Camping with children can bring you back to the simplicity of nature. It increases your awareness of your surroundings and can refresh your appreciation for the many things that so often go unnoticed. Many things are learned and experienced for the first time during each day in the life of a child. Patience is almost unavoidable. It is so important to take the time to enjoy the journey of these new experiences with your child. In nature there are so many amazing things to discover. Camping can be a wonderful adventure. Just think--the birds and animals, the plants and trees, the rocks, the streams and ponds, the insects, the sounds, the weather, the wildflowers, and the many activities that can provide so much excitement. The possibilities are endless! By planning successful, enjoyable camping trips when your children are young, you will set them on the path to a lifetime of outdoor adventures.
Get the kids interested in the trip by getting them involved. Build their excitement and anticipation.
a.Plan the camping trip together
b.Decide on places to go - consider interests, outdoor experience and children's ages.
c.Pick activities to do
d.Plan and shop for your meals
e.Prepare and pack the equipment and supplies
f.Try a backyard campout before you go for the first time
g. Teach the kids how to set up a tent
h.Try some outdoor cooking
i. Experience a night outdoors in sleeping bags
j. Show them how to use some camping equipment
k. Plan a few activities
l. Search the sky for constellations
m. Listen to the many night sounds
n. Don't forget the special nighttime snacks
o. Try to experience outdoor activities with your kids, Get them familiar with the outdoors in order to eliminate their fears
p.Teach them about safety and to respect nature, Teach outdoor skills and outdoor ethic.
Camp chores are actually fun for kids. They love collecting firewood, filling water containers, hammering in tent stacks, camp cooking etc.
1. Make the camp chores extra fun -- have contests for gathering the most kindling, best camp cooking, most organized gear, fastest clean-up etc.
2. Take a small day hike in the woods at a local park
3. Visit a nature center
4. Go fishing at a local pond or stream
5. Take an evening walk
Go on a picnic
1. Read related book
2. Have a scavenger hunt
Go on a flashlight walk
a.Take the necessary gear and supplies
b.Extra clothing and shoes--the kids will get wet and extremely dirty
c.Warm clothing--it may get chilly especially in the evening/dress in layers
d.Insect repellent--consider time-release formulas
e.Sunscreen--they'll be outside all day
f.First aid kit--for those little accidents
g.Rain gear--keep them dry and warm
h.Toys, games, activities--you want to keep them busy
i.Check out Want to Play a Game?
j.Familiar bedtime items--pillows, blankets, stuffed animals, dolls etc
k.Flashlight/glow sticks--to help relieve nighttime fears
l.Snacks--all this activity is going to make them hungry
m.Drinks--avoid dehydration due to heat and activity level
Create memories
a.Bring a camera with plenty of film/flash/extra batteries
b.Disposable type are excellent for outdoor activities
c.Give each child their own disposable camera
d.Capture your memories with video
e.Keep a journal
f.Describe details about your trip and the activities you did
g.Document special moments
h.Include photos
i.Have each family member write about their experience, Save crafts etc.
j.Personalized Jigsaw Puzzles
k.Keeping an Outdoor Adventure Photo Journal
Plan alternative activities
a.For bad weather
b.To avoid boredom during down times
c.If they dislike a certain planned activity
Respect campground quiet hours
Make your travel fun
1.Don't travel a great distance--stop frequently
2.Make your trips short -- maybe two or three nights
3.Take toys and activities to keep them busy
4.Play car games--license plates, sign abc's, singing etc
5.Take plenty of snacks
6.Build their excitement and anticipation
A few tips on camping with an infant - Submitted by K. Molina
1. Use jar baby food. It's easy to pack. Be sure to buy the smaller jars to cut down on leftovers or waste.
2. Buy a brand of baby cereal that has the formula or whole milk already in it...just add a little bottled water.
3. Portion out the cereal in small plastic ziplock bags...just add water.
4. Buy formula ready-to-drink in cans... you don't have to add water.
5. Buy 2% milk in tetra packs that don't need to be refrigerated until they're open
6. Buy toys at the dollar store. They will keep your kids occupied in the car and at the campsite...simply throw them away if they get too dirty to take home.
Many campers worry about camping with their kids. Camping is very interesting task, but camping with kids can make your camping very risky and tough.
All kids are same, they love to explore everything and this act annoys many parents and makes the camping very hard.
