Crash Course in Camping
- Kids get dirtier, wetter, and colder than adults.
- They tend not to pay as much attention to staying dry or clean.
- Kids are not thinking about regulating their thermostats—so you must think about it for them. When kids are not paddling, they will not be as warm as the adults that are paddling.
- It’s best to wear high performance clothing, made from wool or synthetic fabrics. Cotton cloths (including jeans) are not a good choice for camping because cotton dries very slowly.’Long sleeves and long pants shield legs and arms from scratches, insect bites and sun.
- Rain gear is important. Rain pants will keep legs dry when walking through wet woods and sitting on wet logs during the hours after the rain stops.
- Blue clothing tends to attract bugs.
- Always, always wear shoes!
- Plan to have a pair of shoes that can get wet while traveling, most kids (and adults) will get their feet wet.
- If you buy your kids new shoes with good ankle support, make sure that they are broken in before the trip. Blisters can be a major problem.
- Sunscreen shirts (or rash guards, made from swimsuit material) are a great idea. A rash guard can be worn while swimming, is comfortable to wear when it is drying and it provides sun protection.
- Bug nets or bug hats can make a big difference in May or June.
- Don’t forget sunscreen.
- Layers are very valuable. Kids can add layers and take them off as conditions change. Consider zip-off camping pants.
- Keep one set of clothes dry for emergencies.
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