PHILIPPINE CENTRAL ISLANDS

COLLEGE
San Jose, Occidental Mindoro

Physical
Education and
Health 12
Quarter 4- Week 5-8
Environmental Hazard of
Outdoor Recreational Activities
Environmental Hazards
Outdoor recreational activities have so much to offer to people. These
includes fun and pleasure, general wellness of an individual, and sometimes
environmental hazard.
According to the School Disaster Risk Reduction and Management
Manual Booklet 1 of DepEd, “hazard is a dangerous phenomenon, condition,
substance, or human activity that may cause loss of life, injury or other health
impacts, property damage, social and economic disruption, loss of livelihoods
and services, or environmental damage”.
Mishaps are avoidable. The most effective way to prevent them is to
adequately prepare for the trip that includes knowing the environmental hazard
you may encounter during the outdoor recreational activity.

Robert Ernst (2003) emphasizes that, “most of us know that when we are
outdoors, exposure to the mix of heat, humidity, and sun can lead to serious
heatrelated illnesses. But a number of other problems can occur from sunburns
to insect bites and stings.” With these, he enumerates guidelines when assessing
environmental hazard, you need to look at the following factors:

1. Location and terrain

The terrain is defined as the specific physical features of an area of
land. The location and the terrain contribute to the hazardous conditions
when staying and walking into the site. Below are some environmental
hazards that depend upon your location and terrain:

• Uneven surfaces, wet grass, and mud

• Holes in the ground can cause trips or falls.
• Rocky trails
• Exposed ledges
• Darkness
• Poison ivy

//creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.0/
• Leeches

//creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.0/
 Bee stings

//creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.0/
• Snake bites

Smooth-scaled Mountain snake taken by Lorenzo

Vinciguerra, https://www.inaturalist.org/photos/25939677

2. Season/Climate
Keep an eye on the current and predicted weather conditions. Know the
signs for approaching storms or changing weather conditions. Some areas
are susceptible to certain types of severe weather. Weather hazards
include:

• Lightning and thunderstorms,

• Flooding and flash flooding,
• Strong winds and tornadoes, • Freezing rain and hail, and
• Being Overexpose to sun.

3. Equipment and Transportation

Keep your equipment in good condition. Inspect them before your trip. Do
not wait until you are at the trail-head. Beyond the activity, the equipment
and driving/ transportation are also considered environmental hazards.

Equipment:
• Broken stove
• Boots not broken in
• Improper clothing
• Inoperative equipment

Driving/Transportation:
• Bad road conditions
• Darkness
• Unfamiliar road
• Difficult road (Class I-VI)
• Other erratic drivers
• Pedestrians/cyclists
Ten essential equipment for Mountaineering

According to mountaineers.org, “it is a great idea to work on a checklist

that is tailored to the nature of the outing when planning for your next
mountaineering trip”. Here are ten essential pieces of equipment that
mountaineers should prepare and bring when climbing a mountain:

1. Navigation – Today’s mountaineer carries five essential tools while

navigating to their destination: map, altimeter, compass, GPS device, and
personal locator beacon (“PLB”) or other devices to contact emergency
first responders.
2. Headlamp – In the outdoors, headlamps are the flashlight of choice,
freeing hands for anything from cooking to climbing. If the party plans to
return before dark, each member should carry a headlamp.
3. Sun-protection – This includes carrying and wearing sunglasses,
sunprotective clothes, and broad-spectrum sunscreen rated at least SPF
30.
4. First Aid – Carrying and knowing how to use a first-aid kit should not give
you a false sense of security. Avoid injuries or sickness is the best course
of action to take in the first place.
5. Knife – These are useful for first-aid, food preparation, repairs, and
climbing, therefore, everyone in the group should carry one.
6. Fire – Most climbers carry a disposable butane lighter or two instead of
matches. Either must be reliable.
7. Shelter – Carrying some sort of emergency shelter from rain and wind,
such as a plastic tube tent or a jumbo plastic trash bag.
8. Extra Food – The food should require no cooking, be easily digestible,
and store well for long periods.
9. Extra water – Always carry at least one water bottle or hydration bag.
10. Extra clothes – It refers to additional layers that would be needed to
survive long, inactive hours of an unplanned camp.

