How
do you get a girl or boy excited about the outdoors? How do you
compete with the television and remote control? How do you prove to a
kid that success comes from persistence, spirit and logic, which the
outdoors teaches, and not from pushing buttons?
ISN'T
IT DANGEROUS?
The
things most people worry about are wolves, bears, and drownings.
These are actually much less of a worry than sprained ankles on
portages, cutting themselves playing Junior Woodsman, burning
themselves in the campfire and so on. Same
dangers
that can happen at home!
Trips
with children should be to places where there is a guarantee of action.
A
good example is camping in a park where large numbers of wildlife
can be viewed, such as squirrels, chipmunks, deer and even bears.
Other
good choices are fishing,
canoeing, swimming,
etc.
Boys
and girls want action, not solitude.
Enthusiasm
is contagious.
If
you aren't excited about an adventure, you can't expect a child to
be. Show a genuine zest for life in the outdoors, and point out
everything as if it is the first time you have ever seen it.
Always,
always, always be seated when talking to someone small.
This
allows the adult and child to be on the same level.
That
is why fishing in a small boat is perfect for adults and kids.
Nothing
is worse for youngsters than having a big person look down at them
and give them orders.
Always
show a child how to do something, whether it is gathering
sticks for a campfire,
cleaning
a trout or tying
a knot. Never
tell— always
show.
A
button usually clicks to "off" when a kid is lectured.
But
they can learn behavior patterns and outdoor skills by watching
adults, even when the adults are not aware they are being watched.
Let
kids be kids!
Let
the adventure happen, rather than trying to force it within some
preconceived plan. If they get sidetracked chasing butterflies or
sneaking up on chipmunks, let them be.
A
youngster can have more fun turning over rocks and looking at
different kinds of bugs than sitting in one spot,
waiting
for a fish
to bite.
Expect
young peoples' attention spans to be short.
Instead
of getting frustrated about it, use it to your advantage. How? By
bringing along a bag of candy and snacks. When there is a lull in the
camp activity, out comes the bag. Don't let them know what goodies
await, so each one becomes a surprise.
Make
absolutely certain the child's sleeping
bag is clean,
dry and warm. Nothing is worse than discomfort when trying to sleep,
but a refreshing sleep makes for a positive attitude the next day. In
addition, kids can become quite scared of animals
at night. The parent should not wait for any signs of this, but
always play the part of the outdoor guardian, the one who will
"take care of everything."
Provide
each child with a flashlight. To prevent any arguments, make sure
each one has their own.
Children
love to play with the flashlights, and having one also makes them
more at ease after dark.
Flashlights
are also handy when making trips to the restroom, for making shadow
puppets on tent walls, and for reading before bed.
Bathroom
Issues
Scary
Toilets
A pit toilet may seem
like a perfectly normal thing to you, but your toddler may not agree.
These toilets can smell pretty bad and it's easy to see why some
children are afraid of falling in. When you tell your child about
camping, be sure to include information about the bathrooms.
Flush toilets can be
loud and are not like the potty at home. If your child will still go
on a potty chair you may want to bring one along - just in case.
Yucky
Paper
Most camp bathrooms
have industrial quality (sand paper) toilet paper. Your young bath
roomer may refuse to use this stuff.
Some camps provide
little squares of paper. A parent may be able to use this stuff but a
young child might have some problems.
Many of the toilet
paper dispensers make it quite difficult for you to get the paper off
of the roll. This is actually intentional. The idea is that you will
use less paper if it is really hard to get it off of the roll. As a
former park employee this is the silliest thing I have ever seen. The
bathrooms always end up with bits of paper all over the floor and
people break these irritating dispensers all the time. Your child may
not be able to get the paper off of these rolls at all.
The biggest problem of
all is an empty dispenser. You will find these every busy weekend you camp.
Bring your own toilet paper!
Showers
and Bathing
Camp showers can be a
test of your patience. The temperature may be hard to adjust (or
impossible) and the water may run cold for some time before getting
warm. Most camp showers require quarters - and I have run out of
money in the middle of shampooing my hair.
Children who normally
take baths at home will not appreciate a camp shower.
Many camp grounds do
not offer bathing facilities at all. If you plan on camping for any
length of time you will have to adapt.
Sun Showers (a large
black bag with a shower head) are great for camping. You can use them
at home a few times to allow your children to become used to the
idea. Just set up the sun shower and let our kids in bathing suits
try it out! Most kids just think of it as an interesting sprinkler.
