Camping

"Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field." Genesis 3:18

This is My Father's World - Hymn
http://www.hymntime.com/tch/htm/t/i/s/tismyfw.htm


It is very easy to get excited and end up getting hurt, lost or causing injury to someone else. Always remember some basic safety facts and even when you're excited, think before acting.

The following links can help you learn all about safety while camping, hiking and exploring. Make sure you read and explore the first three links especially and remember what the Boy Scouts are taught:

"If you are lost or think you are lost - S.T.O.P! Stay put - Think - Observe - Plan." Don't keep moving or you may end up worse off than you are when you stop!

http://studio5.ksl.com/index.php?nid=56&sid=3548710 (Excellent link that covers just about everything - don't miss this one!)

http://www.cdc.gov/family/camping/ (The CDC has good info too).

http://www.scouting.org/Media/PressReleases/PreviousYears/2003/030801a.aspx (Boy Scout website info on STOP).

http://kidshealth.org/kid/watch/out/woods.html (See the following page too).

http://www.ehow.com/video_5116745_food-safety-camping.html (Everything you want to know about keeping food safe, water safe and making sure bears don't sniff you down because you smell life food!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YI75qYu9Nx4 (Lightning? Learn what to do so you're prepared!)

Poison Ivy and Poison Oak:

Remember the motto: If in THREE's, LEAVE IT BE!!! Both poison ivy and poison oak are found in clumps of three leaves forming a triangular shape. The stem or stalk of the plant will have two leaves directly across from each other, and the third leaf will jut out between the two and end the stalk. See the photos on the links below to help you identify the leaves and plant.

With poison ivy and poison oak, the oil from the leaves can touch your skin. Your skin begins to itch and you begin to scratch. If you scratch the poison ivy or poison oak and scratch another area that was not affected, or touch another area that was not touched by the poisonous plant - the oil can spread to that new area. Poison ivy and poison oak are miserable and some people can allergic to them. So learning how to spot these plants and avoid them at all cost is very important when you're camping, hiking and exploring!!! Make sure you take time to view these photos or do your own research so you can help yourself and others avoid contact.

There are several photos below to help you identify the plants in your area. Not all poison ivy or poison oak looks the same. Some are oval, some are spear shaped and others are true oak leaf looking! Different areas of the country have different varieties. Just remember the "Three leaves - let it be" and give those plants a wide berth!

http://www.ehow.com/how_5941197_identify-poisonous-plants-reptiles.html (Poisonous plants and repitles).

http://poisonivy.aesir.com/view/picqna.html?func=viewQNA&did=1143&wid=486 (Photo and details of poison ivy).

http://poisonivy.aesir.com/view/picqna.html?func=viewQNA&did=1035&wid=486 (Colored poison ivy).

http://www.keepkidshealthy.com/welcome/commonproblems/poison_oak_identification.html (Close up of poison oak with oak-like leaves).

http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/plants/ (The CDC again - excellent information including maps of where the ivy, oak and sumac are found as well as how to treat exposure).