Camping is an outdoor activity that is enjoyed by all age levels. If you like to take your kids camping, your main goal is likely to enjoy the outdoors and participate in outdoor activities and events. While most camp settings are safe for kids, establishing some basic camping rules for safety will help keep kids safe and give you peace of mind.
Significance
Having a safe environment for kids is one of the key fundamentals of parenting. When camping, you don't always know what hazards lie around the corner. Unfamiliar terrain and items that other campers leave behind can hurt a child who unexpectedly comes upon it, explains Safer Child Inc. Make sure your child stays out from underneath campers and motor homes, as this could easily lead to the wheels slipping or camper falling on him. Scope out your campsite before setting up camp. Discard old food, sharp objects and trash that may have been left behind. Don't allow you child to visit another campsite unless you see it as being safe.
Location Specific
Where you camp also plays a role in camping safety. If you are camping near water, make sure your child knows never to go near the water without adult supervision, explains Go Camping America. Many lakes and pools on campgrounds do not have fences and or lifeguards on duty. Rocky areas of terrain may have cliffs, caves, drop offs or falling rock nearby. Be sure kids remain diligent and aware of these dangers. If you are camping the backcountry, you may come face to face with wild animals, such as bears, rattlesnakes or mountain lions. Tell kids to always place trash in a sealed receptacle to avoid animal attraction. Ask then to stay on the campsite unless they are with an adult.
Considerations
Children have a natural tendency to roam on their own and also tag along with other kids who are wandering the campground or playground. It can only take a split second for them to decide to take off after someone and then they can easily become lost or hurt. Make sure children tell you their intentions; do not allow kids to go somewhere without informing someone at base camp, explains Kids Health.
Warning
Supervising your children at all times when camping is the only way to ensure they remain safe at all times. Going with them on a bike ride rather than letting them venture off by themselves will prevent them from getting lost or hit by a motorist. It can also prevent them from accessing unauthorized backcountry trails that may be dangerous. If you are camping in a low-lying area under sea level, keep in mind that flash flooding could be a concern after heavy rain. Traveling throughout the campground without foot protection increases their risk of getting bit by poisonous insects and snakes or stepping on sharp objects or hot coal embers from campfires.
Benefits
Establish a safety plan before getting to the campground. Talk about it on the way there and reiterate the plan once you arrive at camp. Be sure that your child knows there will be consequence for not following the rules. Make no exceptions and reward for good behavior.
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