A family camping trip can be an enjoyable experience with a
little preparation. Knowing everyone's limits, taking the time
to plan ahead, and packing the right items will help your adventure
come off without a hitch. Here are the down-and-dirty basics of
woods and camping safety.
Planning Ahead
If you're not skilled in the outdoors, begin your adventures
by taking day trips. But even then be aware of camping safety
issues, such as
bug bites and stings
; plants that may cause rashes and
allergic reactions
; exposure to heat, wind, water, and cold; and getting lost.
Once families feel comfortable with their camping skills, they
may want to plan a few days or a week in a wilderness park. But
first, gather information from park rangers, read guide books about
the terrain and weather, and talk with campers who've been
there.
Common Camping Dangers
One common mistake made by camping families is not being ready
for seasonal transitions regarding proper clothing and equipment.
Storms blow in and out during all seasons, and there can be sudden
shifts in temperatures in spring and fall, particularly on high
mountains. Precipitation and wind lead to rapid cooling, especially
when temperatures drop at nightfall.
Excessive heat can be a problem for young children, whose sweat
glands are not fully developed until adolescence. On hot days, hike
in the cooler mornings and evenings. During the day, spend time in
shaded areas. Wear skin protection whenever you or your kids are
exposed to the sun, including hats, sunscreen, and cotton
clothes.
Another common problem is getting lost. Teach your kids how to
recognize landmarks at the campsite and on hikes. While hiking,
encourage them to turn around and look at the trail to familiarize
themselves with their surroundings. Teach them to remain where they
are and stay calm if they are lost. Kids should wear whistles
(whistles can be heard farther away than the human voice) and know
the universal help signal of three blows or loud sounds. Try to
take your cell phone along in case you can get a signal.
Before your trip, look for a local class or go online to find
out more about map reading and finding directions. For wilderness
trekking, always carry a topographical map and compass.
Proper Clothing
To protect against sudden temperature and weather changes, wear
multi-layered clothing made of polyester, polypropylene, and wool.
Layers of clothing - such as tank tops, long-sleeved shirts, and
sweaters - will allow you to reduce or increase clothing as needed.
To protect against rain and wind, bring breathable, lightweight
waterproof jackets and pants.
All family members need comfortable hiking shoes to prevent
blistering. When hiking, tuck pant cuffs into socks and boots to
protect against ticks. Kids should wear brightly colored clothes to
increase visibility. Caps or hats will help guard against the sun
and protect against insects.
Setting Up a Campsite
Natural hazards such as forest fires and fallen trees are less
likely to be encountered at campgrounds that can be accessed by
cars. But other dangers lurk, such as broken glass, discarded
needles, and other hazardous trash.
Scout the area before setting up a tent. In wilderness areas,
look for signs of animal and insect use; for example, yellowjacket
wasps build their nests in the ground. If berries are plentiful at
a site, bears may forage for food there.
To build a firepit, look for a clearing and previous firepits.
During fire-hazard periods and dry seasons, use portable stoves
rather than campfires.
Drinking the Water
Assume that all wilderness streams and creeks are potentially
contaminated water sources due to domestic and wild animals.
Giardia lamblia
, a common parasitic contaminant, can cause nausea, bloating, gas,
stomach cramps, and explosive diarrhea leading to dehydration.
If you are unable to bring bottled water with you on your trip
or your supply runs out, iodine is an inexpensive and easy way to
purify water (you can buy iodine tablets that dissolve in the
water). You'll need to check the expiration date before using.
You can also use water filters. Boiling is an excellent method for
purifying water, but takes a lot of time, energy, and resources;
also, appropriate boiling times are uncertain because boiling
points vary according to elevation.
Food Supplies and Foraging
Plan your meals according to how many days you will be on a
trip, and then bring extra food. Pack plenty of portable foods,
such as granola bars, packaged trail mix, breads, peanut butter,
fruit, and other camping-friendly foods. You can even purchase
dehydrated meals that only require the addition of water. It's
best to leave foraging for berries to the animals because it's
easy to mistake toxic berries for edible ones that can make someone
pretty sick and ruin the entire trip.
