Head off on a family trip during June’s National Camping Month. To make this work, there are essential items you need to pack. Don’t leave the house without these five things.
Water Bottles and a Cooler
Bring plenty of water on a camping trip. You could drink water you get from a river or lake, but it would have to be boiled first or filtered for your safety. It’s best to bring it from home. You can keep them in a cooler filled with ice. Many coolers have handles and wheels to make them easy to move from the vehicle to the campsite.
Insect Repellent
Don’t risk your family’s safety to mosquito and tick bites. Bring an insect repellent that contains DEET or pyrethrin. Tick-repelling clothing is a must in tick-heavy areas. Light-colored clothing makes it easier to spot ticks as they crawl up the body.
Around the tent and campsite, a mosquito lantern or citronella candles can help deter insects. A campfire also may produce enough smoke to drive them away.
First Aid Kit
Have a first aid kit handy. You will want alcohol wipes for any scratches or cuts, some antibiotic ointment, bandages, and an antihistamine lotion for insect bites, nettles, or poison ivy. You should keep matches in the first aid kit for starting a fire. The other thing to consider is a small camping knife and a tick removing tool.
Cell Phone With Extra Battery Chargers
The GPS on a cell phone is important to have with you when hiking. Make sure you bring battery chargers or power vaults that are fully charged and ready to go. Most cell phones can last a full day before draining the battery, but it’s best to have more chargers than needed just in case.
Extra Clothing
If someone gets wet, a change of clothes is essential. You need spare clothes to wear while the other is drying. Always pack one more outfit than is needed. You should also bring raincoats in case of a downpour, and blankets if there’s a chance it will be cooler at night than is comfortable.
What do you do if your parents just don’t want to join you?
You can’t leave them home alone, but you also don’t want to give up on your trip. You need it.
Elderly care services help family caregivers take breaks. Call an agency and request the services of a trained elderly care aide to take over while you go on your camping trip.