| There are certain supplies that every family should | | | | These are available pre made at outdoor sporting |
| have when camping. Ensuring you have the basic | | | | good stores but you can also gather supplies |
| supplies to have fun and stay safe will enhance your | | | | individually. Rope is a common element of these |
| camping experience. So do not pack on the fly. | | | | supplies. Also, food items for emergency survival are |
| Instead, make sure you plan well and make lists so | | | | usually included. A whistle in case you are stuck or |
| nothing is forgotten. Make lists and check off items as | | | | trapped will help you call for help without expending a |
| you pack. But also pack as lightly as possible. | | | | lot of energy. A multi- use knife is a compact item that |
| Remember that camping is a temporary state and | | | | provides many essential tools including a saw and can |
| that you will not need a lot of different clothing and | | | | opener. Shelter equipment such as blankets and tarps |
| only enough food and water to sustain you and your | | | | can help you stay warm and protected while awaiting |
| family during your trip. | | | | assistance. Although many wilderness areas will not |
| Always be sure you have enough food and water so | | | | have reception, it may be possible for a cellular phone |
| you and your family are properly nourished and | | | | to reach a nearby emergency station. It is advisable to |
| hydrated. However, choose items that are lightweight, | | | | carry one just in case you will be able to get reception |
| easy to cook and easy to clean up. Canned goods | | | | and call for help. |
| and lightweight items such as soups, canned meats, | | | | First aid kits are also essential camping supplies. These |
| jerky, and cereals are perfect. | | | | are readily available pre made in pharmacies and |
| Take campfire wood with you unless you plan to | | | | sporting good stores. Ensure they have materials to |
| purchase wood on the way to your camping area or | | | | aid in bandaging wounds and treating illness. They |
| at the campground. Also take newspaper and small | | | | should include insect repellent and sunscreen to protect |
| twigs to make starting your fire easy. A small hatchet | | | | against sunburn and pests. Bandages and antibiotic |
| can be handy too. | | | | ointment will help in mending scrapes and cuts. Aspirin |
| Dress appropriately for the season but also prepare | | | | and non aspirin pain medication should be included. |
| for unexpected weather changes. Summer clothing | | | | Iodine tablets will help if a person is dehydrated. |
| should include light colored items and good hiking boots. | | | | Supplies that will keep your family safe and nourished |
| In winter weather, make sure to dress in layers for | | | | in case of emergency are essential elements when |
| maximum warmth. Always have spare clothes | | | | camping. But do not forget to have some fun. Bring |
| available in case clothing gets wet or there is a shift in | | | | games, fishing poles and books to spend some time. |
| climate. Remember that even in summer it can get | | | | Do not forget binoculars for watching wildlife and the |
| cold at night. | | | | camera for memorializing your experience. Be |
| For day trips where you will leave your camp area, | | | | organized and make a list of all supplies needed |
| use a backpack to bring essential supplies. Maps and a | | | | before embarking on your trip to ensure the most fun |
| compass are essential supplies to have. Make sure to | | | | and safest camping trip possible. |
| research the area where you will be camping so you | | | | Other items to pack include: folding chairs; trash bags; |
| are familiar with where there are main roads and | | | | pre-moistened wipes (especially handy if your camping |
| emergency facilities. Waterproof matches will help | | | | area does not have hand-washing facilities in the |
| start a fire even in rainy conditions. A flashlight will | | | | bathroom area); a dishpan, dish soap, dish cloths, and |
| provide light for night time. Make sure to use a heavy | | | | dish towels for cleaning dishes; paper towels; |
| duty model that is waterproof. Extra batteries are also | | | | clothespins to hang swimsuits and towels on the rope |
| advised. | | | | you've also packed; and pot holders to handle hot |
| Survival kits are necessary in case of emergency. | | | | food. |