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Camping with Kids: Keeping Them Safe in the Great Outdoors
Camping with children can be an exciting but stressful experience. All parents want to keep their children out of harm’s way, but kids tend to get so caught up in outdoor adventures that they don’t always make the safest choices. Accidental injuries, while rare, can happen. That’s why the backpacking experts at Hinterback have put together some tips and resources to help keep you safe!
Make Fire Safety a Top Priority
Flames are enticing to children, so set firm boundaries about what is and is not allowed by the fire. Beyond the Tent says that it is vital to be deliberate when it comes to your campfires, supervising children at all times. You should never leave a fire unattended or cook close to your tent. Always make sure that matches and lighters are kept out of kids’ reach. When it comes to nighttime illumination, remember to bring flashlights and electric lanterns.
Kids should not be allowed to run or play near a fire, as they can easily trip and get burned. Nationwide Children’s suggests creating a ring around the fire with stones about three feet out from the fire pit, and telling kids that is the safety zone that they need to stand behind. Children should also be taught never to throw things into the fire or poke at the flames.
No matter how much you reinforce these rules and expectations to children, fire is alluring; it only takes a second for something to go wrong. Keep a bucket of water and a shovel near the campfire so it can be extinguished quickly, and keep all other wood upwind at least five feet away. Teach your children the “Stop, drop, and roll” technique, so if they do get too close, they are prepared to act quickly to put out the flames.
If you want to teach your kids to respect fire before you head into the great outdoors, spend some time at home with your own backyard fire pit. There are many easy options you can create in a short amount of time, from in-ground stone pits to tin fire pits that you can let your children decorate how they want. This way, you can create a controlled environment for your children to learn about fire safety before you introduce them to it in the wild.
Teach Kids What to Do If They Get Lost
Your family will surely be anxious to explore your surroundings as you get settled into your campsite. However, there are some important things to teach your children before heading out on a hike so they know what to do in case they get separated from you. The Washington Trails Association recommends that young children be required to stay within eyesight, and older ones can go a bit further ahead as long as they stay in earshot. Of course, staying on clearly marked trails is always the safest bet for kids and adults alike.
Tell kids to stay close to an adult, a sibling, or a friend, and help them learn to recognize landmarks as they walk. Children must understand that they should stay on the trails, but if they do get separated from their parents or the rest of the group, Scouter Mom recommends they should remember the mnemonic STOP: Stay put, Think, Observe, Plan.
Many families give each child a whistle to carry with them to use in case they do get lost. It is easier for an adult to hear a whistle than a child’s voice in the woods, so this can help you find your child quickly if you do get separated. They should use the whistle only in an emergency and do three quick blows to signal that they need help, repeating that every few minutes until they are found.
Be Prepared
Natural disasters can happen at any time and if you’re away from home and outdoors, they present a different set of challenges. Just like at home,however, thoughtful planning before leaving the house is essential. Many of the things you take with you camping are probably already part of your home disaster kit. If you don’t already have one, here is a list of things that should go into it like a portable radio, batteries, first aid kit, and non-perishable foods you need at the ready when preparing for a disaster.
Wildfires are not uncommon during summer camping months and you need to be ready. Wildfires are driven by wind and terrain so always move upwind and downward terrain-wise and look for an area with non-combustible material like a boulder field or a body of water.
Teach Your Kids to Leave No Trace
Teaching kids to leave no trace when camping is an essential lesson that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives. Not only does it help to preserve the natural beauty and wildlife of the area, but it also teaches children about their impact on the environment and the responsibility that comes with enjoying the outdoors. By instilling these values in children from a young age, we can help to create a generation of responsible and mindful outdoor enthusiasts.
Kids can be great helpers when it comes to trash pick up, so get them involved with that aspect of camp life. Also, explain to them why you brought all natural cleaning products and let them help clean up. Opting for cleaners like baking soda and vinegar will help keep dangerous chemicals out of water sources and prevent animals from accidentally ingesting them.
Invest in a Private Getaway
Many camping-friendly areas are also great places to purchase a vacation home. If there is a place that your family frequents, consider investing in a rural home away from home there. You’ll still be able to enjoy the outdoor activities you love, like hiking, paddle boarding, and skiing, but you’ll be able to stay longer and sleep in a real bed. Plus, you won’t have to worry about your favorite campsite being booked up on desired travel time. And you can rent the property out when you’re not using it to help cover costs.
Have a Safe Family Camping Adventure
Although the number of camping-related deaths and serious injuries in the United States are very low, it’s still imperative that parents set ground rules to keep their kids safe when on a camping trip. Be vigilant about safety precautions around campfires, keep them nearby while hiking, and teach them what to do if they do get lost
For more helpful tips and resources about hiking, camping, and backpacking, visit Hinterback!
Cover photo via Pixabay
