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.