Sponge baths can work
quite well, especially if you are camping in cold weather.
Potty
Training
Camping trips can be a
real chance for breakthroughs in this area!
Camping trips are
convenient for potty training. There are no 'accidents' on your rug
or your furniture and a potty chair can simply be set up anywhere in
your camp site so your child won't feel isolated while trying to go.
You will have more time with your child when camping, and this can be
the most help of all.
Kids
quickly relate to outdoor ethics.
They
will enjoy building
a safe campfire
and picking up all
their litter,
and they will develop a sense of pride that goes with it. A good idea
is to bring extra plastic garbage bags to pick up any trash you come
across. Kids long remember when they do something right that somebody
else has done wrong.
If
you want youngsters hooked on the outdoors for life,
take
a close-up photograph of them holding up fish they have caught,
blowing on the campfire or completing other camp tasks.
Young
children can forget how much fun they had, but they never forget if
they have a picture of it.
Teach
young children to stay within eyesight, and older children within earshot.
Children
over the age of four can carry a simple survival kit, or at least a
whistle around their neck to call for help when lost. The standard
distress signal is three blows to indicate "I'm lost" or
"I need help."
Children
get cold faster than adults.
The
key to comfortable camping with kids is to dress them in several
layers, which can be peeled off as they get warm or added on as they
cool off.
Bring
along a game
you all like to play at home.
Playing
it outdoors with a lantern or flashlights will add to the fun.
Camping
with children is more fun when you bring a playmate along.
Two
or more children will entertain themselves for longer periods than
will a single child.
The
least important word you can ever say to a kid is "I."
Keep
track of how often you are saying "Thank you" and
"What do you think?"
If
you don't say them very often, you'll lose out.
Finally,
the most important words of all are: "I
am proud of you."
Camping
with infants is a blast!
Even
very young babies love camping. My oldest son started camping at
the age of two.
This
went so well -
we
started the other two boys camping at at around 6 weeks or so.
These
early camping trips were a joy -
after
we ironed out a few bugs!
Camping
with babies is easier than you might think!
Babies
are adaptable and sleep more than toddlers.
Give
it a try!
Camping
trips rarely go perfectly the first time -
but
you can avoid a lot of serious complications with a bit of practice
and planning.
So
how do you practice camping?
Just
do it!
The
Practice Trip
The
first camping trip should be a short two night adventure near your
home. This allows your infant the chance to become comfortable with
the outdoors without over-doing it.
A
long trip can become disorienting for a baby or young child.
Children
have to adapt to long car rides. This takes training and patience.
You don't want to start off your first camping trip with a screaming
infant - so keep your trip close to home!
Pick
a spot without extreme temperatures.
Even
tiny babies can put up with almost anything you might expose them
to, but you will have to work harder to keep them comfortable.
Heat
seems to be the extreme to avoid.
You
can keep a baby warm on snowy nights but it's hard to cool an
unhappy baby in 95 degrees fahrenheit
Infants
under six months old should not wear sun screen unless your
pediatrician recommends it.
Even
a baby kept in the shade can be exposed to a great deal of reflected
sunlight. A baby with a sunburn is a sad thing. Avoid it at all costs!
Infants
require a lot of equipment and supplies.
If
you forget something dire or realize that something you left home
would really be handy you can always go home and get it. You don't
want to find out about these little surprises 200 miles from home.
Camping
with a baby is always entertaining, but it may be quite a bit
different than the trips you are used to taking.
Give
yourself a chance to get used to the changes.
Plan
to arrive at your campsite long before dark.
You
will need time in daylight to set up your tent and get situated.
Even if you have set up your tent 100 times you may find it more
difficult with your new addition. I hope you have a tent that one
person can set up alone if necessary. You will find this a necessity
at one time or another if you plan to camp with babies or toddlers.
Even babies need time to acclimate to your new surroundings.
A
leisurely evening in your campsite will allow your baby to feel
comfortable and secure.
Packing
Suggestions
For
your practice trip go overboard. Pack more clothes than you think
you'll need, more formula or baby food, diapers, wipes, etc.
You
can't have too many diapers or wet wipes.
If
you haven't already discovered how handy having wipes can be,
you'll
find out on a camping trip!
Disposable
diapers aren't environmentally sound, PLEASE
throw them into a trash can or dumpster WITH a lid!
This
is your chance to see what you'll really need.
Worry
about packing space on your next trip.
I
recommend packing lots of clothes -
but
not too many items that are really heavy or bulky.