But, camping is a wonderful experience for kids. They get to know different experiences such as awareness of the surroundings, appreciating the wonderful nature and exploring different things in nature.
But, making the kids busy in the camping is very different and sometimes very hard for parents too.
Kids sometimes become hyper and sometimes cannot get along well with the camping atmosphere.
Some times controlling the kids mentally and making them busy is very hard. Providing them with proper security is also very hard as they cannot be controlled easily. But, by following certain tips on security and arranging different games for the kids, you can make them to crave the benefits of camping.
Safety tips to follow for making the child’s camping successful:
* You are traveling with kids, mistakes are common. So, be sure that you will be able to correct the mistakes.
* Follow the check list according to the different camping ground requirements and see that you do not miss any required items.
* Always pack the required food for the journey, which will be enough for you to reach the camping ground.
* Bring enough water required at the camping site. If you cannot bring required water, at least see that you get a water purifier which will be able to supply pure water.
* Give your children a whistle and make them learn codes, which will inform you that they are in danger. Do not teach them different codes and confuse them, just teach codes to make you alert that they are in danger.
* Always be with your children and never let them be alone. Kids love to explore and love to explore alone. So, intimate your children about the safety measures that they should not leave the camping ground without any elderly support.
Try different kid activities to keep them busy:
Try different stories: Make children busy with different stories and tell the stories that have some moral in them. This is an ancestor method of teaching children different aspects of life. By teaching stories in the camping, you are developing a natural way of learning morals of life and making the children away from boredom. By keeping the minds of the children busy with different stories, you are developing creativity in them and providing entertainment and fun to them.
Observe nature: Observing nature from near and developing proper respect towards the nature and its beings is a great fun for children. You can make them learn how to be dedicated towards the different creatures of the world. Chilling in nature lap will be very energizing for you and children too.
The sight of the wide sky and clouds is one of the ways to relax. This relaxing way will be very interesting for children and parents too. Make them learn to identify different shapes in the sky and this will surely keep the kids busy and head them away from the boredom.
Camping with Kids Tips
When We Go Camping
by Margriet Ruurs (Author), Andrew Kiss (Illustrator)
PreSchool-Grade 2-A dreamy, poetic text and rich, detailed paintings combine to create a book that evokes the sights, sounds, and smells of camping. Family members pitch a tent by a lake, hike, swim, canoe, and interact with their surroundings. The text celebrates the pure wilderness, and the characters are depicted as responsible campers-they hoist their cooler into a tree to protect it from bears, wear life jackets while out on the lake, and identify the correct berries to eat off the bushes. The illustrations show the birds, squirrels, and elk that the children and their parents tiptoe past on their hike. There are plenty of things on this camping trip for readers to examine-animals hide in the trunks of trees or in the lake. There is also the natural world to ponder-families of raccoons, birds, deer, and moose abound, and a key helps readers identify the creatures. This book will interest both those who have camped and those with camping trips yet to come. The only thing missing from this story is the mosquitoes.
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Ages 4-8. The thrill of getting close to nature comes across clearly in this book, which is as handsome as it is informative. A brother and sister are on a camping trip with their parents. As they pull their canoe into the water, birds are singing. It's time to explore. Later, there's work to be done: making a fire, preparing food, and hoisting the supplies up a tree so the bears won't get them. Hiking gives the family a chance to observe the way the animals live. Even as the sun falls, there's much to observe--from the stars in the sky, to the crickets chirping. A key at the back gives a bit of information about the animals that appear in each painting. The painterly art is a pleasure to look at. Its almost photographic reality gives children the feeling of being right in the picture. A good introduction for children who have never been camping, and a nice remembrance for those who have.
Camping Tent Size
Tents are sold according to shape and size. However, a four-man tent is really only suitable for two adults, unless you want to be really cramped. A sleeping bag is about 2.5ft by 7 feet. That’s 17.5 square feet. Double that to allow for stepping space and room for gear. Then double it again to accommodate another person. That’s 70 square feet or about 7 feet by 10 feet. That’s about the minimum.
Round tents, sometimes called "dome" or "geodesics" look cool and work well. They distribute stress over the surface very efficiently, making them strong, lightweight and easy to assemble and carry. But they are not quite as efficient when it comes to interior space. Sleeping bags are rectangular, as are people when they’re sleeping. Let personal taste be your guide.
Campers should make liberal use of the can of sealant that is offered by many manufacturers. You set up the tent and then spray the seams to make them completely watertight. An air hole at the top of many models can help keep the interior from getting stuffy, but you’ll want to have one with a closeable flap (either zipper, Velcro or other).
