012 Expo was learning how to build a bridge from the Camel Trophy folks using nothing but rope and logs. Grace owns a 1968 Land Rover Dormobile that she lets her parents use.

How to Change Oil in a Car

Grace was assigned to write a "How to" article in her English class.  How many sixth grade girls do you know that turn in a "How to Change Oil in a Car" article?  

How to Change Oil in a Car

Are you tired of paying a lot just to get your oil changed?   By replacing the oil and oil filter yourself, you will lower your car maintenance costs.

           

First, you will need to get the right filter and oil for your car.  Next, put an oil pan that will catch the oil, under the filter.  After that, loosen the old filter and let it drain.  Make sure none of the oil is going down a flat piece of metal.  Remove the filter entirely and let it drain some more.  Make sure you put the oil pan under the oil plug.  Now pull the plug.  This drains the engine of oil.  You have removed everything that needs to be removed. You are now half way through.

           

Next, replace the oil filter.  Make sure that it is on tight.  Do not take the oil filter out of the box until you are ready to put it on.  The filter will get dirty and reduce the lifetime of your filter. 

           

Lastly, you will need to refill the oil.  Open the oil container lid and set the lid down.  Very carefully, pour the oil into the hole.  You will need more than one bottle.  Most bottles will sit right in there. 

            

You have now changed the oil on your car.  Make sure you go in order.  First, you remove the old filter. Second, you replace the filter.  Last, refill the oil.  If you follow the steps you will inexpensively and easily change your filter.