First‑Time Camper Guide

This First‑Time Camper Guide gives parents the essentials for a child’s first overnight trip. It focuses on health paperwork, emergency medication authorizations, and picking age‑appropriate gear and trips. Vaccinations and physician‑signed medication authorizations get clear attention. We explain compact first‑aid and remote‑communication gear, water, sun and insect protection, weather and fire protocols, and a 48‑hour packing timeline with a quick checklist. These steps will help cut risk and ease transitions.

Key Takeaways

Confirm vaccinations and carry two copies of signed health forms plus a physician‑signed medication authorization. Keep medications in original labeled containers and include written action plans for asthma and allergies. Train substitute caregivers and camp staff on how to use emergency medications.
Pack a compact first‑aid kit, a whistle, and a headlamp with spare batteries. Bring a charged battery bank or a satellite messenger for remote trips. Store medications in original labeled containers and include duplicate dosing instructions.
Enforce water and sun safety at all times. Use USCG‑approved life jackets for boating. Keep young swimmers within arm’s reach of an adult. Apply SPF 30+ sunscreen 15–30 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every two hours. Encourage proactive hydration and use electrolyte mixes on hot days.
Plan for weather, fire, and wildlife hazards. Follow the 30–30 lightning rule. Keep small campfires contained, have water and a shovel nearby, and fully extinguish coals. Store food according to park rules to avoid wildlife encounters. Do daily tick checks. Use DEET up to 30% where age‑appropriate, or wear permethrin‑treated clothing.
Match trip type and gear to the child’s age. Start with a one‑ to two‑night introductory trip. Follow the 48‑hour timeline and use the quick‑grab checklist. Compare renting versus buying core items like sleeping bags and child PFDs to manage cost and gear complexity.

Health & Medication

Bring two copies of all required health forms and a physician‑signed medication authorization. Keep medications in original labeled containers and include clear written action plans for conditions such as asthma and severe allergies. Ensure staff and any substitute caregivers know how to access and use emergency medications.

Gear & Communication

Include a compact first‑aid kit, a whistle, a headlamp with spare batteries, and a charged battery bank. For remote areas, consider a satellite messenger or other reliable remote‑communication device. Keep duplicate dosing instructions and contact information accessible.

Water, Sun & Insect Protection

Follow strict water safety rules: use USCG‑approved life jackets for boating and keep inexperienced swimmers within arm’s reach. For sun protection, apply SPF 30+ sunscreen 15–30 minutes before exposure and reapply every two hours. Promote frequent hydration and consider electrolyte mixes in hot conditions. For insects, perform daily tick checks and use DEET up to 30% where appropriate, or use permethrin‑treated clothing.

Weather, Fire & Wildlife Protocols

Plan for changing conditions: follow the 30–30 lightning rule, and understand local weather patterns. Keep campfires small and contained, with water and a shovel on hand, and always fully extinguish coals before leaving the site. Store food as required by park rules to reduce wildlife encounters.

48‑Hour Packing Timeline

48 hours before: Review health forms, confirm medications and authorization, pack duplicate documents, and check weather forecasts.
24 hours before: Pack core gear (sleeping bag, PFD if needed), first‑aid kit, headlamp, batteries, and communication devices. Lay out clothing and apply any clothing treatments (permethrin) if used.
6–12 hours before: Pack perishables and snacks, charge battery banks, and prepare a day‑of medication kit with clear dosing instructions and emergency contacts.
Departure: Double‑check forms, medications in original labeled containers, and that caregivers understand emergency plans.

Quick‑Grab Checklist

Two copies of signed health forms
Physician‑signed medication authorization
Medications in original labeled containers + dosing instructions
Compact first‑aid kit, whistle, headlamp (+ spare batteries)
Charged battery bank or satellite messenger
USCG‑approved life jacket (for boating)
SPF 30+ sunscreen and hydration supplies
Appropriate clothing and footwear; permethrin‑treated items if used
Food storage supplies per park rules
Emergency contact list and action plans

If you’d like, I can turn this into a printable one‑page checklist or customize the packing timeline to a specific destination or age group.

Critical Health & Safety Essentials to Do Before You Go

We, at the young explorers club, make safety the starting point for every trip. I focus on the documents, meds, and gear that prevent an emergency from becoming one.

Vaccinations, paperwork, and chronic-condition plans

Confirm your child is vaccination up-to-date per the pediatric schedule: MMR, Tdap, varicella, and COVID-19 if applicable. Bring two copies of signed health forms. Include a written medication authorization signed by the physician and parent for any drug your child will take at camp. For chronic conditions like asthma or allergic reactions, pack a written action plan and label rescue medications clearly. I advise training any substitute caregiver on where those papers and meds live.

If this is your child’s first trip away from home, consult our first summer camp guide for extra prep tips and checklists.

