How To Keep Camping Children Safe

Camping can be a family fun activity that includes the outdoors and recreation in one. There are plenty of opportunities for children to enjoy the fun that comes with camping and learning new skills that can be applied outdoors. However, safety is always an issue that must be looked at when taking kids camping. In addition to the fun opportunities there are for children on camping trips, there are also hazards. It's best to prepare ahead of time to make sure the camping trip is a safe one for the entire family. Camping for children's safety includes a variety of considerations and practices.

Safety while camping first includes a conversation with the children. It’s important that they understand the important steps they must take to stay safe and know the safety rules of the campsite. Let your children know that these camping safety rules are in their best interest, and that together you can have a great time in nature while keeping out of danger. Children are more likely to follow the camping safety rules if you work on them as a team. Ask what rules they think might keep them safe and write them down. Include your own safety rules, and by getting them involved in the process they'll be more willing to remember and follow the rules. Such camping safety rules you may want to employ in your rules list include staying in eyesight, going to the bathroom with a buddy and what to do when you see a wild animal.

In addition to safety rules, certain actions must be put in place to assure your child's safety while camping. Secure the campsite with child friendly or childproof items. In order to make a camping site child friendly, you must clear any hazardous debris around the area such as a sharp rock they may fall on or large branches they can trip over. Just do a general sweep of the area checking out what could be considered dangerous if they were to fall in that area. Also examine any holes that may exist so the kids can be steered away from the area. As for childproofing the campsite, you'll need to include items such as locks, a rock barrier around the campfire and keeping dangerous items out of reach such as lighting fluid and knives.

Lastly, teach them the skills needed to go camping. When it comes to fishing, show them how to hook bait on properly so not to cut themselves. When you take a family hike, be sure your child wears proper hiking boots and safety gear. They can possibly even use a walking stick for bumpy terrain. Dehydration is a safety concern while camping as well, so be sure your child drinks plenty of water as well.