A Guide to Staying Healthy Outdoors

Camping is expected to be extremely popular again this summer, as families continue to seek safe getaways. Popping a tent in the great outdoors is one of the best ways to remain mindful of social distancing while still getting out of the house.

But although camping is a safer getaway option, overall, there are still some dangers that come when you share space that others have occupied. With a few precautions, though, you can enjoy time outdoors.

Prepare in Advance

Protecting yourself on a camping trip starts before you leave home. You’ll need plenty of alcohol-based hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes. It’s especially important to avoid products with scents that might attract bugs and wildlife.

If you’re staying at a campground, check their website before going to see exactly what they’re doing to keep guests safe and to confirm that they are officially open. Cabins, shared facilities, and community items like grills should be cleaned on a regular basis. Are campers being spaced far enough apart to maintain social distancing rules? If you can’t find the information on a campground’s website, make sure to call and ask.

Wash Your Hands Frequently

The CDC’s recommendations for hand-washing apply whether you’re at home or deep in the woods. Proper hand-washing takes at least 20 seconds. If it helps, wash your hands while singing a tune to yourself. Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive” remains a popular hand-washing song. “Happy Birthday to You” also works, as long as you sing it twice.

If you’re camping, though, sinks and soap may be in short supply. Even if your campground provides showers and restrooms, it may not be close enough to your campsite for the many visits you’ll need to make. A DIY hand-washing station can end up being the very thing that keeps your group safe throughout your adventure. Some makeshift hand-washing station ideas include using a gallon jug or a water cooler to give you a water source. Just add some hand soap and a towel and you’re set.

Disinfect All Surfaces

Before you head to the campground, it can help to familiarize yourself with the sanitizing processes recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency. Before you set up at your campground, wipe down all surfaces that might have been touched by previous campers, including grills. If you’re staying in a cabin, wipe down surfaces with disinfectant even if you’ve been assured that a cleaning crew sanitized the premises before you arrived.

If you are camping in a tent, when you return home, make sure you air your tent out a while in an area your family won’t be inhabiting, such as a garage or basement. It’s also more important than ever that you thoroughly clean your tent between uses. Dish soap should be sufficient to kill the virus if it happens to attach itself to your tent along the way. Give your tent plenty of time to dry out before you put it in storage.

Camping is a great way to get away from quarantine and make great memories with your family. With a little preparation, you can ensure your trip is a bonding experience, while also being safe. Planning a camping trip with kids? Be sure to download our Scout Packing Checklist to make sure you have everything you need for a fun weekend.

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED: APRIL 11, 2022