The floor should be equally waterproof, even sturdier and preferably conduct minimal cold or heat.
Be prepared to spend a little more to get a quality tent. Tent technology has developed to such a high state, it’s preferable to spend a little more and get something that will endure.
Necessary Gears for Your Camping
Unless you want to subsist solely on pre-packaged, ready-to-eat food, you’ll want to bring something to cook with. Keep items to a minimum - a multi-purpose pan, a lightweight camping stove, a few utensils. You don’t want to spend all your time packing, unpacking, cleaning and so forth. If you bring disposable utensils, make sure they’re sturdy enough to handle the type of food you prepare and eat.
A first aid kit is a must. A splint can be improvised from available material, but you’ll need bandages (both wrap around and stick on band-aids). A disinfectant and/or anti-bacterial cream or spray is essential. A minor cut or scrape can become deadly out in the wilderness, but is trivial if treated properly. Aspirin is a great all-around drug, but ibuprofen or acetominophen are good substitutes for those with sensitive stomachs.
Bug bite spray or cream can prevent a minor irritant from becoming a major annoyance or worse. Some moleskin is a good idea for treating blisters, too. Scissors or a multi-purpose, Swiss Army-style knife can be really handy. Resist the temptation to bring a hundred different tools, though. Some cleansing towelettes can be great for hygiene and first aid.
Many campsites have a water supply, but the quality varies. Be prepared. Bring water bottles for drinking, cooking and emergency cleaning (wound treatment). You won’t be able to haul enough to shower every day, but you might be able to bring enough to wash your hair once every few days. Water weighs about 8 lbs (3.6kg) per gallon (~4 liters), so plan ahead. You don’t want to haul several hundred pounds of water anywhere.
A rechargeable flashlight (of the sort that can be plugged into the cigarette lighter or cell phone recharger in the car) can be a lifesaver. Even in non-emergency situations, it’s about the most helpful thing you can have at night when you’re a few feet from the campsite.
Think ‘essential’, minimize luxuries. If you want all the comforts of home, bring a big RV or just stay home.
Packing a Backpack Tips
By GORP Hiking Expert Karen Berger
There's no one right answer to this question: It depends on what kind of pack you have and where you're going to hike. The general principle is that lighter-weight items go at the bottom, heavier items are at the top and close to your body. However, if you are going to be scrambling or hiking off-trail on rough terrain or snow, you might want to pack some of the heavier items a little lower to bring down your center of gravity.
1.Sleeping bag. Most packs are designed with a compartment at the bottom for your sleeping bag. If your pack has dividers that separate the sleeping bag from the rest of your gear, use them to take some of the weight off your sleeping bag. (Overly compressing a down sleeping bag can damage the down, resulting in less loft and, thus, less warmth.)
2.Clothes go in next. But it's a good idea to stash a few of your warm clothes—hat, gloves, and an insulating layer—and your rain gear in an outside pocket where you can easily get them.
3.Tents and tarps. There are a couple of choices for your tent or tarp. Most packs have a separate compartment (where the sleeping bag goes) that is accessible via a zipper. If your pack has such a compartment, see if you can stuff the tent under your sleeping bag. That way, you don't have to unpack everything to get your tent out if it's raining when you want to make camp. This placement also works for packing a wet tent because it won't drip on everything. Be sure, however, that the tent and sleeping bag are in waterproof stuffsacks. Tent poles go strapped to the outside: Tie them on tight!
4.Food, fuel, and cooking utensils. Store the fuel upright and away from your food, in case of an accidental spill. Many hikers put their bottles in an outside compartment. Some utensils can have hard or sharp edges, so be sure they're not poking at your pack.
5.Personal items. Squeeze these in wherever they fit.
6.Outside compartments. Use these for items you'll need during the day: rain gear, a few warm clothes, pack-cover, water filter, water, lunch, snacks, TP, sunscreen, mosquito goop, and your camera.
7.Mattresses. Most hikers roll up their sleeping pads and strap them to the outside of the packs. Some smaller mattresses fit inside a backpack, where they are better protected from accidental encounters with cactus needles and barbed wire fences.
Preparing Camping Gears Tips
The military has a term for moving personal equipment from place to place that backpackers have adopted - humping your gear. It’s apt. There’s something about the phrase that suggests effort, and that is certainly true. Hauling personal gear for camping and hiking can be one of the less thrilling parts of the experience.
