Camping with kids can be a lot of fun, but it's important to remember to keep them safe while you're enjoying the great outdoors. There are a number of things you can do to make sure your kids stay out of harm's way while camping, and we've compiled a list of our top 10 tips for keeping your young ones safe! Stay together as a group, wear shoes and protective clothing, use sunscreen and bug spray, and avoid eating wild plants - these are just some of the ways you can keep your kids safe while camping. So pack up the family tent and get ready for some fun under the stars!
The first tip is staying together. You always want to stay together while you're camping. If your kids are running off in different directions, it can be hard to keep track of them and make sure they're safe. Let them know ahead of time that they need to stick close by, and if they wander off, make sure you go after them right away. It's one of the main ways kids get lost or kidnapped while out in the wilderness. Always make sure your child has a buddy if it isn't you.
Be Careful Around Water
The second tip is to be wary of water. This goes both ways; staying hydrated and being careful around lakes, streams, rivers, or other bodies of water. This is important because if it's hot, your kids will get dehydrated quickly, and if they're playing in the water, they could easily drown. Make sure you have plenty of water with you, and that your kids take breaks often to drink. Also, don't let them play near water unsupervised, even if they can swim - it only takes a second for an accident to happen.
Always Wear Shoes
Another important tip is to wear shoes. Camping can mean lots of walking, and sometimes over rough terrain. Make sure your kids have sturdy shoes on their feet to protect them from cuts and scrapes. It also protects from bugs, ticks, and other insects along with other potentially poisonous or harmful plants.
Carry/Wear Protective Clothing
You should also carry and wear protective clothing with you when you go camping. Things like hats and long-sleeved shirts can help protect your kids from the sun, while jackets can keep them warm during the morning/evening. It's important to make sure that your kids are comfortable, there's nothing worse than having your kids constantly complaining that they're cold!
Fire safety is another big one when it comes to camping with kids. Kids are curious by nature, and if they see a fire they may be tempted to touch it or play with it, which can obviously lead to serious injuries.Make sure that any fires are completely extinguished before leaving them unattended, and never let your kids play near open flames. You should practice fire safety before going out on a camp trip with your kids. Make sure they completely understand fire safety rules and follow them at all times. This is especially true while roasting hotdogs or making smores. There should always be supervision.
Adults should have personal protection devices or weapons. This could be anything from a knife to bear spray. If you're camping in an area with wildlife, it's always better to be safe than sorry. This is for the safety of the kids in case of an animal attack or something else. The adult can use it to defend themselves as well as the children. This happens more often than you think, and especially when you're not in a more populated area, you want to make sure you protect the most vulnerable in your group. When you do bring a weapon, you must take the extra precaution and protection of those weapons from the children so no accidental injuries occur.
Sunscreen and Bug Spray
Sunscreen and bug spray are two more essentials for safe camping with kids. Be sure to apply sunscreen regularly, especially if you're going to be spending a lot of time outdoors. Bug spray will help keep mosquitoes and other insects away, and can also help prevent diseases like Lyme disease. Make sure you put sunscreen on your kids before they go outside, and reapply it often, especially if they're swimming or sweating.
Eating wild plants can cause serious harm if you don't know what you're doing or eating. Many plants can look harmless but be poisonous, so it's best to avoid them altogether. If you're not sure about a plant, don't let your kids eat it. Dangerous plants that are common in the US include: poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac. These plants can cause serious rashes and other problems if you come into contact with them.
One final tip is to be flexible. Things seldom go according to plan when you're camping, so it's important to be able to roll with the punches. If your kid gets sick or injured, be prepared to deal with it and have a backup plan in case you need to leave the campsite earlier than planned. Things will inevitably go wrong, whether it's the weather not cooperating or you can't find firewood. It's important to be able to roll with the punches and go with the flow. This will help make your trip more enjoyable for everyone involved.
The final bonus tip is to expect the unexpected.
When you have children, especially young children you never know what is going to happen. Kids are notoriously unpredictable, and even if you think you've planned for everything, something will always come up that you didn't plan for. Being prepared for anything and everything is not always ideal, but it's always better to be prepared than not. No matter how well you plan, there's always a chance that something will happen that you didn't anticipate.
Camping with kids can be a lot of fun, but it's important to be prepared and know what you're doing. There are a lot of things to think about when you're camping, and safety should always be your number one priority. By following these tips from the team at Oliver Travel Trailers, you can help ensure that your trip is safe and enjoyable for everyone involved!