Since it’s warming up, many families are planning their first camping trips of the year. If you have children going camping with you, there are several safety tips to keep in mind. These rules aren’t meant to be a downer, but they are in place so everyone has fun and leaves with memories rather than nightmares!
We love camping as a family, but it can be stressful if you aren’t prepared! We also have to go through the rules even before we leave to ensure that our kids understand what is required to have a great and safe time. Read on to discover six safety tips for camping with kids, so that everyone is protected while away from home.
1. As soon as you arrive at your camping site, take a look at your surroundings. Note where the bathrooms are, how to get back to your vehicle, and find a central meeting place if someone gets separated from the group. Being familiar with your surroundings can keep you from getting lost or stumbling into dangerous areas of the forest.
2. Every camper should have a well packed bag to keep with them anytime they leave the campsite. A first aid kit, flashlight with extra batteries, a whistle to call for help, and food needs to be in everyone’s bags. Stress that most of these items, especially the whistle, should only be used in an emergency.
3. Express the importance of not playing in or around the fire. Adults should be the only ones to start and put out the fires. With adult supervision, campfire S’mores or hot dogs are fun to make. However, it’s not a good idea for kids to throw things into the fire or merely poke at it with sticks. Running near and around the fire should not be allowed either.
4. Tell children that they should not leave food open and exposed, as it can attract bugs and wild animals. Meal times should be done together, so that all food is opened and closed at once. The food should be stored in air-tight containers, a cooler, or with Ziploc bags, ‘chip clips,’ and other methods to keep them properly closed.
5. Plant safety should always be exercised when camping with kids. Poison ivy and poison oak can be very itchy and uncomfortable to those who are allergic. There are other plants that can be even more dangerous. No plants or berries found in the woods should be eaten, as some are poisonous and could cause severe reactions.
6. Be sure to pack safe insect repellent to keep everyone from being covered in bites. Sitting close to the fire when it’s burning will help repel most of these parasites naturally. Check all children for ticks every day, as they can be very harmful if they bite.
How do you keep your kids safe when camping? What tips would you share?
First Aid Kit — http://www.amazon.com/AAA-121-Piece-Road-Trip-First/dp/B000SL4A84/?tag=thethrcou-20
Cooler — http://www.amazon.com/Igloo-Island-Breeze-Maxcold-19-063-Inch/dp/B002SUGS7O/?tag=thethrcou-20
Insect Repellent — http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004H89KFC/?tag=thethrcou-20
Kate
It’s great that you share your experiences. I enjoy traveling and have a special love for camping. You correctly noted that the rest will be pleasant only if you prepare everything you need in advance. I usually order travel accessories here, you can find everything you need for your comfortable pastime.
Ryan Anderson
Awesome tips, I’d throw in my own 7th tip, it would be to have a GPS device with every family members especially the kids in case one of them gets lost.
Matthew Koch
I love these safety tips. Camping with kids is one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had. It’s a chance to unplug from technology and reconnect with nature. It’s also an adventure. The most important thing is that it’s an opportunity for children to learn about the natural world around them.
Thanks