You're very excited - your mom and dad promised to take you
on a fun camping trip this year. Or maybe your scout group is
gearing up for an awesome canoe trip. Enjoying the beauty and
nature of the woods is fun - if you are careful. Here are some tips
to keep you safe.
Packing Basics
Before you leave, pack these few important things that will make
your trip more comfortable and safe:
- map of the area
- compass (learn how to use it beforehand)
- cell phone (though you can't be sure it will work in
remote areas)
- whistle
- bottled water and food
- sleeping bag
- flashlight with extra batteries
- sunscreen and sunglasses
- waterproof matches (for an adult to bring)
- first-aid kit with gauze pads, adhesive bandages, tape,
tweezers, and antiseptic
- waterproof tent (set it up beforehand to practice)
- warm clothing, clean socks, and rain gear
Into the Woods
Staying safe in the woods means using common sense. That means
being aware of your surroundings and always camping with an adult.
Never go into the woods by yourself. Some things you need to be
careful of while you're camping are insects, poison ivy,
extreme hot or cold temperatures, rain or snow, and areas where you
could trip or fall.
Bugs
If
insects
bug you, ask an adult to set up camp away from the water and build
a small fire. The water attracts bugs, and the smoke from the fire
will keep most of the bugs away. Another thing you can do is to
remember to keep the tent door zipped at all times, even if
you're just going in or out for a minute. Also, turn off your
flashlight before you enter your tent because insects such as moths
are attracted to the light and will follow you.
Always
check for ticks
at the end of the day when you've been in the woods. Ticks can
carry disease and germs. Some ticks are tiny, like the size of the
head of a pin! You'll want an adult to help you inspect your
body for ticks. Check behind your knees and ears, under your arms,
and in your groin - that's where your legs meet your abdomen,
or belly area. If you're camping with a pet, have an adult
check your pet for ticks, too - dogs and cats can pick up ticks in
their fur even more easily than humans. If you do find a tick, it
needs to be removed. Get an adult to help you.
Poison Ivy
Poison ivy
is a plant that can cause an itchy skin rash in some people. Its
leaves grow in groups of three, but the plant can still be hard to
spot. If you accidentally touch poison ivy, wash the area with soap
and water as soon as possible. The oil from the poison ivy plant
can spread on clothes or even your dog.
To try to prevent a poison ivy rash, there are products you can
apply to your skin before going into the woods. Stores that sell
outdoor equipment and sporting goods may carry them.
Staying Safe Outdoors
Your Campsite
Roasting marshmallows and singing songs by an open fire are
favorite camping activities. Adults, not kids, should start
campfires. Adults also need to watch the fires and make sure they
are out when you're done. Never leave a fire without anyone to
watch it.
Don't forget to put out your fire by dumping water or
shoveling dirt on it when you sleep or leave your campsite. Feel
the ground around the area where the fire was to make sure it
isn't warm.
Your Food and Water
When you're exploring outdoors, eat or drink something only
if an adult says it is safe. Even if streams or lakes look crystal
clear, they could contain germs and the water may not be safe to
drink. Bring bottled water to drink.
Likewise, never eat wild berries. Some are poisonous and it may
be tough to know which are safe. Good snacks for the outdoors
include fruit, trail mix, crackers, granola bars, bread, and peanut
butter.
Your Clothing
Wearing layers is a good idea when you're outdoors. That
way, you can take off a layer or two if you get too warm. Wear
comfortable boots when hiking so your ankles are well-supported and
you don't get blisters. Keep your arms and legs covered while
hiking to avoid ticks and insect bites and wear knee-high boots and
long pants when you are in an area with snakes. Make sure to take
rain gear, such as ponchos and waterproof jackets, to keep you dry
if an unexpected shower occurs.
Watch Out for Wildlife
Although
animals
are cute to look at, wild animals are best enjoyed from far away.
Don't go near or try to feed a strange animal. It's better
to enjoy these animals at the zoo, in books, or on the Internet. To
keep animals such as bears or wolves away from your campsite, keep
it clean.
Food and anything else an animal might smell must be packed
away. In fact some campers put all their food, even candy bars, in
a bag (called a "Bear Bag") and hang it from a tree
branch away from the campsite. If they can smell it, the animals
will be led away from where the campers are.
What if You Get Lost?
Stick with your group when you're in the woods. Carry a
whistle and blow it if you get separated from the group. If you
have a cell phone and it's working, use it to make contact with
your group. If you do get lost, wait in a safe, sheltered place for
an adult to find you. The sooner you're found, the sooner you
can go back to having fun in the great outdoors!
Reviewed by:
Larissa Hirsch, MD
Date reviewed: June 2007
Originally reviewed by:
Barbara P. Homeier, MD
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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