By Michelle Swartz

mswartz@monroenews.com

Ever wonder what it’s like to live without electricity or the comforts of your own bed?

Spending time in the great outdoors is the best way to find out. After being closed indoors all winter long, it’s finally the season to turn off the TV and grab your camping gear.

Before you head out the door, however, you need to do a few things. The only way to have a fun camping experience is to take safety precautions.

Basic rules of safety carry over to camping sites.

“Kids should remember the rules of the road. Keep your guard up when playing. Don’t forget to look both ways before crossing the road,” said Jamie Allen, park supervisor at Sterling State Park. “When you’re bike riding, you still have to watch for vehicle traffic even though you are on campgrounds. And don’t forget to wear a helmet.”

Roasting marshmallows over a campfire is fun but it could be dangerous if you’re not careful.

“Depending on how big the fire is, stay a good distance away from it,” said Ms. Allen. “If it’s bigger, stay at least 4 or 5 feet away.”

She added kids shouldn’t “throw foam cups” or any other objects into the fire because it could be dangerous.

So what if you get lost in the woods? Don’t panic!

Before you venture out on a hike, talk to your parents. The first rule is to let your parents know where you will be going so they can find you easier.

“If you get lost, look for park rangers. They usually wear green and tan clothes,” Ms. Allen said.

Parents also have duties when camping. The most important is to bring is a first aid kit, she said. She also suggested packing extra clothes.

“Bring more than you need. An extra pair of socks and shoes is always a good idea. There’s always a possibility your clothes will get muddy or wet,” she said.

No one needs unwanted visitors — skunks or raccoons. Parents should bring coolers for food to avoid animal encounters.

“Don’t leave food inside your tents. Always keep food in coolers,” Ms. Allen suggested. “If not, skunks and other animals will find the food in your tents.”

Sun safety

It’s important to be protected from the sun while camping. Here are some tips to prevent you from getting sunburned:

n Apply 15-plus sunscreen 30 minutes before playing outside.

n Reapply sunscreen every two hours.

n Wear sun-protective clothing, such as long-sleeve shirts, hats and sunglasses.

n Dress in light-colored clothes.

n Drink lots of water to avoid overheating or dehydration.

Packing basics

Besides the basic needs of a tent, sleeping bag and food, other camping gear is necessary. Here is a list of packing essentials:

n Flashlight with extra batteries

n Waterproof matches

n Extra clothes

n First aid kit

n Map of area

n Compass

n Rain gear

n Insect repellent and sunscreen

n Medicine, such as asthma or allergy medications

n Bottled water

Don’t get bugged!

Staying in the woods means you will be surrounded by pesky insects, like mosquitoes and ticks. Here’s how to avoid being stung or bitten.

n Apply insect repellent to your clothing and skin.

n Avoid scented products, like perfume.

n Shake out your clothes before wearing them.

n Keep your tent zipped at all times.

n Turn off your flashlight before entering the tent. Light attracts bugs.

n Avoid ticks by staying away from grassy, brushy areas.

n Always check for ticks after being outdoors. Check your clothing and behind your ears, knees and under your arms.

Don’t lose your way

So what happens if you get lost? Don’t panic. Instead, follow these rules so you can be found:

n Always tell someone where you will be going before leaving your campsite.

n Never leave the campsite alone. Always travel with someone.

n Carry a whistle. Blow it if you get lost. The sound of a whistle travels far so people can hear it.

n Look for park rangers who are searching for you. They usually wear green and tan uniforms.

A few more tips

n Don’t eat wild berries.

n Stay away from poison ivy. Ask your parents what poison ivy plants look like so you can avoid it. If you make contact with poison ivy, it can cause a rash. If you do make contact with it, wash the area with soap and water as soon as possible.

n Never get too close to a fire. Stay a safe distance away.

Source: Skin Cancer Foundation and www.kidshealth.org

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