As parents, we don’t typically worry if our kids will wander into a cave. But the deep, dark unknown to be explored is bound to lure them in if they find it.
Too many horror movies have even grown adults trapped in caves and caverns never to be heard from again and the reality of an entire soccer team stranded in a cave for 18 days means that as parents, parents that encourage our kids to adventure no less, we have to teach our kids to be safe around caves, in caves, and even when they’re just thinking about caves.
In our household, we love to explore. Even as an adult, I’m guilty of it as well. I’m obsessed with learning some new, something different, and if I happen to come across something that I’ve never noticed before on my last nature hike, I’m bound to get a little closer and see what it’s all about.
Exploring can be a great thing, and in our household, we encourage it. But along with the excitement of exploration, there also has to be a sense of safety and awareness as well.
How to Teach your Kids to be Cave Safe
Don’t be naive.
You know your children, and you know how their mind works. Be truthful with yourself in the fact that your family is going to go out exploring, and there is a good possibility that you are going to be going in and out of places that maybe aren’t necessarily viewed as “safe”. Talk to your children and educate them on the risks associated with exploring caves or other small places. The more that you can communicate with them about the possible scenarios, the better.
Just because you’re in a group doesn’t make you safe. Yes, safer. But if a whole soccer team of boys and their coach can be trapped for nearly 3 weeks, then being in a group didn’t actually make a huge difference. Remember, there is always one leader of the group that is paving the way. Everyone else tends to follow, meaning that they are putting all their trust in the abilities of that leader.
Related: Buy Into Experiences, Not Things
Trust your abilities, but know your limits
Can you swim? Can you climb? Are you experienced? All of these things run through our heads when we approach tumultuous situations. So if it looks a little too steep or a little too dangerous, don’t push yourself or your family to a point of danger.
Be aware of weather conditions.
Don’t downplay the pending weather before heading out on your cave exploration journey. It’s imperative to know how the weather forecast for the day looks so you don’t find yourself stranded or waiting for a storm to pass. It also then allows you to pack accordingly with rain ponchos, boots, or other outdoor weather gear that can help you on your adventure.
Pack food and water for your outdoor adventure.
Never leave home without packing food and water for your exploration adventure. Water should ALWAYS be a priority and one of the first items that you concentrate on. Staying hydrated is most important anytime that you head out your door to get out and about in nature.
Packaged food items such a granola bars, fresh fruit, and even nuts and granola are also great items to pack as well because they are light, easy to carry and pack some substance to keep your energy level fueled for your adventure.
Related: 5 Campers that are Perfect for a Family
Always take a first aid kit.
No adventure is too small to have a first aid kit on hand. You never know when there may be a few cuts, scrapes and bruises that occur along the way. It’s possible to find a super small first aid kit filled with just some of the essentials to ensure that you have the correct medical attention if an accident does happen. Bandaids, disinfectant, and gauze are great items to have!
Never leave home without your gear.
Nature is full of surprises. None of us know truly what nature holds until we are smack dab in the middle of it. Always, always, always prepare and plan ahead and have your gear with you when exploring. Flashlights, a helmet with a light attached and knee pads are just a few items to consider packing when going cave exploring. Also, extra batteries as well. You need to be prepared for anything and everything!
Related: 20 Ways to Have a No Spend Weekend
Let someone else know what area (or cave) you are going to be exploring.
Last, but not least, communicate with someone outside of your group of the area that you are planning on exploring. That way, if something does happen, there are others who know the vicinity of where you and your family are planning on exploring. It’s a simple way to have an extra layer of safety and security just by telling someone else. If you do happen to get lost or need help, those who know where you are will be able to guide others to you quickly to assist.
When it comes to teaching your kids to be cave safe, the time is now. The more that they can be educated on what they need to do, the items they need to take and ways to be the safest they can, the better. With the summer adventures out there and waiting, don’t delay on communicating these safety tips with them!
Get out and about together as a family in nature:
My friend Kara and I host a free workshop for families to get active and go on amazing adventures together. Whether you’re a newbie or experiences, we want to increase the time spent outside.
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