Tuesday, December 12, 2017

3 Safety Tips When Camping with Kids

Spending time camping with the kids can be one of the most enriching experiences you will ever have. There are few distractions out in the wild, whether in a campground or a primitive campsite, that is, unless you bring along the generator and an assortment of games and gadgets. But after all, why would you even entertain the notion of going camping if you were going to bring along all the electronic gizmos that eat up your life at home?
So then, with fewer electronics and more free time on your hands, the one thing you will want to do is teach the kids how to stay safe when help isn’t just around the corner. Here are three safety tips when camping with kids.

1. An Expanded Version of the Buddy System

While you may have drilled it into their heads that they are not to wander off alone, especially out in the wild, they may not be thrilled with the idea of a large family tent. After all, the pictures they’ve seen of kids camping have probably shown those Boy Scouts one-man pup tents - and that’s what they think camping is all about.
Actually, you will want to explore large eight or ten person tents available on sites like My Family Tent. The reason you want to have everyone sleeping under one canvas roof at night is for safety. Sure, the kids will probably keep you up all hours of the night, but at least you know they are in a sleeping bag within arm’s reach, so you can protect them if the need arises.
Explain this as an expanded version of the buddy system they use when playing outdoors at home. They may complain a bit, but it really is the safest way to camp with kids.

2. No Open Flames in the Tent – Period!

Experienced campers know the dangers open flames can present in a tent, but some parents are still fascinated with kerosene or butane lanterns. This is a definite no-no! Also, never burn citronella candles in a tent to keep mosquitos at bay and never light a lighter or match in a tent. Your tent may be labeled ‘fire retardant’ or ‘fire resistant’ but that does not mean it will not go up in flames. Fire resistant is not synonymouswith fireproof.

3. Keep the First-Aid Kit at Hand

When camping, mosquito bites may be the least of your concerns. They itch like crazy and may get infected if scratched with dirty little fingers, but there are other insects which can cause a nasty sting requiring the use of an EpiPen. If you’ve never been stung by a bee or bitten by a spider, you just don’t know if you are allergic and what the reaction might be.

Camping injuries you may need to deal with could be burns, cuts, scrapes, and bruises, so never take kids camping without a good First-Aid kit especially for campers.

These are just three important safety tips for camping with kids, but you can find an entire safety checklist if you do a little research. Camping can be one of the best memories you’ll make with your family, but don’t let that be a nightmare to remember. Safety above all else is the proverb to camp by.

You can also check out how to save money on family camping trips.


21 travelers' comments:

Stacie said...

You have to be safe when you go camping. It's fun, but it requires some thought. I think every parent should read this before they go camping.

Unknown said...

We plan on doing a lot of camping next summer. I am going to have to print out your tips for our first camping trip with kids!

Bill Sweeney said...

I think we need to go on a long weekend camping trip this summer. The kids have been hinting about it. These are good tips we could implement on our next outing.

Ashley @Irishred02 said...

These are great tips to remember. Especially not to forget the first aid kit!

Unknown said...

These are great tips to remember! My kids love camping and we always review these same rules before each trip!

Style, Decor & More said...

Great tips! You will definitely want to bring the first aid kit! I always keep one in my car (just in case).
What a great treat for the kids! It looks like you had a wonderful time!

Couponing in Central Florida! said...

We use the buddy system too. I always bring along a first aid kit. The thing that scares me the most is the fire!! My kids are older now, but when tehy were toddlers I was terrified.

Sue Reddel said...

Important to learn these tips whether you have kids or not. Pre-planning makes the whole experience so much easier and safer.

Anonymous said...

We loved camping out with the kids. Our middle son was in the Boy Scouts and we camped out at lot, great tips!!

Cyn said...

These are such important tips for family camping. We had a near miss once - not from us but from the campers on the next site over stealing our camping fuel and pouring it over their campfire. They nearly took out all the sites around them!

Christy G said...

These tips are spot on. We used to go camping growing up and we always followed these tips.

S. Graham said...

No open flames in the tent is a big one. Not safe at all and can ruin your tent!

S. Graham said...

These are amazing tips. Definitely keeping flames out of the tent is vital!

Kisa Johnson said...

I think I would have hated camping as a kid if I have to sleep in the same tent as one of my friends' parents and them. Usually the parents were right next to us in their own tent and us kids were together. Thankfully nothing bad ever happened.

I completely agree with the other two tips however.

Victoria H. said...

What a brilliant tips! Camping is really fun moments especially when you bring your family! Glad that you had fun!

Sarah Bailey said...

These sound like some great safety tips, I never really went camping as a child but can imagine if you aren’t careful it can be a bit dangerous in ways that differ from other holidays.

Nichole Arnold said...

I loved going camping as a kid! I really want to take my son!

Mimicutelips said...

So cute, I want to try camping again. We semi tried it once and it wasn't tragic but it wasn't the best. We were also in a cabin, I've never done a real tent.

Amy said...

These are great tips! We haven't taken the kids camping yet, but I know we will be doing so in the upcoming years.

Notorious Spinks said...

I've never been camping so these are great tips. It looks like you guys had fun.

Paula Schuck said...

I agree safety first always doesn't matter where you are. If you have kids and you travel or camp then precautions must be taken.

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