Plants and Insects
Common plants to be wary of are poison oak, sumac, and ivy. Show
your kids pictures of these plants before your trip, and if in
doubt, avoid touching any unknown plants. Dress your kids in
long-sleeved shirts and pants to protect the skin from exposure to
plants that may cause allergic reactions. You can apply protective
products before hiking that will act as a barrier against the oils
of the plants. Any area that comes in contact with a poisonous
plant should be washed immediately with cool water to help remove
the oil that causes the allergic reaction. Calamine lotion or
hydrocortisone cream (1%) may help to stop the itching that's
common with poison ivy.
Antihistamines taken by mouth are effective for allergic reactions
or itchy rashes - from contact with poison ivy to mosquito bites to
bee and wasp stings. Use citronella-based products to repel insects
and put it on clothing instead of skin whenever possible.
Repellents containing DEET also can be used. Choose a repellent
that contains no more than 10% to 30% DEET; in higher
concentrations, the chemical (which is absorbed through the skin)
can be toxic. Be sure to follow the directions on the label.
DEET-containing products should only be used on children older than
2 years.
Another camping concern is ticks, which can carry several types of
infections, including Lyme disease. Check your kids at the end of
each day for ticks. Examine places where ticks like to hide, like
behind the ears, in the scalp, under the arms, and in the groin
area. Be aware of the typical rash seen in some patients with
Lyme disease
- a red ring that may grow to about 2 inches in diameter around the
bite appearing about a week after the tick bite.
Protecting Against Animals
Teach kids that animals in the wild are strong and agile, and
will defend themselves and their young if threatened. Children
should not approach wild animals, even small ones, and should
never
feed them. Don't leave kids unsupervised - small children,
especially, are vulnerable. Instruct them to stay calm and call
loudly for help if they encounter a wild animal.
Always ask the park rangers about wild animals in your
wilderness park. Keep the campsite free of food odors and do not
bring food into tents. Pack food in your cars overnight; if
you're going on a long camping trip, pack food in resealable
plastic bags and animal-resistant containers.
What to Pack
Essentials for every camping trip include:
- map of the area
- compass
- flashlight with extra batteries and bulbs
- extra food
- extra clothing, including rain gear
- sunglasses and sunscreen
- pocketknife
- folding saw
- matches in waterproof container
- candle or fire starter
- adequate supply of clean drinking water
- appropriate insect repellents
Other necessary items include: full water bottles for hikes; a
waterproof and lightweight tent; ground insulation for sleeping; a
blanket for emergencies; signaling device such as a whistle,
mirror, pocket flare, walkie-talkie or cell phone; duct tape; and
50 to 100 feet of nylon rope.
First-Aid Kits
Bring a
first-aid kit
that includes:
- adhesive and butterfly bandages
- self-adhesive roller bandages
- sterile gauze pads
- a cold pack
- splinting materials
- large wound dressings
- blister dressings
- nonadhesive dressings
- cloth-based adhesive tape
- elastic bandages (Band-Aids)
- thermometer
- non-latex gloves
- large plastic bag
- safety pins
- scissors
- tweezers and needles (to remove splinters or ticks)
- topical antibiotic cream (such as Neosporin)
- oral antihistamine (such as Bendadryl)
- medications for pain or fever, such as acetaminophen or
ibuprofen
- hydrocortisone cream (1%)
- alcohol pads
In addition, bring a liquid antiseptic soap to clean wounds.
Don't forget extra protective dressings for severe arm or leg
blisters. Knowing how to make a splint in case of injury is also
useful and can be learned in first-aid classes.
Camping Emergency Basics
In the case of an emergency, the most important thing to do is
to remain calm. During an emergency, families need to decide
together on the best plan of action, examining the resources
available. Before your trip, notify friends and families of your
destination and time of return. And sign up at park registers
before and after wilderness treks.
If your kids have whistles and were instructed to wait in a
sheltered area if they get lost, you should be able to find them
more readily. If you bring a cell phone, make sure it's
charged.
Always stay on the safe side when setting boundaries for family
camping. The more remote your location, the more care you should
take in choosing your activities. Survey campsites for riverbanks
and cliffs. Check out climbing trees for dead branches and moss,
both of which cause falls.
Properly preparing for camping lets the whole family enjoy the
great outdoors safely.
Reviewed by:
Kate M. Cronan, MD
Date reviewed: May 2008
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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