Washington County Weekend Post

For nature lovers, per- haps nothing is more enjoy- able than packing up the camping gear, traveling to a favorite campsite and getting away from it all while sleep- ing under the stars. Such an experience can be transfor- mative, turning first-time campers into lifelong enthu- siasts. The opportunity to turn youngsters into nature enthusiasts who can't wait to spend time outside may be one reason why so many families go camping. A 2018 report Kampgrounds of America found that 52 percent of campers have children, making camping among the most popular and family-friendly ways to enjoy the great outdoors. Camping with young- sters can help families make lasting memories. Parents who have never before taken their children camping may benefit from employing a few strategies to make the trip as fun as possible. • Make a trial run in the backyard. A night camping in the backyard won't be exactly the same as a night in the woods, where wildlife, and particularly insects, may be less welcom- ing hosts. But a backyard camping night can acclimate children to their sleeping bags and their tents. A fun night sleeping under the stars in the backyard also may make kids more enthu- siastic about an upcoming camping trip in the woods. • Go over safety early and often. Use every oppor- tunity to explain camping safety measures to young- sters in advance of your trip. Emphasize the importance of staying together in the woods, and teach youngsters how to identify potentially harmful plants like poison ivy, making sure they know to avoid coming into contact with these and other poi- sonous plants. Contact your local parks department, or the campground where you will be staying, for some additional advice on camp- ing safety. • Let kids help when choosing camping equip- ment. Youngsters may be more excited about camping if they're allowed to choose certain equipment, includ- ing their sleeping bags and tents. Before visiting your nearby camping retailer, explain to kids that tents come in various styles because they're designed to protect campers from certain elements that may be more common in certain areas than others. Such an explanation can make it easy to explain to youngsters why you're purchasing certain items, even if those items weren't kids' top choices. • Plan the family menu in advance. Plan the menu in advance so you can ensure everyone will continue to eat healthy. But make sure to include a few kid-friendly camping classics, like s'mores, in the meal plan as well. • Prepare a camping- friendly first-aid kit. Ban- dages and topical antibiotic creams are part and parcel of any first-aid kit, regardless of where you're going. But the elements pose a different set of challenges that require a more extensive first-aid kit. When designing a first-aid kit for your camp- ing trip, be sure to include all the usual items but also over-the-counter medica- tions that can treat pain, allergies, constipation, and diarrhea. An extra gallon or two of water also makes for a wise addition to campers' first-aid kits. Family camping trips can instill a lifelong love of the great outdoors in young- sters. A few simple strategies can help parents make such trips safe and memorable. 4A • WASHINGTON COUNTY POST • SUNDAY, AUGUST 9, 2020 GMTODAY.COM TO BIDDERS AND BUYERS AT THE 2020 WASHINGTON COUNTY JUNIOR'S VIRTUAL LIVESTOCK AUCTION THANK YOU THANK YOU Tips for family camping trips

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