Medication handling, first-aid kit essentials, and emergency gear

Follow camp rules: most require meds in original, labeled containers and a staff member to store/administer controlled medicines. I pack meds separated in a small, labeled pouch and leave a duplicate set of instructions with the camp nurse.

Pack a compact first-aid kit essentials. I recommend the following items and keep them easily accessible:

adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)
wound-cleaning wipes and antibiotic ointment
antihistamine (age-appropriate)
ace wraps and blister-care supplies
digital thermometer
emergency epi‑pen(s) with allergy action plan
rescue inhaler with asthma action plan
small pair of scissors and tweezers

Also include a whistle for each child, a headlamp with spare batteries, and a charged phone battery bank. Label every prescription and OTC med with the child’s name and dosing instructions. Check expiration dates before you pack. Train camp staff and at-home caregivers on epi‑pen and inhaler use well before drop-off; practical drills reduce panic.

Water safety, sun, insect protection, and remote communication

Water activities demand strict rules. Require a USCG-approved life jacket for boating and active water play. Keep a responsible adult within arm’s reach of young or inexperienced swimmers. Start swim lessons early: water-adjustment programs can begin around 1 year, while formal lessons often start at about age 4.

Prevent heat and sun-related issues by insisting on hydration and proper sunscreen. Apply SPF 30+ sunscreen 15–30 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every 2 hours or after swimming. Encourage children to sip water frequently and offer electrolyte drinks during long activity blocks.

For bug protection, follow AAP guidance: DEET up to 30% is safe for children older than 2 months. Consider picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus for older kids who need alternatives. Treat clothing and gear with permethrin only; don’t apply permethrin directly to skin.

Finally, plan for remote-site care and communication. Know the nearest medical facility and the camp’s evacuation plan—many sites sit 30+ minutes from emergency services. Pack printed directions and emergency contacts. For true backcountry trips, consider a satellite messenger such as the “Garmin inReach Mini” and teach your child how to use a whistle for signaling.

Summer camp Switzerland, International summer camp 3

Weather, Fire & Environmental Hazards Parents Must Know

Lightning & severe weather

We treat lightning as capable of striking 10 miles away, and we plan accordingly. We follow the 30–30 rule: seek shelter if the time between lightning and thunder is less than 30 seconds, and wait 30 minutes after the last thunder before resuming activities.

We check forecasts 48 and 24 hours before departure and enable NOAA/NWS alerts (NOAA/NWS) on phones for real‑time warnings.

We pick campsites with a clear evacuation route and teach children to move quickly to a sturdy structure or hard‑topped vehicle during storms. We avoid high ridgelines, lone trees, and open fields during thunderstorms. If caught in the open, we stay low, keep feet together, and minimize contact with the ground.

Campfire safety, temperature illness and practical steps

We keep fires small, at least 10 feet from tents and low branches, and we always have water and a shovel on hand. We never leave a fire unattended and fully extinguish coals until they’re cool to the touch.

Keep campfires small and clear of overhead branches; never build within 10 feet of tents.
Always have a bucket of water and a shovel beside the fire; never leave the site alone.
Dress children in layers and pack spare dry clothing; wet kids lose heat faster and face hypothermia risk below 50°F when wet.
Hydrate proactively, offer fluids before kids ask, and watch for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke (confusion, hot dry skin, fainting).
Use shade, rest breaks, and electrolyte replacements on hot days; move a child with suspected heat stroke to cool shade and seek medical help immediately.

We cross‑check the camp’s fire rules before arrival and teach kids simple fire habits: stop, sit, and listen to adults at the fire; never play with matches or lighters.

We address wildlife and food storage by checking park and camp policies ahead of time; bear canister and food‑storage rules vary by park. Where the hang technique is allowed, we hang food 10–12 feet high and 4–6 feet from the trunk. When hangs aren’t permitted, we store food in cars or designated food lockers. We instruct children to never approach or feed wild animals and to make noise on trail approaches to avoid surprising larger wildlife.

We deal with insects, ticks and poisonous plants with routine habits. We do daily tick checks because tick transmission typically requires 36–48 hours for Lyme disease risk. We teach kids the rhyme “leaves of three, let it be” for poison ivy recognition. We use insect repellent with DEET up to 30% for appropriate ages (AAP) and treat clothing with permethrin according to product directions. We reapply repellents per label instructions and remove treated clothing for separate laundering. For ticks found on skin, we remove them promptly with fine‑tipped tweezers and clean the area; we note attachment time and contact a clinician if symptoms develop.

We include a compact personal first‑aid kit, a couple spare clothing layers, and the packing essentials on our packing list so families arrive ready for both sun and storm.

