Going on a camping trip with your family?

Here are 5 important camping safety tips for parents:

1. Be prepared - make sure you are prepared for different scenarios. Check the weather beforehand and pack accordingly. If you're worried that you will forget something, write down a list of all essentials so you don't miss anything. Make sure to bring first aid kits, bug spray, bear spray, lanterns, toilet paper, towels, soap, sunscreen etc. 

2. Educate before - educate both yourself and your children before you get there. Don't assume that your children know everything. Teach them about keeping the campsite clean, avoid touching wildlife or dangerous plants, etc. If you know there are a lot of dangerous plants in the area you'll be staying in, it could be useful to print out a small identification guide. 

3. Set boundaries - it is easier for children to run off if there are clear boundaries set in place. Right when you get to the campsite, establish boundaries with your family. Make sure everyone heard you and remembers the boundaries. It is sometimes helpful to have your child repeat it out-loud in order to get it more engrained in your head. 

4. Have emergency plans set - although you may not want to think about it, emergencies do happen. When you get to your campsite, try to identify something that your children can use as a reference point in case they get lost. It can also be usefully to have them wear a whistle in case they do get lost. If you are going somewhere where you will be out of service, make sure to inform someone else of where you're planning on staying and when you will be coming home. 

5. Teach fire safety - fires are beautiful, yet dangerous. First, make sure that you teach your children to keep a certain distance from the fire. Whether you are roasting marshmallows or cooking hot dogs, teach your children where to put hot skewers or anything that was used in the fire. Teach them to be aware of their surroundings.