Commonly used life-saving equipment in Aquatic Activities

According to www.shmgroup.com, “many disastrous accidents have been
averted due to the timely use of life-saving equipment by the sports enthusiasts
as well as the accompanying experts”. The following are the commonly used life-
saving equipment in water sports and should always be checked for availability.

1. Lifejackets - These can be of help to the person wearing it from

drowning. Thus, it is important to always wear a life jacket throughout
the water activity.
2. Safety helmets – They are used mostly for water sports involving a
higher risk factor, like water skiing and kayaking activities, but it is
important to use them whenever required.
3. Safety harnesses – They should be tied tightly enough to allow free
movement in the boat or on deck, but not so loose that the person may
fall overboard, leading to a lot of injuries.
4. Lifebuoys – These are ring-like flotation devices that prevent people
from drowning.
5. First aid kits - It is the first requirement for medical assistance in case
of an emergency and hence is a must-have safety measure on every
boat.
6. Maps - It is important to navigate rightly and follow the basic safety
rules while taking any vessel out in the water, be it for rafting or
boating.
7. Distress signals – These include light-emitting beacons and flares
that are important to gain the attention of passers-by for help during an
emergency.
8. Radios – It will enable the person in need to get in touch with the
control center and get assistance in case of an emergency.
 9. Weather Gauge - Carrying a weather gauge at all times helps one
stay updated about the climate and any potential weather change.
10. Personal locator - The beacon is an electronic transmitter that sends
out a signal alerting the rescuers of the location. People regularly use
this device for crew saving in lifeboats and shipping.

Risk Management of Outdoor Activities

4. MANAGING RISK
According to Parkin and Blades (1998), “Managing risk in outdoor

https://adventureed.org/risk-management-for-
outdoorprogrammes/
education hinges on the reduction of
the degree of real risk to a level
considered acceptable to everyday
exposure. Understandably, this aim
may be an objective of any outdoor
program where risk of injury is inherent.
Safety is a paramount consideration;
however, it cannot be guaranteed. This
is because there are many factors over
which little or no control can be exerted
(e.g. sudden rock fall, gear failure,
human error, or inclement weather). In
most cases it is more practical to
reduce risk than to impose a rigid set of
safety
standards or safety precautions”.
Parkin and Blades (1998) identify the three (3) main steps to the
management of risk in any outdoor education program:
1. Risk Identification – primarily involves the identification of the dangers
or hazards that can give risk and thereby causing an accident.
2. Risk Assessment – degree of risk and the probability of an incident
occurring relates to the assessment of risk.
3. Risk Reduction – implement a range of strategies that will minimize
risks to an acceptable level in an attempt to prevent incidents from
occurring.

In www.education.vic.gov.au, “a range of hazards can be present in the

activities being performed outdoors and the environment in which they are
conducted”.
In addition, hazards associated with outdoor activities may include but
are not limited to:
✓ traffic and pedestrian management
✓ ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure
✓ adverse weather conditions (rain, wind, ice, temperature
extremes etc.)
 ✓ natural disasters (storms, fire, floods etc.)
✓ animals and insects
✓ noxious plants
✓ general environment (sharp objects, trip hazards, terrain
etc.)
✓ participants with pre-existing medical conditions
✓ injuries and accidents
✓ uncontrolled environments (public places, strangers etc.)
✓ workplace bullying and occupational violence.

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Essential Tips for the Outdoor Safety

In www.fs.fed.us, the most effective way to prevent mishaps is to

adequately prepare for the trip. Knowledge of the area, weather, terrain, limitations
of your body, plus a little common sense can help to ensure a safe and enjoyable
trip.