Summer camp Switzerland, International summer camp 5

Gear & Packing Essentials

We at the Young Explorers Club lay out the gear every family should bring and how to decide what to buy or borrow. Start with a core family camping kit:

Tent
Sleeping bags
Sleeping pads
Cooking gear
Layered clothing
Sun and insect protection
Lighting
Water
Navigation
Parent kit with meds and tools (include Adventure Medical Kits and basic prescription meds)

I pack duplicates of critical items (socks, diapers, warm hat) and use waterproof stuff sacks for sleeping systems and electronics. For a quick checklist you can follow our summer packing list.

Sleep systems

Check the sleeping bag temperature rating and choose a bag rated about 5–15°F below the expected low. For three‑season family camping a 20°F–30°F bag suits most kids in moderate climates. Choose pads to match ground conditions: car camping pads with R‑value ≥1–3 are fine; for cool nights use a sleeping pad with R‑value 3+. Use an insulated pad like a Therm-a-Rest NeoAir for extra warmth where needed.

Water and power

Plan roughly 1 liter per child per half‑day for normal activity, and increase intake in heat. Encourage kids to sip every 20–30 minutes during heavy play. Bring a battery bank 10,000–20,000 mAh for phones and devices; for backcountry comms carry a Garmin inReach Mini.

Packing by age

Below are essentials by age so you can pack efficiently and avoid overkill:

Infant: portable safe‑sleep setup, extra formula and diapers, sun/insect protection, small first‑aid items.
Toddler: extra clothing layers, a familiar sleep item, small backpack for snacks, swim PFDs or a USCG‑approved life jacket.
School‑age: low‑weight sleeping bag, headlamp, small personal first‑aid items, comfortable shoes.
Teen: full sleeping system, navigation tools (map/compass or GPS), multi‑tool and personal water filter.

Buy vs borrow

For first‑timers, renting gear can save 50–80% on a one‑off trip. We recommend buying core items you’ll use often — sleeping bags, child backpacks and a certified child PFD — and borrowing bulky or rarely used gear like a tent or group cooking system for early trips.

Choosing Your Trip: Camp Types, Ages, Travel & Cost Expectations

Trip types & organized programs

We, at the young explorers club, match trip type to family comfort and goals. Consider these common options and what they require:

Family car camping — Best for hands-on parents and infants with routine needs. You control stops, sleep schedules and meal prep. Expect simple gear and easy exits.
Tent camping — Great for families who want a classic outdoors experience. Works well once toddlers are steady sleepers; pack weatherproof gear and a roomy tent.
RV camping — Adds home comforts and storage. Choose RVs for long trips or when you need a reliable sleeping environment for small kids.
Glamping — Choose this for comfort-first families. You keep nature access with beds, electricity and fewer logistics.
Day camp — Local, drop-off programs that often run weekly sessions. Good for testing camp routines without overnight separation.
Sleepaway / overnight camp — Residential stays where sessions commonly run 1–4 weeks. Check minimum ages and program design.
Specialty camps — Sports, STEM or wilderness programs focus on skill development and repeat attendance.

Age suitability, travel safety & cost expectations

We balance independence and readiness against the camp’s rules. Family car camping can work from infancy with planning. Tent camping usually becomes easier around age 3. Many residential/overnight camps set minimum camper age at 7–8; check ACA accreditation (ACA) before you commit.

We follow established child-safety guidance for travel. Use rear-facing seats until at least age 2 and boosters until children reach 4’9″ (145 cm) (AAP/AAA). Limit driving segments for young kids to 2–4 hours and schedule a stop every 2 hours to stretch, snack and reset (AAP/AAA).

Expect clear costs but watch for extras. Typical ranges are:

Day camp: $100–$400 per week.
Overnight camp: $300–$1,500+ per week.

Gear examples help you budget: tents can run $70–$300. Hidden fees often include transportation, equipment rentals, and activity or medical fees. Compare buy vs. borrow vs. rent for items like sleeping bags and specialty gear.

I recommend these practical steps:

Ask camps for a full fee breakdown and a sample daily schedule. Visit program pages like your first summer camp for planning tips.
Confirm accreditation, minimum ages and staff ratios.
Build a travel plan with car-seat checks and regular stops.
Budget a contingency for rentals, travel or extra activities so surprises don’t derail the trip.

Food, Sleep & Emotional Prep for Kids (practical routines parents can use)

We, at the young explorers club, set simple rules for meals: plan 3 meals plus 1–2 snacks each day and pack extra calorie-dense options for hikes. For car camping I count on roughly 1–1.5 pounds of food per person per day. Active teens and adults may need about 2,500–3,500 kcal/day, so prioritize compact, high-energy snacks like nut butter packets, trail mix, bars and dried fruit. We always label servings for younger children to avoid over- or under-feeding.

