Safety Rules for kids while camping
We love camping with our children. They get the freedom to run around and explore, and the entire experience is one big adventure for them. RV camping also provides an excellent family bonding experience and an opportunity for kids to learn more about the natural world.
But how can you give your kids the freedom to enjoy the outdoors without worry? The neighborhood or backyard was an easy place to keep an eye out while they played and explored. However, the woods or RV resorts are not as safe as your backyard. So, setting safety rules to keep your kids safe while camping or full-time traveling would be wise. Here are some safety rules that families use to allow kids the freedom to enjoy the journey and stay safe.
Stay within your Site’s Boundaries
Once outside the immediate campsite boundaries, there are a number of dangers. Speeding vehicles, water or pool hazards, and the general RV resort population itself. In a smaller campground, the kids might not lose their way back home, but it’s best, to set boundaries around the site beyond which your kids must not go before heading out to play.
Stay Together
Set up a buddy system, so when the kids go outside its in two’s or more. Maybe have the older brother or sister partner up if they are heading to the playground. Or insist on an adult accompany a younger child. Having another person around, ensures that someone will always be there and can notify you or raise the alarm should there be an accident.
Teach Fire Safety around the campfire
Part of the family camping experience is enjoying a campfire. Roasting marshmallows, making smores are a family favorite. Still, kids need to be extra careful around a fire. Make sure they are supervised when you have a campfire and teach them about how playing with the embers or fire case be dangerous. The same goes for grills, lanterns and stoves.
Keep a Safe Distance from Wildlife
Bears and other wild animals may look cuddly, but they can run fast and hurt you. Teach your kids to never approach wild animals or try to pet them. Even harmless looking animal like dogs or raccoons should be left alone. Be aware that when a baby animal is present, there is probably a much larger and very protective mom or dad around.
Don’t Eat Anything you Find
Wild berries and certain plants look tempting to eat, but they could be poisonous. So, teaching your kids not to eat anything they might find while playing or in the woods, even if it looks familiar. Finding a stream or creek might look like a good opportunity to drink some water, but it’s safer to bring your own.
Drink Plenty of water
Kids will be more active while camping, especially when hiking or biking the trails. Consequently, they can become dehydrated. So, encourage your kids to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Carry Nalgene water bottles or use a water bladder backpack to keep hydrated.
Stay on the trail
When hiking, older children tend to run ahead of you and explore by themselves. When they do, it would be best for them to stick to the trail and stay within sight of their parents or guardians. If kids go off-trail, they can quickly get lost or stumble into a dangerous situation.
No bare feet
It is best not to allow kids to run around barefoot when camping. If they are at your site and on the patio mat, there may be an exception. Having sandals or flip-flops right at the door or easily accessible can cut down on the stubbed toes or cuts if they go out without them on. Sturdier footwear will be needed when hiking trails. The no bare feet rule is also a good one for adults to follow.
Conclusion
It might seem that by making a lot of rules for the kids to follow, they will have less freedom or fun. But kids can still have plenty of adventures, even when playing within the boundaries of these rules. Furthermore, if they play safer, there is less of a chance that the trip will be cut short. So, by asking your kids to follow a few camping safety rules, you can ensure the fun and trip last until you’re ready to leave.
Osprey Ace 38 Kid’s Backpacking Backpack
Osprey Ace 38 Kid’s Backpacking Backpack
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