The website introduces the following essential tips for outdoor activities:

1. Travel with companion.

You don't want to be by yourself in case of an emergency. Leave a copy of
your itinerary with a responsible person. Include such details as the make, year,
and license plate of your car, the equipment you're bringing, the weather you've
anticipated, and when you plan to return. If you'll be entering a remote area, your
group should have a minimum of four people; this way, if one is hurt, another can
stay with the victim while two go for help. If you'll be going into an area that is
unfamiliar to you, take along someone who knows the area or at least speak with
those who do before you set out. If an area is closed, do not go there. Know ahead
of time the location of the nearest telephone or ranger station in case an
emergency does occur on your trip.
2. Be in good physical condition.
Set a comfortable pace as you hike. A group trip should be designed for the
weakest member of the group. If you have any medical conditions, discuss your
plans with your health care provider and get approval before departing. Make sure
you have the skills you need for your camping or hiking adventure. You may need
to know how to read a compass, erect a temporary shelter, or give first aid.
Practice your skills in advance. If 9your trip will be strenuous, get into good
physical condition before setting out. If you plan to climb or travel to high altitudes,
make plans for proper acclimatization to the altitude.
3. Think about your footing while traveling near cliffs. Trees and bushes can't
always be trusted to hold you. Stay on developed trails or dry, solid rock areas
with good footing.
4. Wear appropriate clothing for the trail conditions and season.
5. Check your equipment. Keep your equipment in good working order. Inspect it
before your trip. Do not wait until you are at the trailhead. Be sure to pack
emergency signaling devices.
6. Be weather wise. Keep an eye on current and predicted weather conditions. In
this area, weather can change very quickly. Know the signs for approaching
storms or changing weather conditions. Avoid bare ridge tops, exposed places,
lone trees, streams, and rocks during lightning storms. Find shelter in a densely
forested area at a lower elevation. Even in the summer, exposure to wind and
rain can result in hypothermia.
7. Learn basic first aid so you will know how to identify and treat injuries and
illnesses. Carry a first aid kit with you. Learn how to identify the symptoms of
heat exhaustion, heat stroke, hypothermia, and dehydration, and know how to
treat them.
8. Make camp before dark. Traveling after darkness has resulted in many
accidents from falls, so travel only during daylight. Set up camp well away from
the edge of cliffs and learn the terrain during daylight. If you have to leave camp
after dark, stay in areas you have seen in daylight, go with a friend, and always
use a good flashlight.
9. Be alert for slippery areas and take your time to avoid tripping. Low-
hanging branches and variable terrains make running unsafe, and leaves can
hide slippery areas underneath.
10. Alcohol and cliffs don't mix. If you drink, stay away from the cliffs.
Judgment, agility, and balance are all reduced by alcohol consumption.
11. Think before you drink! No matter how clean or pure stream water looks,
it's likely to contain water-borne parasites and microorganisms that can cause
discomfort and sometimes serious illness. Pack your water in or purify through
chemical treatment.

Activity 1: Direction: In a ¼ illustration board or cartolina, create an info-

graphic or info-poster that promotes responsible outdoor recreation in this time
of Covid-19 pandemic. Your output will be graded using the rubric below.

Examples:

Source: https://www.lrp.usace.army.mil/Media/News-Stories/Article/2160969/corps-encourages-
responsible-
recreation-for-earth-day/
 Source: https://koa.com/campgrounds/lena/blog/covid-responsible-recreation_e0363dd6-a9ef-4f2a-
9a5d5ac36cae969d/

Rubric for the poster:

Adapted: https://www.schrockguide.net/uploads/3/9/2/2/392267/schrock_infographic_rubric.pdf
Demonstrating Proper Etiquette and Safety
in Recreational Camping
Camping, recreational activity in which participants take up temporary
residence in the outdoors, usually using tents or specially designed or adapted
vehicles for shelter. Camping was at one time only a rough, back to nature
pastime for hardy open air lovers, but it later became the standard holiday for
vast numbers of ordinary families.

Camping is an outdoor activity involving overnight stays away from home

with or without a shelter, such as a tent or a recreational vehicle. Typically
participants leave developed areas to spend time outdoors in more natural ones
in pursuit of activities providing them enjoyment. The night or more spent
outdoors distinguishes camping from day-tripping, picnicking, and other similarly
short term recreational activities.

