Camping Tips For Camping with Children

Camping can be a wonderful way to introduce children to the beauty of South Africa national parks and nature reserves. They key to a good camping holiday lies in planning for every eventuality.

What is the right age to take them camping:

One of the biggest factors to take into account when taking children camping is their age. If they are young it is probably better to stay in a resort near civilization rather than a very remote area. That way if there is an emergency you can get help quickly. Keep in mind your child’s attention span and capabilities – you cannot expect a toddler to do gruelling hikes.
If you have small children, it’s probably not a good idea to go camping for more than a few days, as the chances are good that they will get bored and the novelty will wear off. Once this happens, they will become irritable and things can go downhill from there and you’ll have a disastrous camping holiday.

Planning

 Pack a comforting item such as a teddy, blanket, mug etcetera – a little something of home that will comfort them and calm them down if they get scared.

•     Packing is important. Remember to check what the weather is going to be like and pack accordingly. Always pack for both hot and cold weather as it can change quickly.

•     Pack lots of snacks. All the running around in the open air is likely to give the children a good appetite.

•     Pack extra clothing as the children are sure to get wet and dirty and will need a change of clothes.

•     Pack hats, sunscreen, insect repellent and don’t forget to pack water bottles and most importantly – the toilet paper!

•     Pack a basic first aid kit and check that none of the medicines inside it have expired. It is also a good idea for someone in the group to have knowledge of first aid as medical help is often a long way off.

 

 

General Safety Tips

•   Teach your child not to stray from camp and always stay within eyesight. Pick a boundary and make sure that your child knows not to wander beyond that point. For toddlers, make sure that they are within eyesight. Older children should be told to keep within hearing distance. In a new campsite the most dangerous time for a child is the first few hours after you arrive, as they have not yet got their bearings. This is why it is good to assign them tasks and let them help set-up camp.

•     Children get cold faster than adults and it is a good idea to dress them in several layers of clothing that can be removed or added as the day heats up and cools down.

•     Teach your child that if they get lost they should stay where they are. They can find a tree to sit under, but they will be easier to find if they do not try to find their own way home.

•     A good idea is to give them a whistle and teach them to blow it three times when they are lost and in trouble.

•     Give your child a flashlight. If there is more than one child, give each of the children their own flashlight as this will prevent fights. This will help them feel safer and find their way at night. The lights can be fun for reading by before bed or making shadow puppets on the wall of the tent.

•     Always pack a little extra water and food in the vehicle so that if you have an emergency, get stuck or stranded you will have some supplies.