We treat food storage as a safety checklist. Some parks require a bear-resistant canister, so check NPS before you go. When car access or lockers aren’t available, store food at least 100+ feet from tents and rig a food line or bag away from sleeping areas. Refrigeration is rare at backcountry sites, so plan meals and cooling methods accordingly.

We follow infant sleep safety that mirrors AAP guidance: AAP recommends room-sharing for 6–12 months and warns against bed-sharing in tents. Expect nighttime temperatures to drop 10–20°F; bring a sleeping bag rated for those lows plus a familiar blanket or sleep sack. We stick to a consistent bedtime routine—bath, story, snack—so kids recognize the signals even on the trail.

We prepare for homesickness before departure. Up to about 50% of kids show some homesick symptoms, so we practice short separations, pack a meaningful comfort item, and write a short, positive parent letter for counselors to read if needed. Check camp phone policies ahead of time; many overnight programs offer only limited phone access, so set expectations and arrange emergency contacts in writing. For tips on emotional prep I point families to resources to prepare emotionally before camp.

We handle formula and baby food with the same care as adult meals. Pack coolers, ice packs, insulated bottles, and ask about refrigerator access at the site. Store opened formula and prepared baby food per package instructions and plan for safe disposal of waste.

Quick routines and packing checklist

Meals: 3 meals + 1–2 snacks daily; calorie-dense snack for hikes.
Quantities: 1–1.5 lb food/person/day for car camping; adjust for active teens (2,500–3,500 kcal/day).
Food storage: carry bear canister where required (check NPS); store food 100+ feet from tents when no locker.
Infant sleep: follow AAP room-sharing 6–12 months; no bed-sharing in tents; pack rated sleep system.
Comfort items: one favorite soft item, a parent letter, and practiced separations.
Communication: confirm camp phone policy and list emergency contacts.
Baby supplies: coolers, ice packs, insulated bottles, and labeled formula/food containers.

48-Hour Sample Timeline & Quick-Reference Checklists for First Trips

We, at the young explorers club, created this rapid 48-hour timeline so families can move from planning to enjoying their first overnight trip with confidence. Follow the timeline, adapt distances by age, and keep the emergency basics front and center.

Day 0 — Evening before

Assemble and pack gear by zone: sleep, cook, navigation, and first aid.
Pre-assemble meals into labeled containers so dinner is simple after setup.
Charge all batteries and a battery bank. Top off phones and headlamps.
Print maps and emergency contacts and tuck a copy in a waterproof bag.
Lay out each child’s sleeping clothing and shoes to avoid last-minute scrambles.

Day 1 — Arrival (best practice)

I recommend you arrive midday to set up in daylight; that reduces stress and gives kids time to explore safely. Set camp, stake and seam-seal the tent, and run a brief orientation with the children covering campsite boundaries and basic rules. Take a short family-friendly hike. Keep activities short and predictable so everyone stays comfortable. Establish a consistent bedtime routine and perform first-night clothing and sleep checks to confirm layers and footwear are ready.

Day 2 — Low-to-moderate activity and departure

Plan a short day-hike in the morning, then break camp before midday if you’re packing out. This gives time to dry and re-pack gear and to handle any forgotten items. Use the morning to run a quick debrief with the kids about their favorite moments and any concerns.

Activity distances by age

Toddlers: 0.5–1 mile
School-age kids: 1–3 miles
Teens: 3–6+ miles

For general planning aim for a hike 1–3 miles for kids depending on age and terrain. Always build in extra time and rest stops for snacks and exploration.

Quick rules & emergency basics

Carry and confirm essentials: water, shelter, heat, and labeled meds.
Pack adequate clothing layers for temperature shifts.
Stay within sight of adults — teach children this rule and reinforce it frequently.
Use whistle (3 blasts) if separated — have each child carry a whistle and rehearse the 3-blast signal.
Wildlife safety: Never approach wildlife.
Footwear rule: Make shoes mandatory until boots are off inside the campsite.

Top 10 last-minute grab list

Use this single-page list to grab the essentials on departure morning:

Water (bottles and a small filter or purification tablets)
Shelter (tent or tarp)
Heat source (stove and spare fuel or extra insulated layers)
Labeled meds (with dosages and instructions)
USCG-approved life jacket or PFDs for water activities
Whistle for each child
Headlamp(s) with spare batteries
Spare layers (socks, thermals, rain jacket)
Food/snacks (easy-to-eat, high-energy)
First-aid kit essentials (bandages, blister care, antihistamine, tape)

Field tips and trip recommendation

Start with an intro trip 1–2 nights for first-time families; short trips build confidence and show what to refine. Keep activities flexible and pick terrain that matches your kids’ current abilities. After the trip, do a quick debrief: note what worked, list what to change, and update checklists for next time. If you want a deeper guide on preparing for a first camp experience, see our page about your first summer camp for ideas and further planning tips.