Camping is a beautiful way to connect with nature, teach your kids about survival, and spend time together. While most people picture camping as being uncomfortable in a tent in the middle of nowhere, camping can be as relaxing as you'd like. You can rent a cabin in the woods to enjoy luxury and comfort or plan a high-tech RV road trip. If you don't want to travel, you can have family camping fun right in your backyard. Camping can be dangerous when ill-prepared, so before making plans, ensure your family is safe by following standard camping protocols.
Make a Travel Plan and Itinerary
Making a general travel plan and an itinerary can help keep your family together during important moments. After exploring or enjoying amenities, they'll also know when and where to report. You don't have to make a minute-by-minute schedule, as flexibility is usually the best way to camp, but a general outline can help you know where everyone is at a particular portion of the day.
Teach Safe Fire Skills
Camping is an excellent opportunity to sit by a calm fire and exchange stories or relax. You can also cook using a campfire, wood-fired ovens, or grills. You may even want to use fire for candles, lanterns, or other lighting. Citronella candles can help keep mosquitos away. You'll want to teach and practice proper fire safety skills when you and your family work with fire. You never want to leave an open flame unattended, even a tiny candle flame. Keep matches and lighters in safe places where they can't ignite (grill lighters have a safety lock to prevent accidental triggers). Bring portable fire extinguishers in case of emergencies. If you've accidentally caught on fire, use stop, drop, and roll principles to help extinguish the flames safely.
Keep Yourself Safe From Wildlife
Regardless of which camping method you prefer, you will share a space with animals in the wild; this is their home, so you must treat it respectfully. Choose a camping area with no signs of large animal droppings or tracks. Don't leave food exposed; clean up thoroughly after each meal, and don't leave food in your tent. Don't approach, follow, or lure wild animals nearby. In emergencies, you can yell, stomp your feet, and try to look bigger than you are to scare animals like bears away; hide your kids and pets when possible. Keep pets on a leash for better supervision and recall. Pack bug spray and spray yourself regularly to deter insect bites. Don't litter or leave supplies behind when you're ready to head home.
Pack an Emergency Kit
Like anywhere, emergencies can happen in many forms, from the weather to animal attacks. You will want an emergency kit with first aid supplies, flashlights, emergency radios, car repair tools, backup batteries, cell phones, chargers, nonperishable food items, and any other supplies you need in an emergency. Make sure your entire family knows where the emergency kit is and how to use the items in it. For RV campers, it's also smart to keep DIY self-leveling lap sealant on hand to quickly address leaks or damage while on the road.
Stay at a Campground
Campgrounds are community areas for campers of all types that offer conveniences like electrical hookups, potable water, restrooms, shelters, and more. What is provided will vary depending on the campground you choose, but you'll want to ensure the campground is all-ages and family-friendly. If your pets will come, ensure it is pet-friendly as well. Campgrounds can offer various sleeping options, from tent spaces to rustic log park model cabins. There are also typically RV and camper hookups for families who enjoy camping on the road. More access to amenities and a community can make camping safer for everyone.
Wear Appropriate Clothing
While camping, even if you're sleeping in an RV or cabin, you'll frequently be exposed to the elements. Bring layers of clothes and dress for the weather you plan to experience. You can bring raincoats and jackets in case of cold or rainy weather. If you plan to swim, ensure you have dry clothes.
Pack Extra Shoes and Socks
When hiking and camping, wearing shoes and socks is your best protection. Keeping your feet covered and dry can prevent foot injuries, contact with poisonous plants, and more. You'll want comfortable, walkable hiking boots or shoes, complete with socks. Pack extras of these supplies if they get too dirty or wet.
Identify Poisonous Plants
As a family, learn which native plants are poisonous, such as poison ivy, oak, or mushrooms. Avoid ingesting or touching these poisonous plants to prevent health emergencies. Even edible-looking plants or berries can be deadly.
Learn First Aid
Accidents can happen quickly while camping due to uneven terrain and animals. Bring a first aid kit, and ensure you and your family know how to treat cuts, scrapes, and wounds. You can even learn to suture if you want to go the extra mile. However, you should learn to clean and pressure a wound at the bare minimum. You should also know how to help someone when they're choking. Even if you're camping in your backyard, first aid is essential to learn.
Use Whistles and Radios
It's good to stick together when camping, especially if you're in the wilderness. However, you can use whistles and radios for emergencies or to keep communication over distances. Teach your kids how to use them and pack extras.
Non-Perishable Food and Water Filters
While you may love cooking by the fire or grill while camping, you never know what emergencies may happen. You'll want backup supplies of non-perishable foods to keep you and your family fed if needed. Ensure you bring water filters or a supply of safe drinking water for the entirety of your trip and then some.
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