Camp Confident: Tips for Every Adventure

Tent camping is like nature’s invitation to unplug, unwind, and—let’s be honest—wake up to a raccoon rifling through your snacks. While sleeping under the stars is magical, it also comes with risks. A surprise thunderstorm or a wandering bear can quickly turn a peaceful weekend into an episode of Survivor: Backyard Edition. To keep your adventure fun and safe, we’ve pulled tips straight from search and rescue pros. Think of it as your guide to camping like a pro—without ending up as a cautionary tale.

🧭 1. Share Your Plans (Even if You’re Going “Off the Grid”)

Before you vanish into the wilderness like a modern-day Thoreau, tell someone where you’re going.

• Location Details: Give your campsite and planned trail route.
• Timeline: Include expected arrival and departure times.
• Emergency Contacts: Make sure someone knows who to call if you start sending smoke signals—or don’t return.

Why? Because if you disappear for longer than your scheduled s’mores session, someone will need to send out the search-and-rescue squad (who are way better at finding you than Google Maps).

🛠️ 2. Pack the 10 Essentials (No, “Snacks” Alone Don’t Count)

You’ve heard of the “10 Essentials.” No, your phone isn’t one. Yes, your extra granola bars are still technically food, but not the whole survival kit.

1. Navigation: Map, compass, GPS—trust us, the stars are romantic but unreliable.
2. Illumination: Headlamp or flashlight, plus spare batteries. You don’t want to play hide-and-seek with a raccoon in the dark.
3. Sun Protection: Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat. You’re outdoorsy, not lobster-chic.
4. Insulation: Extra layers—you’re not auditioning for Survivor: Hypothermia Edition.
5. First Aid: Bandages, ointments, and the courage to fix your own blisters.
6. Tools: Knife, duct tape, whatever MacGyver would use.
7. Fire: Matches, lighter, tinder. For warmth, cooking, and dramatic storytelling later.
8. Shelter: Tent, tarp, emergency bivy. Your car trunk is not an option.
9. Nutrition: Extra food. S’mores are dessert, not dinner.
10. Hydration: Water and a way to purify more. Dehydration is not a “fun twist.”

🚨 3. Stay Visible and Heard (Even if You’re a Ninja)

If you get lost, make sure rescuers can find you without turning it into a nature-themed hide-and-seek.

• Whistle: Three short blasts say “help!” universally—bonus points if you can whistle a tune simultaneously.
• Bright Colors: Neon > camo. Sorry, camouflage enthusiasts.
• Open Areas: Move to clearings, not dense brush. This is not the time to test your bear-whispering skills.
• Stay Put: Panic and wandering rarely help. Trust the pros—remaining still is smarter.

🌧️ 4. Be Weather-Wise (Mother Nature Has Mood Swings)

Weather can change faster than your cousin at a s’mores buffet.

• Check Forecasts: Don’t rely on that one foggy morning glance at the sky.
• Prepare for Extremes: Rain poncho, windbreaker, extra socks—you can never have too many.
• Shelter Choice: Avoid tents under sketchy trees. They don’t appreciate drama either.
• Stay Dry: Wet clothes are for sad laundry commercials, not camping.

🐻 5. Respect Wildlife (They Don’t RSVP)

Wild animals are amazing, but keep the experience at a safe distance.

• Food Storage: Bear-proof containers, or hang it high. Raccoons are crafty, bears are bolder.
• Avoid Attractants: Scented lotions, perfumes, or that “mystery candle” you brought—leave it home.
• Observe from Afar: Wildlife is majestic, not a petting zoo.

🧯 6. Fire Safety First (Roast Marshmallows, Not Your Tent)

Campfires are a highlight, until they’re not.

• Location: Stick to designated areas, away from your tent and hair.
• Supervision: Unattended flames are like leaving toddlers alone with cake—chaos ensues.
• Extinguishing: Douse completely. Stir. Douse again. Pretend you’re a fire-fighting wizard.
• No Flames Inside: Your tent is for sleeping, not spontaneous fire-dancing.

🩹 7. First Aid Knowledge (Be Your Own Hero)

Accidents happen, and often right when you’re trying to look adventurous.

• Kit: Bandages, antiseptic, tweezers. Pack it like a mini ER.
• Training: Even basic first aid goes a long way.
• Common Injuries: Cuts, stings, blisters, and allergic reactions—prepare like a pro.

🧠 8. Keep a Survival Mindset (Cool, Calm, and Sassy)

• S.T.O.P. A!: Stop, Think, Observe, Plan, Adapt. It works for emergencies and choosing which trail snack to eat first.
• Positive Attitude: Panic is the real adventure killer.
• Decision Making: One step at a time beats heroic but reckless sprinting.
• Resourcefulness: Improvise. You’d be amazed what a stick, some duct tape, and sheer willpower can do.

🔍 

Remember: confidence comes from preparation. And maybe a little luck that the raccoons aren’t plotting a coup tonight.

 Download our printable checklist below 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hUe6K7lNqW_OOyfZCXQ7rBQnKe9DcAZQ/view?usp=sharing

Just a fun

This is the bare-bones checklist! My military brother, he had a list of 101 things you must have on a camping trip. It felt like camping at the Hilton—complete with a tent inventory, emergency gadgets, and probably a personal butler for the raccoons! The funny part? Our campsite was so close to home, it was just a short hike through the woods. Luxury camping, just a few steps from my own couch!”