In order to minimize the downside, give some thought to what you truly need for where you’re going. A little research into the specific campsites you pick for your trip will reveal a lot of back saving information.
You’ll find out whether the campsite has running water (some do, many do not), and whether there are showers (rare, but less so as time passes). Try to get a person, either via phone or email, and ask specifically about quality. Some water suitable for bathing or cleaning dishes isn’t something you’d want to drink.
Always bring a few gallons of drinking water, just in case. But keep in mind that a gallon of water (about 4 liters) weighs about 8 lbs (3.6 kg). You don’t want to have to haul much of that on your back.
It’s essential that you pack a first aid kit, but the truly needed items can be carried in a small, lightweight package. Wrap around bandages, anti-bacterial cream (less bulk than spray), scissor/tweezer combos and a few other things can weigh under 2 lbs easily. Remember, every pound you carry in, you have to carry out. At least, in the case of first aid gear, you certainly hope so.
Campers are always faced with a dilemma. Either you bring the entire house or you invariably find that the one thing you need was left at home. There’s no perfect way out of this, but a little thought will help improve your odds. Bring what you really need, without overflowing your vehicle or breaking your back.
If you’re planning on tent camping, you’ll need the tent, of course. But that can mean poles, stakes, ropes and other items as well, along with any tools you need to assemble it. Reduce your headaches by investigating a self-assembling tent. That type has all the major components needed to keep the tent sturdy and upright as part of one integrated unit.
You’ll find it easy to assemble (the name is only a slight exaggeration) and much easier to pack, unpack and haul to the campsite. Look for one made from waterproof material and that has sturdy seams.
Something to sleep on is essential. Sleeping on the ground may look adventurous in old Western films, but it’s hard on the back. That will reduce your enjoyment of camping and make hiking the next day difficult. There are a hundred different kind of inflatables, sleeping bags and other options. If you bring an inflatable or air mattress, make sure it’s self-inflating. Make sure your sleeping bag is waterproof and made with good insulating material with a durable shell.
Choosing a Camping Site
By : Eugene Brenner
If you are camping at a well traveled camping ground, there may be plenty of cleared out camping areas and amenities galore. Much of the heavy work you won’t have to do in choosing a campsite. There might even be a clothes line hung or a fire pit, nearby water, picnic tables and even a bathroom facility nearby. That’s fine. But perhaps you are braving it a bit this year and going off the beaten track, perhaps to a forest, mountain or field. In this circumstance, you will find and build a nature campsite.
There are several important considerations when choosing a new camping area. First, choose a flat and relatively high area as much as possible. Avoid low lying areas as they tend to become muddy and even dangerous water traps during heavy storms. Avoid setting your site in the middle of a natural path. These tend to be well traveled by not only hikers but possibly animals too and you might not want to be in their way.
Look above you and avoid large overhanging branches. Rotting branches could fall at anytime especially during a storm. If it’s a mountainous area, avoid sites with overhanging rocks. Don’t set up camp near swampy stagnant waters. These are breeding grounds for mosquitos and other pests. These streams could become a flash flood area during a heavy storm.
Watch out for the shiny three leaf poison ivy, oak or sumac plants. Avoid at all costs. They could turn your camping experience into an itch filled nightmare. If you are prone to pick it up, make sure to pack the calamine lotion.
Before setting up camp, inspect the area for debris such as branches, vines, the aforementioned poison ivy, broken glass, cans or whatever you find. Avoid traipsing or clearing seedings or wildflowers.
If you are going to build a cooking fire, make sure you clear a wide circle. Leave absolutely no twigs or branches in the area. It just takes one flying spark to set a forest fire. We recommend using a propane portable stove for fire free cooking.
Respect your environment and leave the campsite much as you found it. Take along all refuse. And above all, take the time to truly appreciate your camping or hiking experience. It̢۪s the best way to get close to nature and enjoy all the satisfaction that the great outdoors can give.
Choosing A Right Camping Tent
Unlike previous generations, camping no longer always involves sleeping in a tent. RVs, commercial campgrounds and other options provide an alternative. But there’s still nothing to complete that camping experience like sleeping in a tent.
Here are a few tips for picking one that gives you all the modern advantages, without the traditional hassles.
The basic purposes of a tent are to provide privacy and protection from the elements - wind, rain and (to some degree) cold. Any sturdy tent will satisfy the first, but to keep weather out requires more.
