Camping season is here! If you’re eager to pack up the kids and spend a weekend in the great outdoors, you’re not alone. With warmer weather approaching, your whole family is probably eager to spend more time enjoying what nature has to offer.
But, it’s important to be prepared. While camping is fun and exciting, taking the right steps to make sure everyone stays safe will make the entire experience even more enjoyable.
So, how can you make sure you and your children stay safe on your next camping trip, from the moment you start to prepare to the time you tear down your tent? Let’s look at a few safety considerations to keep in mind.
Packing the Right Things
The first thing you should do to prepare yourself for your trip is to make sure you have all the supplies you’ll need. Some are more obvious than others. It’s unlikely that you’ll forget your tent or sleeping bags. But, smaller items that could keep you safe are easier to leave out.
A good rule of thumb is to make a checklist, so you can be sure you’re not forgetting things like:
- Tarps
- Waterproof matches
- Bug spray
- A first aid kit
- A phone charger
- Extra footwear
Make sure you have the right supplies for every member of your family to keep them safe. It’ll take a little more time and a bit more space, but it is well worth it.
Getting to Your Campsite
Focusing on staying safe at the campsite is crucial. But, it’s just as important to take precautions before you get there.
That starts with choosing the right location. It’s not uncommon for families to travel for several hours to get to their destination. So, make sure you’re first choosing a safe and reputable place to camp. If you have young kids, especially, the location shouldn’t be considered dangerous or risky. Kids like to go exploring and tend to have a lot of energy when they’re excited to be somewhere new. So, try to avoid rocky areas, places where they might fall, or uncleared wooded areas where wildlife shouldn’t be disturbed. Camping in a remote location can be relaxing for some. But, with kids, going to an actual campground is often a safer choice.
Making sure your vehicle is well-maintained will also give you peace of mind. If you’re heading to a campsite or wooded area, you’re likely going to be driving on rough terrain. While no one wants to experience a breakdown or issues with their car, it does happen. Be prepared with the proper supplies, including tools that can help you fix the problem and be on your way.
Staying Safe While Camping
When you finally set up your campsite, it’s time to relax and enjoy yourself (after you’ve made sure to pitch your tent on solid ground!) Having activities for your kids, meals ready to be made, and a roaring fire going is a picture-perfect way to spend time in nature.
But, with all of the preparation you’ve already done, you should still stay diligent about safety while outdoors. Keep the following in mind:
- Continue to monitor the weather forecast while you’re there
- Pack and store your food safely
- Bring the right gear
- Let people know where you’ll be
- Practice campfire safety
- Protect your family’s skin from sun and bugs
- Keep yourself hydrated
By making safety a priority when you’re camping, you will all enjoy yourselves even more. You may not be able to completely eliminate every risk that comes with a camping trip. By being prepared, however, you can significantly lower those risks, learn more every time, and feel more comfortable when it comes to the safety of your children.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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