Generally speaking, Camping is a safe outdoor activity. The hazards of camping are no greater than living at home. With that being said, however, carelessness and ignorance sometimes do cause accidents in Camp or bring minor physical problems that might easily have been avoided. A camper who uses common sense is a safe camper.

As with all activities, there are a few rules that should be abided by in order to ensure a safe environment and a happy experience.

1. Do not hike or camp alone (groups of three or more work best).

2. Have permission of the landowner where you are camping.

3. Never leave camp without informing those in charge where you are going.

4. Always have a fire permit where required.

5. Certain hours for meals, hikes, assembly, bedtime, rising, etc. must be set when a large number camp together. The larger the number, the more strict these regulations must become.

6. In mixed camps, privacy must be carefully respected in regard to latrine areas, sleeping areas, etc.

7. Never swim or boat alone.

8. Never swim far from shore without a boat or raft and a friend near to give help if needed.

9. Never dive into unknown waters without first checking carefully for shallow spots and hidden dangers, such as logs, stumps, rocks, brush, etc.

10. When in a boat, do not change places in deep water, or if you must, keep body low, and decide who is moving where before you start moving.

11. If a boat should upset, just stay in the water by it and hold to its edge until help arrives -- unless the shore is near and you can swim to it easily. Remember, most small boats will not sink entirely.

12. Do not kill either plants or small animals.

13. Do not gripe -- regardless of the weather, the cooking, the insects, etc., keep from complaining. Complaining is catching, but so is a smile.

14. DO NOT PANIC -- regardless of the emergency, force yourself to remain calm.

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