Camping as a recreational activity became popular nowadays. With time, it

grew in popularity among other socioeconomic classes. Modern campers
frequent publicly owned natural resources such as public parks, wilderness
areas, and commercial compound grounds. Camping is a key part of many youth
organizations around the world, such as Scouting, which use it to teach both self-
reliance and teamwork.

Camping describes a range of activities and approaches to outdoor

accommodation. Survivalist campers set off with as little as possible to get by,
whereas recreational vehicle travelers arrive equipped with their own electricity,
heat, and patio furniture. Camping may be combined with hiking, as in
backpacking, and is often enjoyed in conjunction with other outdoor activities
such as canoeing, climbing, fishing, and hunting. Fastpacking involves both
running and camping.

There is no universally held definition of what is and what is not camping.

Just as the same campground may serve recreational campers, migrant workers,
and homeless at the same time. Fundamentally, it reflects a combination of intent
and the nature of activities involved. A children's summer camp with dining hall
meals and bunkhouse accommodations may have camp in its name but fails to
reflect the spirit and form of camping as it is broadly understood. Similarly, a
homeless person's lifestyle may involve many common camping activities, such
as sleeping out and preparing meals over a fire, but fails to reflect the elective
nature and pursuit of spirit rejuvenation that are integral aspect of camping.
Likewise, cultures with itinerant lifestyles or lack of permanent dwellings cannot
be said to be camping, it is just their way of life.

Types of Camping

People are usually filled with lots of ideas when it comes to camping from
going on extended trips through the wilderness to staying in a luxurious cabin in
the mountains. Going camping mainly depends on what you prefer, whether you
want an overnight stay outdoors to weekend trips. Camping offers outdoor lover
peace of mind and serene atmosphere far away from the hustle and bustle of the
city. Some of the types of camping are listed below.

1. Glamping Camping

Glamping is also known as glamorous camping and it involves camping

with the luxuries of a home. You are going to find a wide range of glamping
accommodations that are available in an eco-lodge. Glamping is more than a
nice tent as you can find varieties of options that range from cabins, villas,
lodges, and treehouses.
2. Tent Camping

This is the most basic and famous type of camping all over the world. This
involves heading to a park where you can pitch your tent where you will sleep for
some nights. You can go tent camping on a campsite, a beach, in the woods, or
anywhere you like. Tent camping is a great option to try out for people that are
new to camping and wants to start without having to spend a lot of money. Tent
camping is a perfect option for families with children as it creates the chance to
bond and learn how to work together.
3. Backpacking Camping

Backpacking Camping mainly involves spending the day just carrying your
gear and equipment on your back while you travel through nature. A backpacking
trip can range from night to several months. Backpacking trip gives you the
chance to spend time away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life while you
get closer to nature. If you are planning to go on a backpacking trip, you will need
to plan your trip while you also inform someone about your plans in case of an
emergency. They will help to alert authorities and initiate a search and rescue
operation.
4. Survivalist camping

In this type of camping, you will need to learn all the skills that you will
need to survive in a variety of outdoor situations. In survivalist camping, you are
going to hunt for food in the wild and also discover emergency medical
treatments by yourself. By acquiring these skills, you will be able to survive in
case of emergency or during harsh weather conditions.
5. Canoe Camping

Canoe camping is quite similar to backpacking and you are going to get
more freedom and lots of advantages of traveling by water. With canoe camping,
you will not have to worry much about weight as you can carry more equipment.
You will also be able to travel further and reach places that are not accessible to
hikers on foot or vehicles. Canoe camping is best suited for groups or two or
more tourists in case there is an emergency. You can also go as a solo traveler
but you will need to make more preparation. It is also important to put rainfall into
consideration during canoe camping because the water flow can change easily.
 6. RV and Van Camping

Going camping in a recreation vehicle gives you the opportunity to enjoy

fun outdoor destinations. With a recreational vehicle, you will have almost all that
you have at home and it includes comfortable bed and entertainment. You will
also get the chance to park all the equipment and toys that you want wherever
you go. All you will need is to find a suitable RV park where you can dock your
vehicle.

