The family camping trip is a time-honored tradition for many families. It is a good way to get out of the everyday grind of the city for some rest and relaxation in the beauty and splendor of nature as well as a great way to experience some family bonding time. Giving each family member their own job or responsibilities can build trust and communication in addition to making sure everyone stays safe and has fun at the same time.

Dads

Being the dad can be a big responsibility. Making sure you are fully prepared for any situation can make you the superhero on your camping and hiking adventures. A great first step is to have a backup generator like the Generac LP 3250. Not only can it provide backup power should you need it in an emergency but it also runs off of a standard propane tank, which is the same as your grill, so you don’t have to worry about bringing extra fuel.

Not only are you the go-to guy when things get tough but you also are the man with the know how, who can pass that knowledge onto the rest of the family. Take the opportunity to start teaching your kids the do's and don’ts of camping safety. Make sure they understand concepts like respecting the campfire and teaching them to always leave a place better than you found it. This can help keep the tradition alive and add value to everyone and everything around them.

Moms

Let’s be honest, whenever there is a boo-boo or ouchie, mom is the first and best resource. While a mother’s kiss and hug can cure most simple ailments, it’s always a good idea for mom to make sure the family is fully stocked with a good camping first aid kit. Coleman's pre-made first aid kits will suffice if you don't want to build your own. Either way, make sure you have everything you need to handle anything that wouldn’t normally result in a hospital trip.

In most cases, moms are also the bottom line for the cooking and food preparation. While the safety steps involved in cooking aren’t much more dangerous than they would be at home, there is often a bigger risk of food becoming spoiled or rotten if not stored properly. Always make sure that perishable food is kept in sealed containers and covered with ice or fully refrigerated. Properly clean your preparation areas, and dispose of all leftover materials to prevent contamination and to not attract the surrounding wildlife.

Kids

The children can play a big role as well. While it’s always a good idea to double check what they are doing, giving them tasks can help them to feel involved and appreciated on the trip. One of the best tasks for the little ones is to be in charge of accessories. Give them a backpack with important things like sunglasses and replacement lenses from Revant, sunscreen, bug spray and their own mini first aid kits. Then, you can teach them how to take on more responsibilities as they get older.

Whatever you do and wherever you go, take the extra time and energy to clearly communicate who is responsible for what to ensure a safe and exciting trip for the whole family. Keep the tradition alive generation after generation.