Even though summer is only officially a few weeks old by the time Independence Day rolls around, many of us view the Fourth as the half-way point of the season. So, let's review the summer fun checklist – have you participated in at least one water balloon toss, pickleball tournament or water volleyball game? Have you hooked the big one while fishing with friends and family? Have you had more s'mores than you can count? If you answered no to any of these….what are you waiting for?

Make hay while the sun shines and don't miss the great Independence Day deals at our Midwest Encore Resorts.

Enjoying the outdoors is a major plus of the summer season, but being careful while doing so should remain at the forefront of your mind. From a quick pick-up game of basketball to a 4-mile run, make sure you keep your body hydrated. If you plan on being active in the sun for more than an hour, grab a sports drink to refuel on chloride, potassium and sodium. Working out with pets? Don't forget to bring some water for them, too! Other cool ideas - Avoid midday sun, lather on the sunscreen and ease into the weather. Remember, the workout shouldn't hurt your health!

Save 15% on Pet Food and More at PetFoodDirect.com
No more lugging heavy bags of pet food home from the store! Get all your pet's food and supplies delivered to your door – plus Thousand Trails members save 15%! It's the easiest way to shop for all the top brands of pet food (137 brands and counting!), flea and tick preventatives, treats, toys, cat litter, crates, collars, beds, bowls, pet meds, and so much more (16,000 top-quality pet products in all)! You'll even find travel water bottles, bowls, doggie seat belts, dehydrated dog food, and camp beds! And, for less shopping and more fun – sign up for the risk-free, 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed Auto Ship program and save those trips to the store! Log into the Thousand Trails Member section for details»

Save $5.00 on Pet Meds and More at NationalPetPharmacy.com
Trusted by veterinarians and pet lovers alike, NationalPetPharmacy.com is fully licensed and Vet-VIPPS certified for safety as well as quality. Our FDA/EPA approved pet meds are the same ones you get from your vet – delivered to your door – plus Thousand Trails members save $5 on a $20 order. You'll also find everything else you need to keep your pets healthy and happy (10,000 top-quality pet products in all)! Log into the Thousand Trails Member section for details»

As we approach berry picking season, and particularly as we travel, we often find ourselves with bushels of berries and limited options for preparing and storing. This great recipe presents the perfect opportunity to prepare individually sized pies in a jar. These single sized servings are perfect for freezing, gifting, and most importantly, eating! Begin with one half-pint jar per pie, and simply follow the steps below to create your own miniature homemade pie.

Step One: Pie Dough
Roll out a small handful of pie dough (store bought will do) for the top of the pie. Use the ring part of the jar as a cookie cutter, cut the top, and set dough aside. Use the rest of the dough to line the jar, pressing the dough all the way up to the top.

Step Two: Filling
Use about 1/2 cup filling for each jar, using the basic filling recipe below (makes enough for 4 pies):

• 2 C prepared fruit
• 2 T sugar (brown or white)
• 2 T flour
• 1 T butter (divided between the pies)
• Seasonings to taste (cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, almond extract, citrus, etc)

Divide filling between the jars and dot a bat of butter on each pie.

Step Three: Topping
Take the dough top and cut several slits to allow the steam to escape while baking. Once the top is slit, slip into the jar to cover the top of the pie, pressing the dough around the rim to seal in pie and top with optional crumb topping:

• 1/4C brown sugar
• 1/4 C flour
• 2 T oats
• 1/4 T cinnamon
• 3 T cold butter

Combine sugar, flour and cinnamon. Cut in butter. Add oats and stir to combine. Spoon onto the top of the pies.

Step Four: Freeze or Bake
When pies are all put together, place metal lids on, seal, and pop them in the freezer! To bake: Remove lids, place jars on a baking sheet, place baking sheet in cold over, turn oven to 375 F and bake for 50-60 minutes (if frozen) and 45 minutes (if fresh).

Step Five: Pop out the pie!
Set on a plate or enjoy right out of the jar!

Source: OurBestBites.com

The July issue of TrailBlazer highlights some of the best beach towns (and beaches) across the U.S. Plus, find out what's hot in the portable grill market. So grab your beach towel, pack up the portable grill and get ready for fun in the sun….and, don't forget your TrailBlazer!

Are you brushed up on your Fourth of July trivia? Toss out this little tidbit next time you're enjoying summer fun with friends. Did you know that Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, held every July 4th in Coney Island, started in 1916 as a way to settle a dispute among four immigrants about who was the most patriotic? So whether you celebrate through eating contests, cookouts, fireworks, or parades, enjoy your holiday and stay safe!

Our preserves are decked out in red, white and blue to celebrate our country's independence and later in the month, Christmas in July is a popular preserve theme. So don't miss a thing – check out all events on the TrailBlazer web site at TrailBlazerMagazine.net

The Poconos Wurst Festival, set for July 16-17, celebrates Polish and German cultures with delicious foods, beverages and live music with Jimmy Sturr and his orchestra. Located at Shawnee Mountain, just 15 miles from Scotrun preserve. For information or tickets call (570) 421-7231. Hours are Saturday from 12 to 7 p.m. and Sunday 12 to 6 p.m.

If you're heading to Lake Minden, you're in a peachy place to celebrate the 11th annual Marysville Peach Fest 2011, scheduled for July 15-16. This promises to promises to be an exciting one with a variety of new and returning craft vendors, food vendors cooking for every tastebud, several delicious choices of peach related food, and great entertainment for all ages. Free Admission – No Parking Charges. Hours are 4 to 11 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday. For information visit www.marysvillepeachfest.com.

		Want to be a Lucky Winner? Then Get Out and Camp! Exclusive contest for Get Out and Camp participants and the chance to win a $1,000 American Express Gift Card! For terms and conditions please visit ThousandTrails.com

Become a Fan!
Become one of our 6,000+ fans and participate in discussions about camping and RVing, share your photos and stay up to date on activities happening at the preserves.

Check out our June photo winner above! Congratulations to our fan, Jen Anderson-Wenger!

Submit your photo for our August Facebook Profile Photo Contest.

Thousand Trails has partnered with a number of popular brands to provide you with exclusive members-only savings. Below you will find our latest special offers available to you. Please log into the member section for additional information.

Got a great idea for something we can highlight in our next issue? Send your comments and suggestions to TrailNews@EquityLifestyle.com