It’s summertime and sunshine is everywhere; the sky is that radiant shade of blue that beckons you to come out, the birds are singing their summer song and everything is just right. It’s the perfect time of the year to spend some quality time outdoors with your family. Remember though that every cloud has a silver lining, and that’s why it’s very important to stay safe while camping with your kids.
No matter whether you have experience in camping or you’re new at this, there are few basic rules you need to follow in order to keep yourself and your children safe while camping in the wild.
A Few Tips on How to Camp Safely with Your Kids
The first step when planning your camping will follow some of the first steps in precaution. The first thing you want to plan is location. Depending on your decision, your safety plan will contain a few simple rules in order to protect you and your family from any possible danger while camping in the nature.
Campsite vs. camping in the wild
If you decide to go camping inside the certain protected area, known as a campsite, your children will probably have all the basic protection and hygiene. On the other hand, if you’re going to the wilderness remember to bring all the necessary things.
Hand sanitizer – with no bathroom and no clean water to wash your hands, a hand sanitizer is very important. Protecting your children from any bacteria is very important. You don’t want to end your camping prematurely.
A medicine kit – No matter where you’re going, a medicine kit will help you in any possible situation. Here are some of the basic things you’ll need:
- Bandages
- Sterile gauze pads
- Antiseptic wipes
- Moleskin (for blisters)
Besides that, you need to bring meds in case your kids catch a cold or get infected by some insects or even poisonous plants. The best precaution is to educate your kids about the landscape and surrounding you plan to visit. Wilderness can be very adventurous, but on the other hand, unknown location can put you in some dangerous situation. That’s why you should be prepared. Bring some of the basic meds:
- Hydrocortisone, for possible allergies
- Antihistamines, another one for allergic reaction
- Analgesics, for pain relief
- Antibiotic cream, for healing and protection
- Burn ointment, cream or iodine
- Medicine alcohol, for disinfection
- Gastrointestinal meds, for diarrhea or any other stomach problems
- Sunscreen cream, for skin protection
Fresh water
Camping away from civilization (no matter how close to it) often results in a lack of drinking water. That’s why it’s very important to bring enough supplies. That’s why it’s better to travel by car, so you can bring all the necessities that you need. Fresh water is also essential for hygiene. This rings especially true if you’re going to an area with no bathroom, which is often a case in the wilderness (and, no, not everything is bathroom in the wilderness, get that out of your head before setting off).
On a similar note, be sure not to forget your cooler! Summertime is coming and the temperature is rising. Fresh and cold water will help you and your kids in many situations.
Tools
While camping, you will often have to deal with some repairs or adjustments. That’s why it would be a good idea if you brought some tools with you – here’s a short list of things that might come in handy.
- Waterproof matches, essential for making a fire in any area
- A knife, for protection and mastery
- Scissors
- Flashlight, because you want to have an overview during the night
- Solar Bug Zappers, you can find it on any market these days; having some sort of protection from bugs and other insects will save your nerves and give your little tykes an easier time in the boonies
- A length of rope and/or string, a handy thing in so many situations
- Spare charger/off-the-grid charger, in case you need to make an emergency call
- An axe, for very practical use if you want to chop some wood for a fire; as long as the fire is in the open space and away from the woods and enclosed with stones
Of course, this list can vary depending on the area you choose to visit. If you’re going to the mountains you’ll probably bring some hiking supplies or maybe even a mountain bike. That way the whole family can share in on an adventure!
On the other hand, the river can also offer lots of great possibilities! Fishing rod and a boat is a perfect combination of fun and education. This way you can teach your children how to act in the wilderness and how to grow their respect to nature. At the same time, obviously, you have to protect them while on the water. That why these few items can be real life-savers, literally and metaphorically speaking:
Life jackets
Via Amazon.com
Get a life jacket for children in their size; no matter if your kids know how to swim and how to act in the water, make sure they wear these. While we’re at it, you should consider getting some sort of flotation device, both for fun and safety. Ring buoys, aka life donuts come to mind.
Sun protection
You’ll also need sunscreen protection, no discussion about this. On that note, make sure that you all wear hats, because sun reflection on the water is much higher than in the mountains.
Spare clothes
If you’re camping in the mountains, you’ll need to bring warmer clothes. No matter during which season you’re camping, you should always bring some extra clothes. Remember that up in the mountain the temperature can go down for 5-10 degrees. At the same time, near the river, you’ll often have higher moisture. Spare shoes and clothes will protect your kids from the cold.
In Conclusion
Camping is a lot of fun and one of the best stress reliefs in modern society. It’s very popular during the last couple of decades. The popularity is growing side by side with the growth of modern technology. Camping with your kids is the best way to explore the nature that surrounds us, to learn new things and to raise the awareness of human protection in the wilderness.
It’s also important to show that camping in nature, away from civilization, can be a lot of fun. It’s not a scary thing. All you need to do is to follow a few simple rules in order to stay protected in any situation.