Camping Essentials

Spending a week in the great outdoors can be an amazing adventure? or

a living nightmare. Usually, a good or bad camping experience comes down to
just one factor: what you packed (or didn't pack) for the trip. Having the essential
camping items in your backpack can mean the difference between a restful
vacation among the trees and a ride to the nearest emergency room. Whether
you're a first-time camper or a seasoned survivalist, don't leave home without the
items our readers say are musthaves for a nature outing.

1.TENT
Even if you prefer slumbering under the stars, you should always have a
tent or other emergency shelter on hand just in case. Otherwise, a midnight
deluge, freak snowstorm or heavy dew is sure to leave you drenched, miserable
and at risk of hypothermia. A tent can shield you and your gear from high winds
as well. Whether you opt for the best two person tent or a larger cabin-style tent,
make sure you bring along all of its necessary accessories: rope, tent poles,
stakes and a rain fly.

2. SLEEPING BAG

Resting on a bed of moss and leaves may sound like fun, but it won't keep
you warm when the sun goes down. Temperatures can drop significantly at
nightfall, sometimes 20 degrees or more. Keep in mind, too, that many insects
are most active at night and may chance upon your in swaddled body. Going
without a sleeping bag risks an uncomfortable night's sleep at best, exposure at
worst. And if you've ever tried to go camping with kids, you know without a kid's
sleeping bag, they'll toss and turn all night.

3. WATER BOTTLE

Water is essential for survival in the great outdoors, and the further off the
beaten path you go, the more quickly it seems to run out. The last thing any
camper wants is to be stuck without a fresh supply of water, especially since
drinking from a pond or lake can cause serious illness due to bacteria. Even if the
wilderness you're heading into is just a few feet from your car, carry a day's
supply of the wet stuff in a camel back or other large container. Then, keep a
filter or water purification tablets on hand in case you have to refill from a nearby
stream.

4. FIRE STARTER

Camping isn't camping without a warm, crackling campfire, so you'll want

the tools to get one started quickly. Campers can start fires with a flint and steel,
matches, a cigarette lighter or a magnesium fire starter. If you opt for matches,
make sure they're waterproof. It's not a bad idea to pack two fire starters in case
one fails. Take along a little kindling as well, like dry bark or strips of newspaper,
in a waterproof container. Finding dry kindling when you need it can be a
challenge in the outdoors.

5. FIRST AID KIT

It's unlikely you'll experience a life-threatening injury while camping, but

even a long day of hiking can result in blisters that require bandaging. Small cuts
and scrapes, too, can quickly become infected if left untreated, so keep
bandages and antiseptic on hand. Your first aid kit should include other
necessities as well: scissors, adhesive, gauze, soap, a CPR mouth barrier and
an emergency whistle. Be sure to toss in bottles of sunscreen and insect
repellent as well. Sunburn and bug bites can end your trip as quickly as any
laceration.

6. POCKET KNIFE

The pocket knife is the ultimate multipurpose tool of the outdoors. A knife
can be used to trim a rope, cut fishing line, dice bait, slice cheese or sausage,
open a tightly sealed package, sharpen a stick, deal with tangled vines, tighten a
screw or skin a small animal. Without a knife, such tasks become nearly to
outright impossible. If you leave your knife at home, expect to feel frustrated
often.

7. MAP AND COMPASS (OR A CHARGED GPS)

If your camping itinerary calls for hiking in remote areas, don't go without a
map and compass or GPS. Constant changes in the sun's position can make
forest landmarks seem unfamiliar, causing hikers to become disoriented.
Unprepared campers have occasionally wandered the woods for days before
getting rescued or finding their way back to camp. Getting lost or stranded in a
wooded area, especially with a limited supply of water, is no joke. Even if your
kids just want to walk down to the nearest creek from your campsite, make sure
they have a way to return safely.
8. WEATHER APPROPRIATE CLOTHING AND RAIN GEAR

Camping means having only a few changes of clothes available, so it's

important to keep them dry. Walking around in damp clothes is not only
unpleasant, it can be dangerous in cooler climes where hypothermia is a
concern. Also, wet gear is heavy gear, which can make hauling a backpack
uncomfortable and difficult. Choose a lightweight, waterproof rain jacket that will
accommodate multiple layers of clothing.

