Kids Health Watch is brought to you by our friends and Magnolia Springs Pediatrics
Spring is finally here, and the weather is warming up. So, what fun activity can you and your family do in Baldwin County? Well, camping, of course! Today, we will review some great places to camp, as well as some safety tips regarding getting lost, protecting you and your kids from the great outdoors, and some must-haves for the big trip!
One of the first memories my boys have from Scouts was camping at the USS Alabama Battleship. I remember visiting as a kid and having a Homecoming Dance there, but I really couldn’t remember how cool it was. So, we all went and camped out on the lawn of the Battleship with other Scouts and had a blast. One winter, we got to sleep on the Battleship in the same bunks the sailors slept on when the ship was active!
In Baldwin County, we also have lots of great places to camp, including the new campgrounds in the Gulf State Park! Since the hurricanes damaged the grounds a few years ago, they have spent a lot of money rebuilding the area, and it looks great! We also have Blakeley State Park in Spanish Fort, which has great camping and a lot of history. And, if you want, you can go camping in your backyard! So, you don’t have to go too far to have a great camping experience with your family.
Of course, as with anything in pediatrics and Scouts, you must be prepared! Before you go, be sure you do the following things. First, be sure to tell at least two people where you are going to camp and when you should be back. Second, look at the weather! Be prepared for changes in temperature and storms! Third, review a book or pictures online of poisonous plants and snakes in the area. Everyone jokes about getting poison ivy or oak, but if you get it in the wrong place, it’s no laughing matter!
So, what do you need to bring? Of course, you need a first aid kit. Familiarize yourself with the contents and add the following if not already there-Benadryl, hydrocortisone 1% cream, sunscreen, bug spray, and a pain reliever like ibuprofen. You will need to pack clothes for layering in case it gets too hot or cold, a good map, lots of water and food, waterproof matches and tents, several flashlights, and LOTS of batteries! You will be surprised how quickly they run out.
Also, having a whistle’s a good idea- if you or a child gets lost, a whistle will carry a lot further than the human voice!
So, a few quick safety tips. First, teach your child that if they get lost, stay put! Don’t wander off the trail and try to find the group. The group is much more likely to find you if you are near the last place you were seen. Also, if lost, blow the whistle! Next, be sure to apply lots of sunscreen and bug spray. At the end of each day, be sure to examine every person in the group for ticks, especially in hard-to-see areas like the hair. Be careful when crossing any water. The rocks can be very slippery, and the logs can be dangerous! And please, don’t drink the water and assume that you cannot eat any plant, or berry-seriously, I’ve heard it before! Finally, special care should be taken around campfires to prevent any burns or other injuries.
Camping is a wonderful family activity that builds character and family bonding. Enjoy our wonderful State Parks and outdoor areas, and have fun!
Robert L. Rux, M.D. is a Board Certified Pediatrician at Magnolia Springs Pediatrics. Originally from Mobile, he attended medical school at The University of Alabama School of Medicine (UAB) and completed residency at The Children’s Hospital of Alabama (UAB).
