This week’s episode is all about experiencing your child’s first camping experience so it’s fun and can create memories for a lifetime.
- Camping first aid kit (Amazon)
- Combat Wipes (wet wipes for camping) (Amazon)
- Frogg Toggs All Sport Rain Suit (Amazon)
- Emergency Rain Poncho for Adults (6 Pack) (Amazon)
Note: Featured image photo is of my eldest son at 6 as a tiger scout. He is now an Eagle.
Transcript:
If you are new to the cub scout camping experience with your child it’s important to remember that its’ not about you. It’s all about instilling the love of the outdoors within your child.
Now, what do I mean about that. Generally speaking cub parents need to relax.
When my boys were in the cub program I was as uptight as most parents when experiencing the outdoors for the first time. What I have learned in the 15 years I’ve been in the scouting program it is ok.
It’s ok if he gets dirty, It’s ok if he doesn’t brush his teeth, it’s ok if she doesn’t want to touch the fish. It’s ok if he doesn’t want to pose for the photo. It’s ok if she doesn’t want to go in the water.
As I staff many of these cub programs and see the new scouts and parents freak out about scouts climbing on logs, and jumping in mud or just general parenting stuff.
Over the years I have gained perspective that unless little Timmy is about the really hurt himself it’s ok to play with the sticks and leaves.
I have found that explaining the consequences works better than telling the little guys “no”.
“If you climb in the fire pit, we’re going to have to miss the activity while I hose you off in the bathroom” works better than “stop playing over there”.
Just like you, they lack the experience to understand that a charcoal pit is mighty dirty, and coals stay hot long after you are done with them.
So, here’s some tips and tricks to keep in your belt:
- Bo-boos hurt a lot more in the woods, and you need to make them really clean after you get them. So try not to fall. That being said, get some larger size bandaids, some Neosporin and a personal size of wet wipes and keep them in your pocket for when Sally falls down.
- Fire is really hot, even when you don’t this it will be. Wood and charcoal are really good at keeping the heat. This goes also for propane lanterns, stoves and Dutch ovens. So, first start by telling them this. Then bring them to the fire and show them how to test for it being hot. Use the back of your hand and put it slowly closer to the fire until you can feel the heat. Back off a bit and explain what is happening. While prevention is good, cure is better. Keep a tube of burn cream and one of those instant ice packs in your bag. Also get to know who is in charge of medical on the trip, there should be an adult who has training in outdoor problems. Get his or her cell phone number as a backup
- It might rain, and this is ok. You won’t die. Bring a poncho for you and your kids. As a general rule keep a heavy duty garbage bag in your camping bag. You can use this to put your camping bag in if it comes into your tent, you can poke holes in it and use it as a poncho, They are really versatile things. Keep the rest of the roll in your car, just in case.
- It’s ok if they don’t go to sleep. One of the best things about the outdoors is sitting by the fire. Put them is a chair, put a fleece blanket over them and get out your kindle.
- Conversely, being outside is exhausting. I remember for both of my boys carrying them back to the tents when they were 6 because they couldn’t make it through the council fire. It’s ok. Make your own fire. Don’t be sad, you’ll go to a lot of them.
- Try to stay clean. If you can’t stay clean have some wet wipes and an extra hand towel to clean off the muck. It’s ok to be dirty – but if you are cut or burnt you could get sick if you’re dirty. Explain it to them, they might even understand.
Take what you like and leave the rest, and as we say in Woodbadge, feedback is a gift, leave yours below in the comments, with the hope we can all learn together.
I’m Scoutmaster Dave, and this was cubs first camping experience.