9. FLASHLIGHT, LANTERN OR HEAD LAMP

A campfire may be nice and bright, but only for about six feet in any
direction. If you need to locate an item within your tent or visit the latrine during
the night, a portable, battery-powered light is invaluable. Many campers tout
headlamps as the best option because of their hands- free functionality.

Much of the remaining needed camping equipment is commonly available

in the home, including: dishes, pots, and pans; however, many people opt not to
use their home items, but instead utilize equipment better tailored for camping.
These amenities include heavy plastic tableware and salt and pepper shakers
with tops that close in order to shelter the shakers from rain. Old kitchen gear
purchased from thrift stores or garage sales may also be used in place of home
items as an alternative to buying specialized and more expensive camping
equipment. Backpackers use lightweight and portable equipment.
 Here are some images of camping materials to prepare.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF CAMPING

Most people go on camping trips because they're tired of the city or ready
for an adventure. Whether you enjoy biking, hunting or any other outdoor activity,
camping offers you a way to focus completely on a hobby for a few days without
external distractions. What you might not realize is that camping can help you
live a longer, healthier life. If you regularly camp out, you'll enjoy dozens of
significant health benefits from:

1. THE FRESH AIR

When you spend time near a lot of trees, you take in more oxygen. That
feeling of happiness that you get when you take your first breath of air at the
campground isn't all in your head well, technically it is, but it's a release of
serotonin from the extra oxygen. Your body can function with less strain when
there's plenty of oxygen. That's not the only benefit of fresh air. Research shows
that some time outdoors can improve your blood pressure, improve digestion and
give your immune system an extra boost. When you spend a few days outside,
you get some serious health benefits from the extra oxygen and low levels of
pollutants.

2. SOCIALIZATION

Camping alone is plenty of fun, but if you bring along a friend or family
member, you'll enjoy a unique experience together that will help you keep a
healthy, happy relationship. Socializing can extend your lifespan and delay
memory problems according to research published in the American Journal of
Public Health, and apart from the medical benefits, a few close relationships
make life more fun. Invite a few friends on your next trip out.

3. IMPROVED MOODS

Regular campers will often talk about how the first few days back from a
trip seem happier. This isn't without merit; spending some time outside in the
sunlight can even out the levels of melatonin in your brain. Melatonin is the
chemical that makes you feel tired and can induce feelings of depression, so by
camping, you can enjoy better overall moods during and after your trip.

4. LESS STRESS

Camping also allows you to cope with stress. Stress can negatively affect
your health in just about every way possible, and you're putting much less strain
on your mental and physical faculties by giving yourself some stress free time at
the campsite. The lack of stress is related to the rise in oxygen levels, higher
levels of serotonin and managed levels of melatonin mentioned above. There's
also an emotional component at work here, since it's harder to be annoyed or
angry when you're doing something that you enjoy.
5. EXERCISE

Let's not forget the most obvious benefit of camping: you're spending a lot
of time performing physical activities. Even if you're taking a fishing trip, you're
burning more calories than you'd burn sitting around an office, and if you hike or
bike, you're performing cardiovascular exercise that will help keep your heart and
lungs healthy. Your activity levels will vary, but hikers burn anywhere from 120-
300 calories per hour. Bikers burn 300-500 calories per hour, and fly fishing can
burn up to 200 calories per hour. No wonder you work up such an appetite during
a long camping trip.

6. SUNSHINE

Sunshine feels great on your skin, and there's an evolutionary reason for
that. When you're out in direct sunlight, you're taking on a ton of Vitamin D, which
allows your body to absorb calcium and phosphorous.

