How to Prepare your Kids for Safety While Camping
It is important that your kids understand what camping entails and that, as fun as camping is, it is only fun if everyone stays safe. Camping safety is different than regular house/city safety. Children should be aware of their camping surroundings and shown things which may be new to them. Here are some great tips on how to prepare your kids for safety while camping.
Brief your Kids on Wildlife
It is a good idea to educate your kids about their surroundings (ie. the different wildlife and greenery around them). After you finish setting up your camp, sit them down at the table and explain to them what types of wildlife there is around them and which of these animals/ insects around them are dangerous or should be avoided. You should also do the same with different plants, shrubs, mushrooms, berries around the area and which are dangerous. Depending on the area in which you are camping the types of wildlife and greenery will differ. Be aware of where you are camping and what dangers might be in the area.
There may be such wildlife as: bears, alligators, mountain lions, cougars, snakes (poisonous etc.), spiders (poisonous), ants (fire ants) and many more. Some shrubs/ poison plants to avoid are: Poison oak/ ivy, sumac, wood nettle, certain berries, mushrooms, etc. These are only a few of the potentially dangerous things that inhabit camping areas; there may be more or less depending on where you are camping. Please know your surroundings so that you can show your kids how to be safe. The best thing to do is have pictures of what they should be avoiding (ie. snakes, bears, poison oak, etc.) so they can identify dangerous things and know exactly what to do when they are faced with one of them. Here are some great books for kids and adults with information and photos of poisonous plants and mushrooms
Become Familiar with the Campsite
Before settling into a campsite take your kids on a tour of the entire campsite so they know where and what everything is. This way if they get lost they will have an easier time finding their way back. Let your kids know where they should go if there is an emergency and where you, as a family, should all meet if something were to happen. You can also show them what areas are off-limits and what areas are fine to play in.
Setting Boundaries
This point is not necessary for everyone depending on your kids and campsite, but if you feel that your kids should not be wildly roaming the campsite, setting boundaries could be a good idea. If you have young children that you want to keep an eye on here is a great way to keep them within reasonable boundaries. Cut long strips of bright cloth or ribbon and tie them around tree trunks or shrubs to show that the child cannot go past that mark. Put the ribbons around the perimeter of your camp spot to keep you children in range.
It is a good idea to have your kids help you put up the ribbons so they understand why you are doing it and so that it seems fun for them instead of restricting. Some kids get so involved in putting up ribbons they don’t realize how much they are limiting themselves, which is quite funny. You be the judge as to how much space they can have, keep in mind that camping is about having some space and freedom to play, so don’t limit them too much.
Safety Gadgets for Kids
There are some camping gear and equipment you can give your child to help them be safe:
Whistle
Giving your child a whistle
Walkie- Talkies
These are not essential, but can be useful and fun. Walkie Talkies
Flashlight
Flashlights are only really needed at night but are essential to night-time activities. Give each of your kids a flashlight so they can safely navigate their way around the campsite. Whether they are playing flashlight tag in the dark or trying to find their way to the toilet having a flashlight
In order for you and your family to have a fun and successful camping trip it is important to plan and prepare for safety before you go. It is also essential you show and explain to your kids the rules of the campsite and what to be aware of. That way the whole family will be on the same page and ready for a safe and exciting camping experience!
I hope you found these points on how to prepare your kids for safety while camping helpful. If you have any suggestions please leave them in the comment box below. Thanks!
Please also read the article “How to Prepare your Kids for safety Before Camping” this will help you get things prepared before you leave home.
Author: Latoya Atkins, Kaitlyn (CampTrip Team)
Edited By: CampTrip.com
I think that parents should reinforce standard safety rules when going camping. Removing children from their normal environments can, in their minds, lift restrictions on their behavior enacted for their safety. When you get to camp remind your child not to talk to strangers or to visit other people’s camp sites without your permission. Remind your child of your secret safety word. Each time your child changes clothes you should snap a picture with your cell phone. For really young children, take the time to sharpie your contact information on them in case you get separated. Include local information like campsite number and an emergency contact in the event your cell phone has no service.
Additionally you may need to warn them not to drink water from lakes or streams.
Walkie talkies are great, but be prepared for a period of adjustment. I recommend some time at home with them so the novelty wears off a little. Make sure they know what channel you are using even if it is pre-set.
I love forehead worn flashlights for kids. It keeps their hands free, especially when they trip over something or use the bathroom. They can be bought in multipacks for low cost at hardware stores, great for kids because they will lose them.
Giving kids their own package of antibacterial wipes is also a good idea if they are carrying a fanny or back pack.
In terms of wildlife, reinforce behavior when encountering bees and wasps. This is one of the most common child related first aid incidents I have encountered.
Wow Stephen! Those are some excellent tips for camping with kids! This is exactly why I love the comment box, other people can share with you what they’ve learned. There is no better knowledge than knowledge from personal experience. From the sounds of it, all these tips are from your own experience 🙂 These are the little things that no body knows or thinks about but can be the most helpful. Thank you so much for sharing with us your valuable advice!