Windy conditions, common in wilderness areas where most campsites are found, can put a tent to the test. But thanks to modern materials, nylon fabric tents supported by fiberglass or aluminum poles are up to the job.
There are two basic types, internal frame and external. The former are easier to put up, the latter are a little more sturdy and wind resistant.
In either case, it’s helpful if they’re in the right design, however. A zippable flap is a great benefit for keeping the wind out and there should be several places around the perimeter at the bottom to fasten the tent to the ground to minimize gaps.
Rain is one of the chief considerations. Being wet is not only not fun, it can be a serious health hazard if the temperature drops. Keeping dry is simple with a good tent, though. All are made these days with nylon, but not all nylon is the same quality. It should be thick and sturdy enough, and treated properly, to actually keep out a good rainstorm.
Cold-Weather Camping Tips
Cold-Weather Camping Tips
Food and Water
1. Pack your water bottle deep inside your backpack so it will not freeze. Make sure the lid is screwed on tight and pack it upside-down. Water freezes from the top, so if it is stored upside-down, the mouth of the bottle remains free of ice. Water bottle insulators also help to keep water from freezing. If possible, fill your bottles with hot water.
2. Eat often and carry plenty of food. You can burn up to 8,000 calories per day when winter camping.
3. Drink plenty of hot soup and beverages during your winter camping trip. You need to replace water lost both through physical exertion and also from the dry, cold air drawing moisture from your face and skin. Try instant cocoa, decaffeinated coffee or tea, fruit-flavored drinks and instant breakfast drinks. Caffeinated drinks are not recommended. They contain diuretics that cause you to lose fluids.
4. As you gain altitude, food takes longer to cook. Plan meals that do not require a lot of boiling.
5. Consider taking an extra stove and plenty of stove fuel, up to one-half cup per person per day. It takes a lot of fuel to melt snow for drinking water.
Tents and Sleeping Bags
1. If you have room to carry them, take two sleeping bag pads, a self-inflating one and a lightweight closed-cell foam pad, for additional insulation when camping in cold climates.
2. Before you get into your sleeping bag at night, fill your water bottle with hot water for use as a hot-water bottle.
3. Take a metal tube that is a bit wider than your tent pole with you. If a tent pole breaks, slide the tube over the broken area to act as a splint and secure the tube to the poles with duct tape. Store your duct tape around your ski pole or water bottle.
Staying Warm
1. If you stop to take a water or snack break, store the outer shell of your mittens or gloves in your pack or attach them to your jacket with a clip. Sticking them under your arm makes it easier to have them blow away with a gust of wind. If you lose a mitten, use a spare sock as a substitute.
Safety
1. Winter is not the time to go solo; always camp with others. Leave your itinerary with a friend or family member and check in with them on your return.
2. Watch for signs of hypothermia among your camping group: uncontrolled shivering, poor motor coordination, mental confusion and mumbling. If someone exhibits these symptoms, get them into dry clothes or a sleeping bag. Have them huddle close to a warm, dry person and give them a warm beverage.
3. Check for signs of frostbite and pay attention to cold feet. Protected skin, as well as exposed skin, are all susceptible to freezing and toes are the most vulnerable. The first sign of frostbite is white patches on the skin surface. If the skin does not return to its normal color after applying gentle pressure, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
4. Pack a colorful bandana in your pack. In the rare event you need to signal rescue workers, you can attach the bandana to your ski pole and use it as a flag.
Skills
1. If you are backcountry skiing in hilly terrain, climbing skins help you ascend hills with less effort. Skins are slightly narrower than the width of a ski. They attach to a ski by straps or an adhesive backing. The skins have synthetic hairs or scales that flow from front to back so they grip snow and keep you from sliding backwards on hills.
If you would like any additional information about winter camping, or have questions about any of the procedures or terminology used here, please call our Outdoor Hotline at 800-975-4552, any day between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. EST.