It's
better to layer lighter clothing.
Temperature
will fluctuate throughout each day and it is far more simple to add
a layer or remove a layer of clothing when the climate changes rather
than to re-dress your child five times a day.
Make
sure you bring snap-crotch garments! It
is heck to change a camping baby without 'em. Your baby will stay
warmer on cold nights if she doesn't need to be stripped down for
every diaper change.
For
a complete packing list for infants, click
here!
The
First Real Trip
For
your first real trip away from home I recommend you choose a
campground you have camped at before. It is always best to be in
familiar surrounds at first. This way you will know what facilities
the park offers and where to find a pay phone.
Plan
your trip with plenty of time to spare.
Just
getting to your camping spot will usually take a lot longer than you
anticipate. Diaper changes and an occasional stretch are a
requirement. The best thing about camping with a baby is watching
your child's reactions to the elements. A tree or clouds can keep a
baby happy for hours. Please don't plan a day full of activities and
hikes! I guarantee that you will enjoy these first trips without
making big plans.
Take
lots of pictures,
go
to sleep early (Be prepared to get up at dawn. No matter how late you put your
child to bed, they will always get up at
sunrise when you camp!),
and
relax!
Pre
made formula is expensive -
but
sterile.
Powders
are convenient but can be hard to mix at campground faucets. Some
campgrounds have questionable water sources.
The
biggest concern is keeping prepared formula cold. If you are in an
RV with refrigeration it's no problem -
but
tent campers, please be careful!
Keeping
bottles clean can be a real pain. I suggest Playtex Nursers with the
disposable liners. If you use regular bottles -
don't
forget a bottle brush!
Even
though you can't help it, people don't want to listen to a screaming
baby. Though people do need to be more understanding of
babies. They are just trying to communicate that something is wrong.
Just
do your best and PLEASE DO NOT
let your child cry and cry and cry, etc., just to get the baby asleep
or a punishment or what have you!
Portable
bassinet in your tent will secure your infant.
Let
the little ones age 6 months - 3 years sit in their stroller around
the campfire.
It
lets them be a part of things and also keeps them safe and in a
familiar environment.
Do
not let youngsters get over tired while camping . . .
keep
them on their home routine of taking naps, eating regular meals,
etc, and that helps reduce the crankiness that can result in
crying/noise for those around you.
Make
it fun always, give them lots to do, let
them git dirty, messy and have fun. It
is hard on everyone if someone is always saying don't touch that,
don't get dirty, don't, don't, don't
. . .
Enjoy
your kids when they are small, they don't stay that way long.
Is
insect repellent recommended for babies and young children?
This
is a common concern of parents as West Nile Virus is spreading
across the country. Luckily, children appear to be at low risk for
the disease (American Academy of Pediatrics, Aug 2002.)
One
of the most effective ways to protect against mosquito bites is by
using insect repellent with DEET. However, these products should be
used with caution.
In
2001 the Environmental Protection Agency made the following
recommendations regarding the safe use of insect repellant with DEET
for children:
Do not apply to infants under two months of age. (Skin permeability
becomes similar to adult by the second month of life.)
Read and follow all directions and precautions on the product label.
Do not apply over cuts, wounds or irritated skin.
Do not apply to young children's hands or near eyes or mouth. Since
they put their fingers in their mouths so much.
Do not allow young children to apply products themselves.
Use just enough to cover the exposed skin and/or clothing.
Do not use under clothing.
Avoid over-application.
After returning indoors, wash treated skin with soap and water.
Wash treated clothing before wearing again.
Do not use spray solutions in enclosed areas or near food.
For use on face, apply to adult hands and then rub on face. Do not
spray face. Avoid areas around eyes and mouth.
Experts
agree that insect repellants containing DEET are the most effective.
Years of DEET use have resulted in relatively few reports of adverse
reactions. Most reported incidents have not been serious.
The
American Academy of Pediatrics states that a 30 percent
concentration is safe for both children and adults, but that 10
percent can be used for children if parents are concerned about the
potential risks or if the threat of disease-carrying mosquitoes is small.
Even
when the insect repellent you select does not contain DEET,
citronella and other more "natural" repellents could cause
problems in a young child if used liberally on the skin. I suggest
you look into clothing that is both light for summer weather but also
long to cover the skin, and use insect repellent sparingly.
Learn
to identify
poisonous plants and know which
plants are common in your area.
Poison
ivy and poison oak will cause symptoms if touched,
but
there are numerous plants that are toxic when ingested.
