First responder (first aid) training is available for free through many employers/workplaces; It costs nothing to ask.
Each group of campers should have and be able to use a good trauma capable first aid kit (FAK). The kits my friends have (when they have one at all) seem to be for skinned knees and minor abrasions (ouch kits). I keep a FAK in an ammo can in the vehicle and, when I was hiking, a smaller version in a pouch.
If camping with kids give them each a loud whistle necklace (I used to buy the coastguard approved whistles) and tell them to blow it and keep blowing it if they get lost (be sure to train them to stop and stay in one place if they get lost). (yes, it will be inconvenient, initially, until they get tired of blowing them in camp).
Since we frequently camp in bear territory we have NEVER allowed ANY food/snacks in the tent, we also do all cooking/food prep at a distance (typically at least 30 feet) from the tent to prevent food smells/grease splatters in, on, or near the tent.
We dispose of all food wrappers/packaging in the campfire and sterilize all cans in the fire (smash and take them with you when you leave), again to keep food and food smells from attracting wildlife,
The cooler is rated as bear resistant. It has been tipped over.
Most food storage is in sealed/latched metal ammo cans. They are not rated as bear resistant but they are, largely, G.I. proof/ quite tough. (The bears/wildlife have never messed with them; Note; we do not camp where bears have become accustomed to people/people food).
A dog makes a fine bear/burglar alarm.
Bear spray with dye is available & handy (so far it has only been used on aggressive dogs).
I use a compact bug zapper for 15 minutes, in the closed tent, before bed time; to clear out the tiny vampires... Yes; I have a tent battery and a small inverter in the tent to power the ceiling light, bug zapper, tunes, etc.
Enjoy!
Each group of campers should have and be able to use a good trauma capable first aid kit (FAK). The kits my friends have (when they have one at all) seem to be for skinned knees and minor abrasions (ouch kits). I keep a FAK in an ammo can in the vehicle and, when I was hiking, a smaller version in a pouch.
If camping with kids give them each a loud whistle necklace (I used to buy the coastguard approved whistles) and tell them to blow it and keep blowing it if they get lost (be sure to train them to stop and stay in one place if they get lost). (yes, it will be inconvenient, initially, until they get tired of blowing them in camp).
Since we frequently camp in bear territory we have NEVER allowed ANY food/snacks in the tent, we also do all cooking/food prep at a distance (typically at least 30 feet) from the tent to prevent food smells/grease splatters in, on, or near the tent.
We dispose of all food wrappers/packaging in the campfire and sterilize all cans in the fire (smash and take them with you when you leave), again to keep food and food smells from attracting wildlife,
The cooler is rated as bear resistant. It has been tipped over.
Most food storage is in sealed/latched metal ammo cans. They are not rated as bear resistant but they are, largely, G.I. proof/ quite tough. (The bears/wildlife have never messed with them; Note; we do not camp where bears have become accustomed to people/people food).
A dog makes a fine bear/burglar alarm.
Bear spray with dye is available & handy (so far it has only been used on aggressive dogs).
I use a compact bug zapper for 15 minutes, in the closed tent, before bed time; to clear out the tiny vampires... Yes; I have a tent battery and a small inverter in the tent to power the ceiling light, bug zapper, tunes, etc.
Enjoy!
