Frankly, healthy learning is more than sitting in a classroom with a bunch of books to read. Students deserve a change of environment to learn things outside class limits. Australia, a country filled with diverse plants and fascinating wildlife, provides a unique opportunity for educational exploration. School camping happens all around, encouraging students to learn more about the great outdoors.

Now, like any other camping adventure, school camping trips also require careful planning to ensure a seamless experience. Equipping your little champ with first aid kit and other essential supplies is highly recommended to avoid any inconvenience during the exploration and outdoor adventure. Lucky for you, we have created a school camping checklist to help you avoid risks in case the inevitable happens. Stick around!

Camping Essentials for Students – What to Pack  for School Camping Trip

Undoubtedly, Australia offers many unique discoveries that are worth exploring. However, the land is also inhabited by some of the world’s most dangerous animals, and the changing weather conditions can pose many risks. Thus, it is important to incorporate the following items for a safe and rewarding school camping experience.

Shelter and Sleeping Gear

First things first- Every student deserves to have adequate sleeping gear. Your kid will be out there for a night or two of fun; hence, they need a place to relax and unwind after a long day of hiking. Here are essential shelter and sleeping gear items you should consider adding to that outdoor adventure camping list.

Tents

This goes even without saying. A tent is one camping essential for students that they should never miss if they are going to spend the night in the woods. Opt for a small tent that will be easier to carry around. Also, for easier set-up, make sure you go for tents with stakes and guylines.

Sleeping Bag

Your child would appreciate it if they had a warm, comfortable sleeping bag to use during the camping trips. There are many types of sleeping bags available, from synthetic sleeping bags to down-filled sleeping bags. To make the right pick, consider packed size, weight and warmth. A lightweight (1-1.5kg), easier-to-pack and warm sleeping bag will make a great fit.

Sleeping pads or Air Mattresses

A lot of heat can be lost through contact with cold ground, and this is where a sleeping pad steps in. With air filled in, they provide a comfortable sleeping surface. Again, you want to go for easy-to-pack and lightweight sleeping pads. The closed-cell foam is a bit heavier and can be easily punctured without caution. Open-cell foam, on the other hand, is a bit more luxurious and lightweight.

Clothing and Personal Items

Clothing and personal items should be included in the list depending on the timing of the camping trip. This is because different timing can come with varying conditions of weather. However, here are some general items you shouldn’t miss regardless of the timing;

Sturdy Hiking Boots

School camping trips involve a lot of hiking, and you want to make sure your kid has the right hiking shoes to avoid tripping hazards. These types of hiking boots are also protective of snake bites. However, to be 100% sure you are safe from such incidents, consider topping up snake bite kits that come in handy in case of a snake or funnel-web bite.

Talking of snake bites, let’s also look at some of the first aid kit supplies you will need.

First Aid Kit Supplies

Accidents are inevitable, especially when exploring the great outdoors; equipping yourself with a school first aid kit that can efficiently solve common injuries is top tier.

Antiseptic wipes for disinfecting wounds and bandages for wound dressing are non-negotiable first aid kit supplies your child needs. Inspect repellents, hand sanitisers, and pain relievers also come in handy. Moreover, adding emergency contact information and medical consent forms can be beneficial to the staff.

Weather Appropriate Clothing

Australia’s weather conditions can sometimes be unpredictable. That said, you want to ensure you include clothing items with layers of varying temperatures, from lightweight clothes to rain gear like jackets, pants, or ponchos. For camp clothing, look for synthetic fabrics; light is suitable for hiking. Also, consider packing some full-sleeved clothing along with insect repellents to save yourself from itchy bites.

Personal Hygiene Items

Items like toothbrushes, toothpaste, soaps, deodorant, sanitary products, and portable washing machines should also be in that school camping checklist. To keep the weight down, opt for smaller amounts and sizes for toothbrushes and toothpaste.

Cooking and Dining Supplies

Everything is better on a full stomach. Cooking and dining supplies also come in handy during school camping trips. Here are some of the essentials to add to your list;

Portable Camping Stove or Campfire Cooking Equipment

The last thing you want is for your kid to survive on raw and dehydrated foods. A portable camping stove can help crank the heat, allowing easier cooking and warming of packed food. You can opt for either a fuel or gas stove; they both have their pros and cons, but they all do the same task.

Don’t forget to add campfire cooking equipment like pots and pans to your school camping checklist; you need them for cooking. Pots and pans made from alloy are light but not safe to use. Stainless steel offers an outstanding balance as it’s a bit lightweight and safe to eat from.

Eating Utensils

Plates, bowls, cups, and spoons are other essential cooking and dining supplies that should not miss a spot on that outdoor adventure packing list. Your child needs a place to eat a healthy meal and drink from. Don’t also forget to include food storage containers for the leftovers. The outdoors is no place to get rid of food. They need to save it for more energy.

Biodegradable Soap and Sponge

You have probably heard this time and again, but maintaining hygiene is one way to ensure your child is safe from diseases and infections. Hygiene applies even when they are out camping. Ensure your child has soap and a sponge to clean the cooking and dining supplies. If they don’t know how to use one, make sure you teach them before they go on the camping trip.

Outdoor Essentials

Lastly, set a spot for group and miscellaneous items. They can range from lightweight cameras for capturing memories to hand-held or head torches.

Apart from that, your child will also need a backpack for day activities, rubbish bags, a water bottle, paper, pens and pencils. Ensure you verify such items with the teacher on duty to avoid unnecessary issues.

Now that you have a complete school camping checklist, remember to purchase quality products for future school camping trips. This applies even when purchasing school first aid kit supplies. You want to ensure your little one is catered for in all aspects. We hope you have an exciting time gathering all of these supplies.