You weren't the only one that thought of turning while camping. The fact of
doing a demo sounds neat since you were invited to.

I generally try and leave my tech stuff at home too including radios, tvs
etc. But then I too am usually out for just a long weekend.

I second the ideas of thinking smaller and using a mini lathe. Sticking to
smaller items would always be safer than something larger. Small bowls pens
or mini lathe type projects. Also I have seen portable shields made from
Lexan that protect against anything that might come off the front of the
lathe. With that and less agressive turning than you might normally turn at
home you would probably be fine with demos. Also keeping your speed down
wouldn't hurt either. You may want to do the demo for club members or
someone you know before you do it at the campsite.

Some of the many mini projects could include pens, tops, bottle stoppers,
mini goblets, etc. I like the tops and mini goblets because you don't have
to buy any extra hardware to turn them. Mini bowls can be fun to.

Thanks for sharing the idea. Always fun to ponder! Someday maybe I'll get
a true carry around lathe like the Bonnie Klein lathe and then I'll bring it
along.

Have fun!