Camping with Toddlers
If
you start your kids off camping before they learn to walk your
toddler trips will go a bit more smoothly.
Camping
with very young babies is a breeze compared to camping with toddlers
. . .
Young
babies easily assimilate into camp life.
They
like to do what they do at home: sleep or watch the rest of the family.
Make
them part of the action by giving them a spot in the midst of things.
The
less time you spend lounging in your campsite the better. A toddler
in a backpack or stroller can't eat sticks, crawl through your fire
pit, trip over tent stakes, or get into other mischief.
If
you plan on spending a lot of time in your campsite -
come
prepared!
Mobile
babies and toddlers present the roughest challenge. If not confined,
they need constant attention, taking one adult off the job. Some
families surmount this problem by bringing a playpen or port-a-crib.
Camping
with little ones requires a little attention to details. Some
special areas of concern are:
Setup
Crawling
toddlers love to explore the tent once it is set up. They may sleep
through the whole set-up process, safely buckled in their car seats.
If they are awake, they are usually so enthralled by the new and
exciting activity going on around them that they will be happy to
perch, still buckled in, on a picnic table or in the grass near your
campsite. If you're camping with friends, work it out so that one
adult is available to watch small children. Diapers
Most
campsites will have garbage disposal available at or near each
individual campsite. Disposable diapers are easy to pack and dispose
of, but you can certainly camp with cloth diapers. Large-sized
plastic storage bags will hold soiled diapers until you return home,
as will a sealable plastic container.
The
tent floor, picnic table, or a sling spread on the ground makes a
changing table au natural!
Creepy
crawlers
First,
remember the rule:
"Your
children will get dirty."
Dress
the crawling ones appropriately, police your campsite for poison
ivy, sharp sticks, or anything that appears dangerous to you, and
then let them explore nature. You can spread a quilt or blanket on
the ground for their play area. You can sew old towels together for a
huge, easily washable, camping quilt. Border this play area with your
lawn chairs, some favorite toys, or a couple of adults who want to
lie in the shade and read.
Babies
love the company and the outdoors.
Attach
bells to your toddler’s shoes so you can hear if he or she
starts to wander off.
Losing your child in an uninhabited area is incredibly frightening;
so
again, never leave your child unattended.
But,
because toddlers are notorious for running off when you turn your
back, you might want to carry a few current photos of your child with
you and dress your child in bright colors.
Teach
your child to yell back when you yell for him.
Learn to identify
poisonous plants and know which
plants are common in your area.
Poison
ivy and poison oak will cause symptoms if touched,
but
there are numerous plants that are toxic when ingested.
And if you find your toddler eating ants, take heart -
as
a wise friend of mine used to say, "bugs have protein." I
would still refrain your child from eating them!
Bathing
Maybe
baby has gotten dirtier than you can live with or you've applied
insect repellant and need to wash it off. There are several ways to
clean babies while camping. The bath house at the campsite is one
option. Shower stalls designed to be accessible to the disabled
usually have a tiled bench where you can sit and hold your child
while you both shower. At the campsite, use a multi-purpose rubber
bin as a tub. Heat water on your camp stove or over your fire, then
fill the tub and bathe your baby before snuggling down to sleep.
Ways
you can put young Toddlers to work:
Carry
light loads to and from car; gather small sticks: hand Mom or Dad
items such as tent stakes, utensils, buckets; remove rocks and other
debris from the spot where the tent will be pitched.
Camping with Pre-Schoolers
Do
not underestimate your young child.
A
little kid can do a lot!
Children's tapes!
When
the traffic is really heavy and the kids starts to fuss, just pop in
a tape and sing along.
Also
great for at camp to ease a fussy child!
When
deciding where to go camping, consider the age of your child(ren),
and their interests. Most 5 year olds are not interested in sight
seeing, visiting historical villages, or watching how maple syrup is made.
Campsites
that offer nearby beaches (a sure hit for any age), miniature
golfing (putt putt golfing), biking trails and related
activities will provide for the child(ren)'s needs and give parents
the stress-free (or at least as stress-free as possible)
vacation they are looking for.
Vacations
are for creating memories of fun in the sun with stress-free (or at
least as stress-free as possible) activities for your family.
If
your choice of vacation spot only offers activities that appeal to
adults, you will spend you time trying to convince a squirming
and irritable junior that touring the house of President
Jefferson IS FUN, rather than sitting back on your beach towel
watching as an entertained and contented younger family member gets
busy in the sand building his own version of President Jefferson's house.
