What Your Child Needs When Experiencing the Outdoors
Hiking and camping with kids can be an exciting and fun experience - as long as your child has everything he or she needs for the trip.
It's important to provide your child with the essentials as well as making sure your child can be responsible for his or her own things.
Use this camping check list as a guide to ensure your child is prepared.
Kids outdoor gear 1.
Sun protection.
Overexposure to sunlight can make your child feel overheated or cause heatstroke.
A cap or sun hat will protect from the sun.
Sunblock can prevent sun damage to the skin (with proper re-application).
A damp towel placed around the neck can keep your child cool under the sun.
2.
Backpack.
Choose a sturdy backpack with enough pockets.
It should be large enough to fit nearly all of your child's things in order to keep your child's hands free, but not so bulky that it restricts movement or disrupts balance.
3.
Windbreaker.
No matter how hot it may be during the day, it can get very cool as the sun begins to set.
Have your child pack or wear layers depending on the weather, but be sure to include a weatherproof jacket to protect from the wind or rain.
Sleeping gear 1.
Sleeping bag.
A lightweight bag large enough to fit your child's body is sufficient.
Coordinate with other parents if your children want to sleep inside a tent as well.
2.
Flashlight.
Pack a sturdy yet lightweight flashlight.
If your child does not have a crank flashlight, be sure to pack extra batteries.
Survival gear 1.
Water bottle.
It's important to hydrate with water and not sugary juices or caffeinated sodas that can cause energy spikes and crashes.
Be careful with extra water bottles to avoid having children carry too much.
Encourage your child to refill the bottles only at safe water sources.
2.
Snacks.
Kids need snacks to refuel, so be sure to pack healthy and nutrient dense snacks.
A good trail mix of almonds, sunflower seeds, dried fruit, and dark chocolate chips can help them energize.
3.
First aid kit.
You can purchase a first aid kit or easily make your own.
Provide band-aids, bandages, cotton balls, and a small tube of antibacterial ointment.
4.
Matches or fire starter.
Place matches in a water-proof bag to protect them.
A magnesium fire starter can work just as well.
While it's vital to be prepared when camping with kids, be aware of the number of hours or days your child will be hiking and camping and pack within reason.
Don't overload your child with too much to carry.
It's important to provide your child with the essentials as well as making sure your child can be responsible for his or her own things.
Use this camping check list as a guide to ensure your child is prepared.
Kids outdoor gear 1.
Sun protection.
Overexposure to sunlight can make your child feel overheated or cause heatstroke.
A cap or sun hat will protect from the sun.
Sunblock can prevent sun damage to the skin (with proper re-application).
A damp towel placed around the neck can keep your child cool under the sun.
2.
Backpack.
Choose a sturdy backpack with enough pockets.
It should be large enough to fit nearly all of your child's things in order to keep your child's hands free, but not so bulky that it restricts movement or disrupts balance.
3.
Windbreaker.
No matter how hot it may be during the day, it can get very cool as the sun begins to set.
Have your child pack or wear layers depending on the weather, but be sure to include a weatherproof jacket to protect from the wind or rain.
Sleeping gear 1.
Sleeping bag.
A lightweight bag large enough to fit your child's body is sufficient.
Coordinate with other parents if your children want to sleep inside a tent as well.
2.
Flashlight.
Pack a sturdy yet lightweight flashlight.
If your child does not have a crank flashlight, be sure to pack extra batteries.
Survival gear 1.
Water bottle.
It's important to hydrate with water and not sugary juices or caffeinated sodas that can cause energy spikes and crashes.
Be careful with extra water bottles to avoid having children carry too much.
Encourage your child to refill the bottles only at safe water sources.
2.
Snacks.
Kids need snacks to refuel, so be sure to pack healthy and nutrient dense snacks.
A good trail mix of almonds, sunflower seeds, dried fruit, and dark chocolate chips can help them energize.
3.
First aid kit.
You can purchase a first aid kit or easily make your own.
Provide band-aids, bandages, cotton balls, and a small tube of antibacterial ointment.
4.
Matches or fire starter.
Place matches in a water-proof bag to protect them.
A magnesium fire starter can work just as well.
While it's vital to be prepared when camping with kids, be aware of the number of hours or days your child will be hiking and camping and pack within reason.
Don't overload your child with too much to carry.
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