7. A GOOD NIGHT'S SLEEP

Assuming that you've got decent camping gear, you'll fall fast asleep after
a day full of outdoor activities. Sleep has an effect on all of your body processes
and can reduce inflammation, improve your cardiovascular system and help you
stay alert. Many campers report better sleep cycles when they return for a trip.

8. GOOD FOOD
 If you pack s'mores, you're not seeing any particularly solid health benefits
in this department. However, if you're fond of fishing and hunting, you'll likely eat
a large amount of protein and healthy fats on your camping trip. You won't get
any preservatives or unnatural ingredients in a fresh lake caught fish, and all of
the exercise on your trip will help you digest.

9. NEW CHALLENGES

No two camping trips are exactly the same, and that's a good thing.
Studies from the University of Texas and University of Michigan show that new
experiences help to keep brains healthy. New activities that are both physically
and intellectually stimulating have the greatest effect on brain health, and
camping fits both of these criteria.

10. MEDITATION

When you go camping, don't forget to turn off your cell phone. Leave the
tablet and the laptop computer at home. Try to disconnect for a few days and
enjoy the simplicity of the natural experience. This isn't just a general tip to help
you enjoy the experience; if you're willing to enjoy your surroundings without any
outside distractions, you could increase your lifespan. If you suffer from
depression, fatigue, heart disease or even allergies, research shows that
camping can improve your overall health. Just don't forget to commit to the
experience if your cell phone's off, you're on your way to developing a
stimulating, tranquil hobby that will keep you healthy for years to come.

Disadvantages of Camping

Even though there are many benefits and fun activities you can do while
camping there is also a down fall. These are some to consider:

1. Bugs (bug bites).

2. Bad weather (too cold, hot, or rainy).
3. Expensive equipment.
4. No internet.
5. Share a bathroom with everyone at the campsite.
6. Loud bugs and animals at night.
7. Getting sun burnt.
8. Limited food.
9. Get dirty easily.
10. Could get bored easily.

How to Set Up a Tent

 Setting up a tent can seem a complex task for any first time camper. Tents
are an essential and useful piece of camping gear, for sure, but many frustrated
campers have cursed their camping tent as they've tried to set it up in the dark
without proper preparation. However, once you've set up a tent several times, it
becomes a familiar routine that can easily be repeated even in the most difficult
hiking and camping conditions, and once you've mastered setting up one kind of
tent, it will then be easier to set up other kinds of tents, be they dome tents or
family tents. Camping and hiking should be enjoyable, and they certainly can be
if you know how to set up your camping and hiking equipment. Here are the
steps that will help you set up tents for camping quickly and efficiently.

1.Practice setting up your tent before you go camping.

Setting up your camping tent at least a couple times, directions in hand,

before twilight on the evening of your camping trip is a good idea. While some
camping tents have simple designs, like family tents, other tents have complex
designs, like dome tents, which will not be easy to assemble when it’s dark and
you’re in the woods.

2. Find an area that is flat and free of sharp objects.

Clear the area of any large sticks, rocks or other debris which could cause
a rip or puncture in your tent or that would be uncomfortable to sleep on.

3. Unpack the tent and all of its parts.

Sort the parts of your camping tent

into respective groups tent stakes, tent
poles, rain fly and so on so you’re not
hunting for them as you set up the tent.

4. Unfold the tent and lay it in the respective area.

 Make sure it is facing the direction you desire. Point it towards the east if
you want to open your tent door on the sunrise.

5. Stake down the corners of your tent.

If your tent has a ground cloth or a footprint (a tent footprint is simply a

ground cloth shaped specially for your tent), set that down first. Next, stake down
your tent, making sure to pull the floor of the tent fairly taut as you do so. Big
tents and family tents almost always have to be staked down, but some
backpacking tents do not. This is a nice feature if you plan on camping where
staking might be a problem, like on slick-rock in the American Southwest, but
even free-standing tents should be staked down if possible. Most tents have to
be staked before they’ll stand up.

