CAMPING WITH KIDSIf you are going camping with kids, the information here will help make your trip safer, and more enjoyable. I don't know about you, but one of the most enjoyable things I remember from childhood is going camping. Nature just seems the place where children can blossom and enjoy themselves in a way that is incomparable to an outing at the mall. The simple discoveries, excitement at seeing wild animals, gazing up at the stars at night, and toasting marshmallows over an open fire seem to call to the child in all of us. But, you may ask, how do you go camping with kids and make it safe and enjoyable for everyone? Some basic rules to live by: 1. Have a first aid kit available at all times for bumps, bruises, cuts, insect bites and stings, burns, and any other form of accident that needs immediate care. One of the best ways to make your own first aid kit is to buy or recycle a fishing tackle box. Besides being waterproof and easy to carry, they are perfect for dividing and organizing your supplies which should include: Hydrogen Peroxide I know, EEK! You started the list with a first aid kit! The honest truth is, children get hurt, or they wouldn't be kids. So, if you are going camping with kids, think like the Scouts: BE PREPARED. A wonderful experience in the outdoors can be ruined by a trip to the ER just because you didn't have a first aid kit to wash the dirt out of your child's eyes. 2. Camping with kids must have: Every child over the age of 4 gets a fanny pack to be worn at all time and contains: Whistle: should the child get separated, hurt or lost, this item is essential! Attach this to the outside of the pack with a keychain. The above gives the child his or her own "safety net", a snack should they get hungry, something to clean their hands or wound, safety pin to dig out splinters, bandanna to bind larger wounds or other uses, flashlight for finding their way in the dark. The pack also is a wonderful place to carry that special rock they found, or a cage for the lizard they caught. It also gives the child security, and pride for being allowed to have something to show they can take care of themselves. Outdoor Products H20 Marathon Fanny Pack 3. Appropriate clothing and shoes Do realize that although the weather may be hot during the day, evening to early morning can get quite chilly. Always bring adequate warm clothing for these hours. Also, rain gear can make the difference between a miserable camping experience and a memorable one. Plan on at least one, preferably two, extra changes of clothes should the child fall into the lake, or rip the seat out of their jeans. Camping with kids can be unpredictable, so over-prepared is best. Choose shoes that are protective! Do not use flip-flops if you are going anywhere but the beach. Climbing over rocks, logs, walking through brush, on gravel roads, etc, can be nearly impossible in sandals. Boots or sneakers protect the foot from injury. Ask yourself this, if your child just happens to pause on top of an ants nest, do you think the ants will just placidly go about their business? Bare feet and camping do not mix. Choose well-fitting shoes or boots, thick socks to prevent blisters, and your child will thank you. Find discount kid's apparel at Sierra Trading Post! 4. Sleeping bags A child's sleeping bag can be one you purchase or one you make. Just be sure they are kept dry and clean. Every morning, get your child to help shake out the bag, then flop them over a line to "air out". Shake them again before using that evening. Blankets and pillows should get the same treatment. Sierra Trading Post Barn Burners! 5. Teach your children campground safety Always have a "plan" for injury, separation or emergency. 6. Other Items Facial tissue, toilet paper, paper towels.
Although these are paper products and we want to keep the campsite free from as much litter as possible (these items do burn in the campfire), camping with kids require some lee-way. Paper towels replace napkins, facial tissues can be used to clean wounds, and TP, well, we all know how it is when you have to go, arrive at the appropriate locale, and discover there is no TP! A small bundle included in the zip lock bag is a good idea. Toilet paper can also be used as a substitute for facial tissue.
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Cook dry quinoa according to directions. While this is cooking, combine oats, flax, protein powder, baking soda, sugar, flour, walnuts, seeds, cranberries, coconut and sea salt in a large bowl. Once quinoa is cooked, add to the pan the oil, vanilla and water. Add wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix together. Spread mixture into greased 9 x 13-inch pan, pressing down with hands to fit into pan. Dough may seem slightly dry, but this is okay. Bake for 20 minutes at 350°F. Allow to cool and cut into pieces. Makes 15 bars. The most important thing to remember whenever you go camping with kids is to PLAN AHEAD. Keep safety in mind at all times. Most of all, do enjoy the time with the children and make it memorable for a great family trip.
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