Pack lots of socks for each child. At least 2 pair or more per day.
If there is a drop of water, or mud puddle of any kind to be found,
they will find it! Don't expect the socks to come clean!
Attach bells to your toddler’s shoes so you can hear if he or
she starts to wander off.
Learn to identify
poisonous plants and know which
plants are common in your area.
Poison
ivy and poison oak will cause symptoms if touched,
but
there are numerous plants that are toxic when ingested.
Ways
you can put young Preschoolers to work:
Can
do all the chores toddlers can do, plus spread sleeping bags, pads,
and ground covers; simple cooking tasks, such as pouring water that
isn't hot; building real or pretend fire rings with stones.
Always
involve the kids in the basics of the camp. If the adults do all the
preparing, cooking, and cleaning, the kids don't learn. The look on a
child's face is priceless when they've made their first wood campfire
or pitched their first tent.
Always leave plenty of room for running, swimming,
biking or just throwing around a ball. Need
Youth, Little League Baseball Tips,Click
Here!
Always have paper and crayons handy, cards
are good also -
but
don't worry about entertaining the kids 24/7.
Camping is all about learning to entertain yourself without tv and games.
Just
use your imagination and remember what it was like to be a kid . . .
ideas
will fill your mind almost instantly of things, little things we can
do to make anything more fun!
Attach bells to your toddler’s shoes so you can hear if he or
she starts to wander off.
Learn to identify
poisonous plants and know which
plants are common in your area.
Poison
ivy and poison oak will cause symptoms if touched,
but
there are numerous plants that are toxic when ingested.
Ways
you can put young 6-To 8-Year-Olds to work:
Attention
spans can sometimes be short when it comes to chores, but kids this
age can really start to help, not hinder. Many are excellent
assistant chefs and tent pitchers; they make eager trash patrollers
and water haulers.
A
good challenge is getting a sleeping bag into a stuff stack.
Camping With
Kids Nine through Twelve
Bring
along a big cloth laundry bag on all camping trips.
In
the bag pack ball
gloves, baseball/softball, bat,
Frisbee, tennis rackets and balls, soccer ball, etc.
Any
sporting equipment your family might enjoy.
This
really saves the day!
Also
pack a couple of blow-up beach balls. This gives the kids something
to throw around in a swimming pool or even at a campsite.
Many
parks (state and federal) offer a junior ranger program. Some
of these programs will actually get the kids out of your hair for an
hour or so, and others will require your children's attention.
Either
way -
these
programs will educate and entertain the kids for quite a while.
Ways
you can put your 9-To 12-Year-Olds to work:
They
are some of the very best campers, good at almost all chores. Some
can pitch tents on their own, prepare simple meals and desserts.
They
still need supervision with stoves and fires.
Camping with Teens
Let
your teens bring books, walkmans, ect. When they want to be left
alone they have something better to do than picking on a sibling or
getting in trouble.
Ways
you can put your Teenagers to work:
They
should be pretty confident of what needs to be done and will more
than likely want to make be on their own -
pitch
thier own tent, etc
Just
last year (2003) my oldest (15 year old) and his cousin actually
asked if they could have thier own campsite. With Mom and Dad
checking on them from time to time, we allowed it. It
was quite humorous.
Tips for Parents
Don't
expect to make a whirlwind trip -
Your
children may not enjoy seeing five parks in four days.
Most
young children will remember a great spot with good dirt for digging
in -
not
many different famous monuments. Older kids will enjoy meeting other
kids and moving from spot to spot will not encourage friendships.
Camping
involves car travel -
The
more time you spend in the car with your child, the less you will
enjoy your trip. A long car trip is frustrating for a pre-teen and
impossible for a young child. A long initial trip is bearable -
but
if you plan on getting back in the car every day -
be
prepared for a long unpleasant trip.
This
is your vacation -
Don't
make this a trip just for the kids. There can be a happy medium.
Choose
a good place -
Research
the recreation area well and avoid complications later on.
If
you have young children, pick a place that you will be able to
supervise kids with a limited amount of effort.
While at Camp
Here's
the most important piece of camping advice anyone can give you.
Arrive at your campsite early so you'll have plenty of time to set
up, get settled, and enjoy yourselves.
If
you don't, you might as well stay home or check into a Holiday Inn.
A
common mistake is to spend much of the day hiking, biking, or
canoeing, trying to cram as much as possible into 24 hours. You may
be having such a good time that nobody wants to stop. But you're
likely to pay later, with hungry, tired children, approaching
darkness, and a mad scramble to make camp.
