Staying Safe While Camping

Awareness of Yourself, Family, and Friends

Keep an eye on your family and friends to ensure their energy levels and overall health remain in good condition while camping and exploring. If you have any concerns about fitness levels, health conditions, or necessary medications, consult a physician or healthcare professional before your trip.

Awareness of Your Environment

Camping takes place outdoors, where you will be exposed to varying conditions such as heat, cold, wetness, and dryness. Overexposure to any of these can be harmful. Additionally, be mindful of environmental hazards, including wildlife encounters, severe weather (such as flash flooding or lightning), dead trees, rockfalls, and air quality concerns.

Stay Hydrated

Outdoor activities and exposure to the elements increase the need for hydration. Clean drinking water is provided—keep your water bottle with you throughout the day and refill it often to stay hydrated.

Protect Yourself from the Sun

Apply sunscreen regularly to prevent sunburn from ruining your trip. Wearing hats, long-sleeve shirts, and sunglasses offers additional protection, especially in areas with limited shade.

Use Bug Protection

Apply bug spray or use other repellents to protect yourself from mosquitoes, ticks, and other potentially harmful insects.

Dress in Layers

Wearing layered clothing allows you to add or remove layers as needed to stay comfortable in changing temperatures. The key is to be prepared for varying weather conditions to maintain comfort and safety throughout your trip.

Never Go Barefoot

The outdoors hides hazards such as sharp rocks, rusted metal, broken glass, and thorny plants. Always wear sturdy shoes to prevent injuries and infections.

Keep Horseplay to a Minimum

Campfires, bodies of water, and tent structures can pose serious risks during rough play. While fun is encouraged, caution is key to preventing accidents.

No Snacking on Mushrooms and Berries

Wild berries and mushrooms can be toxic. Many resemble edible varieties but are dangerous if consumed. Children should be taught not to eat anything from the wild without an adult's approval.

Always Wear a Whistle (Children & Youth)

• Getting lost can happen quickly. A whistle is an essential safety tool.

• Instruct children to stay put and use the whistle if they become lost—hug a tree or sit on a log and wait for help.

Always Stick with a Buddy (Children & Youth)

• Solo wandering is dangerous. Always go in pairs or groups.

• If lost, having a buddy reduces panic and increases safety.

• Two whistles are always better than one!

Fire safety is critical, especially in the wilderness, where medical assistance may not be readily available. A burn injury at home is serious enough, but in a remote setting without immediate access to doctors or cell service, it can quickly become a major crisis.

Children are naturally drawn to flames, making it essential to educate and supervise them around the fire. Use clear and persuasive communication to ensure they understand the dangers and follow fire safety rules. Always practice caution and responsibility when handling fire to prevent accidents and protect everyone at camp.

Wild animals may look cute, but encounters with them can quickly turn your camping trip into a disaster. A single spray from a skunk can ruin your gear, Lyme disease-carrying ticks can latch onto woodland creatures, and raccoons may carry rabies. To ensure everyone’s safety, children should be instructed to inform an adult immediately if they see a snake or any animal wearing a fur coat.

Follow these essential guidelines to protect both yourself and the wildlife:

• Do NOT feed wildlife under any circumstances. Feeding animals teaches them to associate humans with food, making them persistent and potentially aggressive. It also increases the chances of wildlife frequenting campsites, causing issues for future campers.

• Avoid direct contact with wildlife. As tempting as it may be to get close for a better look or a photo, it’s dangerous for both you and the animal.

• Keep a safe viewing distance. Enjoy wildlife from afar to avoid disturbing their natural behaviors and reducing the risk of dangerous encounters.

Prevent Wildlife from Entering Your Campsite

• Never bring food inside your tent—even a small snack can attract animals.

• Store all food in airtight containers to minimize food odors that could lure wildlife.

• Keep food out of reach. Before heading to bed, ensure that all food is secured in the camp trailer.

• Maintain a clean campsite. Dispose of food scraps and packaging properly, using designated waste bags. Keeping the area free of food debris helps prevent unwanted animal visitors.

By respecting wildlife and following these precautions, you help create a safer and more enjoyable camping experience for everyone.

Respect Your Neighbors

• If other campers are nearby, keep noise levels reasonable, especially with music.

• Children should not visit other campsites without permission.

• Let others enjoy the peace of nature without disturbances.

No Food or Drinks in the Tent

• Food attracts critters like bears, raccoons, ants, and ticks, which could end up in your tent or bed.

• AZ Places gear is provided for your comfort—help keep it clean and free from spills and crumbs.

• Wash up before bed—leftover marshmallow or sticky fingers can still attract animals.

• Water bottles are allowed in the tent.