Camping with Kids 101
Taking a little risk here and there may seem fun, but if you’re going camping with kids, it’s best to play it safe than sorry. Here are several essential tips to ensure your charges’ safety on your next outdoor trip.
Check weather forecasts.
If possible, avoid going camping with kids if you expect stormy weather. Sunny weather is best as your kids are less likely to encounter trouble common to outdoor settings such as landslides and floods. You’ll also find it easier to send them off to bed if the night is calm and beautiful rather than marred by thunder and lightning.
Leave a copy of your camping itinerary or plans with someone at home.
Let them know when and what time you’ll be leaving, where you’re heading, and when you expect to be back. If you are going to hike to various campsites, be sure to provide details about your schedule. Also, provide a list of those who’d be going camping with you.
Finally, let them know when to expect your calls. If you end up not calling them because of an emergency, they’ll immediately consider that as a sign of potential trouble and act accordingly.
Pack easy-to-cook food.
Avoid bringing foods or supplies that take too much time to prepare. At their age, kids don’t care much about the nutrition or even the taste or appearance of their food, and they certainly don’t have the patience to wait for an hour for their meals to be ready. As kids are always on the go, they’d much prefer plain fare that they can either eat quickly or take with them while they go out to play or participate in some other activity.
Do not leave your camp if you do not expect to return before dark.
As you’re camping with kids, hiking or traveling in the dark is inadvisable. It’s best to schedule any activities you may have as early as possible in order to finish well before darkness falls. Also, don’t forget about daylight savings time!
Educate yourself about poisonous plants and animals.
A snake is something people automatically avoid, never mind if it’s not poisonous, but what about frogs or even plants? Many of these are deceptive in appearance but may be just as deadly as any snake. It’s best to educate yourself beforehand about endemic species of flora and fauna that you must avoid and keep away from your charges.
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