Remember
when on a camping trip that being at your campsite is a major focus
of the day.
Choosing a
Safe Site
That
first hour in camp can be a dangerous one.
Now
that you're "home", busy pitching tents and unpacking,
it's easy for parents to let their guard down.
Meanwhile,
children are naturally excited, eager to see what's what.
This
is just the time when they can wander off or get into trouble.
Although
the only surefire safeguard is adult supervision, all sites are not
created equal.
Kids
love to help choose, and should be given a say.
But
while they've got their own agenda -
good
climbing trees, a path to explore
-
it's up to you to survey for potential hazards:
Beware of cliffs, steep drop-offs, hills, rivers, lakes, and creeks.
Some of these features, such as a creek, provide great entertainment
as well as potential danger, so parents must make the call based on
their children's age, temperament, and need for supervision.
With young children along, especially toddlers, check sites for
trash, particularly glass and tin, and other debris they might put in
their mouths, as well as sharp roots or stumps they might fall on.
Tent stakes and guy
lines are easy to trip over. Remind
kids not to run near them, and to watch out. To
prevent accidents in the night, use
phosphorescent paint to mark the top of corner pegs of tents,
guylines, etc.
Babies, toddlers, and preschoolers need constant supervision when
camping, just as they do at home.
For
parents, there's no escaping their needs, even during vacations. One
parent must often baby-sit while the other gets things done-one of
many reasons why it's handy to camp with other adults.
Establish rules and boundaries for kids of all ages. Young kids
shouldn't go out of sight or away from the campsite.
Older
children may be allowed to visit designated areas-
set
a time for their return or for an adult to check on them. The buddy
system is always a good idea. While campgrounds may seem like safe
places full of friendly campers, remember that they're strangers.
Even
older children should be closely supervised.
Kids and Campfires
Fires
are like babies and toddlers. Never
leave them unattended.
Even
though you've already taught your children not to play with matches
at home, camping trips are a good time for a refresher course. Open
fires are irresistible for many kids. Not just for looking, but for
building, setting, poking, even touching.
Different
families take different approaches to fire. Older, responsible
children may he allowed to help participate in all phases, including
tending. Some children can be trusted to poke and prod a bit, but the
issue can get sticky among siblings of different maturities.
Often
the safest bet is a strict "hands- and sticks-off" policy.
Set
your own limits and stand by them.
While
campfires are the highlight of many family camping trips, they're
not always permitted. Some areas are too fragile, conditions may be
too dry, or heavy usage and abuse of resources may have forced a ban.
Even when fires are permitted, they're not always fun. On breezy
evenings, as the song goes, smoke gets in your eyes, and kids may
have little tolerance for the resulting sting.
Try
going without-
you
may be pleasantly surprised by the different sights and sounds
you'll see and hear, everything from wildlife to stars.
If
you still want a warm glow, try a candle.
Teach
older children proper building and handling techniques. Have young
children stand a safe distance away from campfires and stoves. Make
sure they're mindful of boots and shoes, too - prop up your legs and
the soles may melt.
Keep
kids away from fire grates and watch for campfire sparks, which can
ignite clothing.
Don't
let your kids throw things into the fire.
Absolutely
no roughhousing near fires.
Sticks
for roasting marshmallows and hot dogs are cooking tools, not swords.
Take
them away if misused.
Teach
kids about the importance of putting out fires and monitoring the embers.
Animal Proofing
Food
should never be eaten or stored in tents, where it will attract wild
visitors. It is important to stress this to kids who love to stash
things away, munch, and produce enormous quantities of crumbs.
There's
a fine line between laying down the law and scaring kids. One father
told me about a well-meaning ranger who dropped by to warn about a
hungry bear.
"It
turned out that the bear hadn't been around in months," he
said, "but it was one of those things that rangers tell people.
We wouldn't have left food out anyway, but the kids were up all night
looking for the bear."
When
you're car camping, keep food in the trunk-
along
with anything else you don't want your kids into.
Teach
your kids these safeguarding techniques; reassure them that all will
be well.
With
young, easily frightened children,
don't
mention bears,
just
the raccoons, squirrels, and mice.
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Trips
with children should be to places where there is a guarantee of action.
Teach
older children proper building and handling techniques. Have young
children stand a safe distance away from campfires and stoves. Make
sure they're mindful of boots and shoes, too - prop up your legs and
the soles may melt.
