Taking your child on a camping trip is an exciting experience. Whether your family is going to pitch a tent in the wilderness or at a favorite recreational camping area, keeping kids safe and healthy is a major concern. Being aware of potential hazards should help safeguard your child on this adventure in the great outdoors.
Campfire Safety
Make sure children and adults understand simple campfire tips. Most important: Only adults can start and extinguish campfires. Build your campfires away from low-hanging branches, in fire pits circled by rocks or in metal fire rings. Keep a bucket of water or shovel nearby in case the fire gets out of control. Never leave a campfire unattended; an adult must put the fire out with water or dirt before leaving the campsite or going to bed for the night. Once everyone understands these safety rules, you all can enjoy sitting around a campfire at night, singing songs, telling stories and roasting marshmallows.
Avoid Wild Animals
No matter how friendly or harmless wild animals appear, do not try to touch, catch or feed them. A wild animal could become frightened or feel threatened by such actions, causing it to attack or bite. Keep your campsite clean and neat and pack all food securely to keep wild animals from invading your campsite. Experienced campers often food in bags and hang the bags in trees away from the campsite. By respecting and understanding the habits of wild animals, your child can safely observe animals in their natural habitats.
Sun and Bugs
Don't let a bad sunburn or bothersome mosquito bites ruin your camping trip. Sunburn is a hazard even on overcast days, so sunscreen is a must even if it's not very sunny. Ward off mosquitoes and ticks with insect repellent that's appropriately formulated for the age of your child. Spray skin and the outer surfaces of socks, shirts, hats and pants to keep insects away. Consider dressing you and your child in long-sleeved shirts and pants that can be tucked boots to help guard against ticks, mosquitoes and sunburn.
Food Dangers
Whether you're on a nature hike, a bike ride or exploring the camping area, do not eat berries unless you are certain they are safe. A number of poisonous berries grow in the woods. Do not drink water from streams, creeks or lakes while camping. The water might look clean. but it can contain germs and other contaminates that make it unsafe to drink. Instead, pack snacks and drinks when you'll be spending time away from the campsite.
Stay Together
Getting lost in the woods is one camping experience that you and your kids want to avoid. Teach children to stay close to the campsite and not to wander off on their own. Make sure they understand they must always have adult supervision while exploring in the woods. Have your child wear a whistle around his neck and blow it if he gets separated from the group. If possible, have older kids carry a fully charged cell phone so they can contact you if they are lost. Tell them to remain calm if they are lost and find a safe shelter until an adult can locate them.
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