Suggestions for Girls Before Taking Off on their First Camping Trip

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Are you getting ready for your first camping trip? Perhaps you are very excited about it or have been coaxed into it. Don’t worry if you are not an outdoors person. Several girls start out this way but then fall in love with camping trips.

You might have dozens of questions running through your head about how things are going to be at the campsite and if you will like it or not. You might even be worried about forgetting to pack something.

Here is a guide on things you need to pack and precautions you need to take before you get out camping.

What to Pack?

Make a list of all things you need; keeping things in mind may not be a good idea as you could easily forget. Make sure you got these things on your list.

• Shorts/pants- one pair for each day plus an extra pair
• T-shirt/blouse- one for each day plus an extra
• Sweaters/jackets- depending on how cold it will be
• Underwear- one pair for each day
• Socks- a pair for every two or three days
• A pair of flip-flops
• A pair of good shoes
• Pajamas/night wear
• A comb/brush
• Scrunchies and/or bobby pins for your hair
• Cap or sun-hat
• Toiletries- shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, etc.
• A hand sanitizer
• A raincoat
• A mosquito net
• A mosquito/bug repellant
• A flashlight and extra batteries
• A pillow
• A sleeping bag
• Water bottles
• Food
• A first-aid kit
• Stationery and a notepad

Remember to not carry expensive items with you. If you must carry a camera, take a disposable one along with you. Even the clothes you select for your trip shouldn’t be very expensive. That is because they will likely get very dirty and may not be fit for wear again.

Don’t hoard up on make-up supplies. Nobody is going to notice and after a day of sweating it out you’ll realize it isn’t needed. You just need a sunscreen, moisturizer and lip balm. Keep reapplying the sunscreen every 2-4 hours.

Avoid taking hair straighteners or hair dryers with you. You won’t need them and most importantly, you may not be able to plug them in anywhere.

In case you are taking your pet camping with you, you’ll have to pack food, water, medicines and any other important stuff for it too.

Health and Safety Measures

You’ll only be able to enjoy the trip to the fullest if you are healthy. You also need to take the right precautions to ensure you’re ready for any emergencies.

As you’ll be in the rough outdoors all day long, it is advisable to get vaccinated against diseases like tetanus, meningitis, pertussis or whooping cough, hepatitis A, etc. Do pay your doctor a visit and let him know about your trip. He’ll be able to give you the right shots based on your camping location and your medical history.

You may indulge in quite a few rough activities. Tumbles and falls will be part of the fun but the pain and bruises won’t. Be sure to carry appropriate protective gear according to the activities you plan to indulge in.

Pay attention to advice and instructions given to you by the camp instructor. Watch out for poisonous plants, and harmful insects and animals. Stay away from wild animals as they could be dangerous. Do not bring them into the tent.
You will most probably be starting a campfire at night. You might also be taking a camp stove with you. The fumes of burning fuel contain carbon monoxide (CO) which is a poisonous gas. Moreover, it is odorless and invisible. Avoid using a fuel-burning generator or lantern, or a camp stove inside a tent or in an enclosed space.

Symptoms of CO poisoning include weakness, dizziness, nausea, headache, vomiting, and chest pain. The moment you feel any of these symptoms, get out of the enclosed area and inhale fresh air. Medical attention may be required in case of extreme exposure to CO.

Remember to never start a fire under overhanging branches. If the campsite doesn’t have a campfire pit, dig a small pit and circle it with rocks first. Keep extra wood away from the fire. A shovel and a bucket of water should always be handy. A campfire must never be left unattended.

Eat healthy food and drink plenty of water. You have to be hydrated or else the heat might get to you. Let family members or close friends know of your plans and keep them updated. Be aware of the security measures at the campsite and ask what you need to do in case you need help.

If your dog is going to be camping with you, make sure to keep it on a leash at all times. You don’t want it to scare other people or run off into the woods. Your pet will need to be vaccinated too. Have your dog wear dog shoes to protect its paws from getting sore.

Conclusion

Camping is a fun way to take in the outdoors and spend quality time with loved ones. Sure, camping may not be for everyone, but it isn’t a very tough nut either. Before you know it, you’ll have fallen in love with sleeping under the stars or sitting huddled up in front of a campfire in the woods.

With the right precautions and preparations, your camping trip could easily become the best experience of your life. So stick to the instructions, follow useful advice, and have the time of your life!

Author: Nicola Reynor
Edited By: CampTrip.com