Pack a sun screen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. The SPF formula measures how long you can stay in the sun before you start to burn. Each person older than six months will need two ounces every two hours.
The Office of Air and Radiation, a branch of the Environmental Protection Agency, recommends sun glasses that block at least 99 percent of the Ultra Violet A and B radiation. UV eye damage can lead to cataracts, a painful burn to the cornea, a vision-blocking growth at the corner of your eye, and skin cancer. Sun glasses that provide this protection do not need to be expensive.
You can either buy a first-aid kit or pack your own. You'll need essentials such as bandage strips (Band-Aids), antiseptic solution, cotton swabs, gauze pads, petroleum jelly, saline solution (eye wash), Calamine lotion, hydrocortisone cream, scissors, tweezers, a needle, and a thermometer.
Make sure the kit includes prescription drugs and medicines for allergic attacks. The Mayo Clinic suggests medical consent and medical history forms for each family member.
Grub boxes, orf chuck boxes, contain everything you need to prepare a meal. This is where you store cookware, cooking utensils, the can opener, spices, salt, pepper, sugar, and dry mixes for soups. Put your spices in a smaller container that fits in the grub box.
Some grub boxes are wooden cabinets that have extendable legs. Others are plastic containers with snap on lids. Regular campers restock their grub boxes as soon as they return home.
Keep the campsite tool box where all family members can use it. It includes waterproof flashlights and extra batteries, a hatchet, pliers, screwdrivers, small wrenches, bungee cords, rope and cord, matches, candles, extra mantels for your lantern, push pins and clothespins.
A plastic tool box that opens and closes easily is ideal. A checklist taped to the outside makes it easier to pack, and easier to find something such as push pins to secure the table cloth.
Most summer campers find the need of a long-sleeved shirt, jeans, and socks. That attire is needed on chilly nights, and provides protection from insects. It is just as important as sunwear.
Don't forget a jacket and/or sweatshirt, an extra pair of walking shoes, shower flip flops, a cap or hat, and rain gear. Durable clothing is much more important than the latest fashions.
