If you are thinking of going camping over summer break you will need to know proper safety.

1. Make sure you are up to date on vaccination and are feeling your normal self two days before you go off to your campsite
2. Have a map of your campsite. Know what and who is around you so you don’t get lost.
3. buddy system works! Always have someone with you when you are leaving your campsite.
4. Healthy and safe food – Pack foods in tight, waterproof bags or containers. Keep food in an insulated cooler. When cooking and storing food, separate raw foods from cooked foods. Cook foods to proper temperatures. Wash your hands often and use hand sanitizer if water is not available
5. Avoid all wild animals – don’t go close to them. Especially don’t pet them.
6. To avoid any water – illness, shower yourself before then after going swimming.
7. Know what poison ivy looks like and see where it is around your campsite. You should also avoid any unknown plants
8. Apply insect repellent and check daily for ticks.
9. Building a campfire – Build or use a campfire pit away from overhanging tree branches. Make sure the campfire has a metal fire ring or is encircled with rocks. Keep a bucket of water and shovel nearby. Never leave a campfire unattended. Be sure to put out your campfire completely before you leave. Use fireproof cooking equipment
10. It is unlikely but you could get carbon monoxide poisoning. To stay safe from monoxide poisoning try to avoid fuel-burning equipment such as gas stoves, heaters, lanterns, and charcoal grills inside a tent, camper, or other enclosed shelter.

If you are going to be out in the sun for more than twenty minutes, you will need sunscreen.

Here’s how to properly apply sunscreen:
1. Shake well before use to mix particles, that might be clumped up in the container. Consider using the new spray-on or stick types of sunscreen. spray-on is more recommended.
2. Be sure to apply enough sunscreen. As a rule of thumb, use an ounce (a handful) to cover your entire body.
3. Use on all parts of your skin exposed to the sun, including the ears, back, shoulders, and the back of the knees and legs.
4. Apply thickly and thoroughly.
5. Be careful when applying sunscreen around the eyes.
6. Rubbing it in thoroughly.

Here are the best types cream of sunscreens:
1. Essentials Face + Body Sunscreen SPF 50
2. AntiOxidant+ Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
3. LiftActiv Peptide-C Sunscreen SPF 30
4. Matte Effect Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
5. SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Lotion

Here are the best spray-on sunscreens:
1. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Body and Face Sunscreen Spray SPF 60
2. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen Spray Broad Spectrum SPF 30
3. Sun Bum Mineral SPF 30
4. EltaMD UV Aero Broad-Spectrum SPF 45
5. Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Face Mist, Broad Spectrum SPF 50
6. Neutrogena Wet Skin Kids Sunscreen Spray Mist
7. Classic Face Sunscreen Mist SPF 50
8. Bare Republic Mineral Sunscreen & Sunblock Spray with Zinc Oxide, Broad Spectrum SPF 30

Be safe out there!