7. Connect your tent poles.

Tent poles usually come in sections that you put together. To ensure that
you don’t put the wrong sections together,
the tent poles may be color-coded. If not,
read the directions for your tent to find out
how to tell the difference between different
poles.

7. Assemble the frame of the tent.

Tents for camping come in a variety

of different designs. Some tents are
freestanding, like many dome tents, and
use several poles that support each other,
while other tents have simple two-pole
designs and stand up only when the tent is staked down. However your tent
works, actually erecting the frame of the tent will involve sliding the tent poles
through sleeves on the outside of the tent or securing the ends of the poles in
grommets at the base of the tent, and then attaching the body of the tent to the
poles via clips.

8. Secure the rain fly of the tent.

Camping tents usually aren’t

waterproof. At least, the body of the tent
itself is not waterproof. A few tents are
(they’re called single wall tents), but they’re
usually expensive mountaineering tents that
are uncomfortable for most normal
situations. Most tents come with
a waterproof cover called a rain fly that
secures over the top of the tent to protect it
from the rain. If your tent has a rain fly,
secure it over the top of the tent. This
usually involves fastening the corners of the
rain fly to cords that attach to the base of the tent and may
include additional clips or ties that attach to the tent poles.

The Golden Rules of Camping Etiquette

If you’re currently planning your camping getaway, employ the Golden Rule and
take your five-year-old sharing, caring, good-mannered self on your next
camping trip.
 Following these camping etiquette guidelines will spare your fellow
campers, and the environment you’ve come to enjoy, a whole lot of headaches.

1. LAW OF THE LAND

Respect the regulations where you’re
camping. Be sure to check posted signage or
chat with the ranger or camp host.

DO: Honor the leash law in places

where pets are invited and dispose of waste
appropriately.
DON’T: Burn, where a fire ban is in
effect. If campfires or stoves are allowed,
make sure to equip yourself with fire
precautions.

2. STAKE YOUR CLAIM

The best campsite is one that is already there. It’s physics, baby. Use
what others have done before you and conserve your energy for playing outside.

DO: Set your tent up in established spaces. It protects the surrounding

wild by keeping it well, wild.
DON’T: Set up too close to water. Unless an established campsite places
you closer, try to stay 200 feet away from streams, rivers or lakes.

3. VOLUME CONTROL
Whether your go to shower song is “Let It Go” or “Shake It Off,” these
catchy tunes are meant for playing on incessant repeat inside your head.

DO: Sing in the round ‘round the fire before quiet time.
DON’T: Blast your boom box. Sharing campground space is all about
keeping the decibels to a minimum and lower volume means better chances for
wildlife sightings.

4. KEEP IT CLEAN
Camping may involve lots of dirt, but it’s actually all about keeping it clean
at least when it comes to the site.
DO: Dispose of trash properly in provided bins. Take it with you where
required to pack it out or when there is no more space in the provided bins.
DON’T: Do your dishes in your camp and dispose of the strained
dishwater in provided drains or by scattering it.

5. CREATURE CARE
Your campsite may be your temporary home, but it is and has been home
to many more.

DO: Take lots of pictures of wildlife and quietly observe them from afar.
DON’T: Feed the animals; keep your cheese puffs to yourself. Also, leave
cultural artifacts intact, leave them where you found them.
Activity 1: Let’s Draw (Long Bond Paper)
Draw and label the parts of the tent

Activity 2: Let’s Check (Long Bond Paper)

Explain briefly the following questions asked.

1. How do you practice safety camping? (100 word)

______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________.
2. What camping etiquette is the top most to consider. Why? (100 words)
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________.

Activity 3: Let’s Complete (Long Bond Paper)

Complete the statement to come up with a sentence.

1. Camping is ____________________________________________________.
2. Bottled water is _________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________.
3. Safety camping is observed ________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________.

Activity 4 : Let’s Do(Long Bond Paper)

Think for any five (5) recreational activities to introduce when joining a camping. Select one of
the activities and practice it with your family.

1._________________________________

2._________________________________

3._________________________________

4._________________________________

5._________________________________
Credit to: Department of Education