Family Camping and Hiking Tips
a. If you plan to camp with your family for the first time, consider hosting a backyard campout first. That way everyone can learn to set up the tent, try out some campfire recipes, get used to nighttime sounds and get the little ones excited for the real thing.
b. Make the trip enjoyable for all from the very start. When choosing a campsite, look for a level, shaded site; good drainage in case of rain; a nearby place to throw out your trash; and perhaps most important, close proximity to restrooms and the recreational facilities!
c. Make a list and check it twice. Keep an ongoing list of items to take each time you go on the family camping trip. Don't forget extra shoes and socks for the kids, extra blankets, and necessary accessories, such as a 30 or 50 amp extension cord and adaptors.
d. So you can spend more time with your family enjoying the great outdoors, prepare meals such as soups and chili in advance and freeze them. You'll just need to heat them up beforehand. And don't forget the quick, convenient foods everyone can grab on the go – dried fruits, veggies, cheese, crackers and other snacks.
e. There are plenty of activities the whole family can enjoy while camping - everything from storytelling to stargazing. But if everyone can't agree on one activity, be sure to pack cards, miscellaneous games and toys. These also will come in handy in case of rain.
f. Back to Nature - Family Camping and Hiking TipsKeep your family safe. Avoid unwanted visits from critters by storing food away and make sure the whole gang understands NOT to feed any animals that may come around.
g. What better way to enjoy nature together than to take a family hike. First, acquaint yourself with specific nature trails and general terrain of the area, then plan your trek according to the ability level of all members of your family. And be sure to carry enough food and water for all.
h. To make the hike more interesting for the little ones, turn it into an educational experience by making a game of identifying birds, plants and small animals. You can even collect pretty leaves for making crafts later.
What to Bring: A Hiking Checklist
What you take will depend on where you are going and how long you plan to be away, but any backpack should include the following:
a. Candle and matches
b. Cell phone
c. Clothing (always bring something warm, extra socks and rain gear)
d. Compass
e. First aid kit
f. Food (bring extra)
g. Flashlight
h. Foil (to use as a cup or signaling device)
i. Hat
j. Insect repellent
k. Map
l. Nylon filament
m. Pocket knife
n. Pocket mirror (to use as a signaling device)
o. Prescription glasses (an extra pair)
p. Prescription medications for ongoing medical conditions
q. Radio with batteries
r. Space blanket or a piece of plastic (to use for warmth or shelter)
s. Sunglasses
t. Sunscreen
u. Trash bag (makes an adequate poncho)
v. Water
w. Waterproof matches or matches in a waterproof tin
x. Water purification tablets
y. Whistle (to scare off animals or to use as a signaling device)
Always allow for bad weather and for the possibility that you may be forced to spend a night outdoors unexpectedly.
It's a good idea to assemble a separate "survival pack" for each hiker to have at all times. In a small waterproof container, place a pocket knife, compass, whistle, space blanket, nylon filament, water purification tablets, matches and candle. With these items, the chances of being able to survive in the wild are greatly improved.
Camping Hiking Tips: Camping and Hiking Safety
Hiking and camping provide exercise and interest for people of any age. Just getting out and walking around is a wonderful way to see nature. Since unexpected things happen, however, the best way to help guarantee a good time for all is to plan ahead carefully and follow commonsense safety precautions.
a. If you have any medical conditions, discuss your plans with your health care provider and get approval before departing.
b. Review the equipment, supplies and skills that you'll need. Consider what emergencies could arise and how you would deal with those situations. What if you got lost, or were unexpectedly confronted by an animal? What if someone became ill or injured? What kind of weather might you encounter? Add to your hiking checklist the supplies you would need to deal with these situations.
c. Make sure you have the skills you need for your camping or hiking adventure. You may need to know how to read a compass, erect a temporary shelter or give first aid. Practice your skills in advance.
d. If your trip will be strenuous, get into good physical condition before setting out. If you plan to climb or travel to high altitudes, make plans for proper acclimatization to the altitude.
e. It's safest to hike or camp with at least one companion. If you'll be entering a remote area, your group should have a minimum of four people; this way, if one is hurt, another can stay with the victim while two go for help. If you'll be going into an area that is unfamiliar to you, take along someone who knows the area or at least speak with those who do before you set out.
f. Some areas require you to have reservations or certain permits. If an area is closed, do not go there. Find out in advance about any regulations--there may be rules about campfires or guidelines about wildlife.
g. Pack emergency signaling devices, and know ahead of time the location of the nearest telephone or ranger station in case an emergency does occur on your trip.
h. Leave a copy of your itinerary with a responsible person. Include such details as the make, year, and license plate of your car, the equipment you're bringing, the weather you've anticipated and when you plan to return.
Get trained in American Red Cross first aid before starting out. Contact your local American Red Cross chapter for a Community First Aid and Safety course.
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