Spending a night under the open sky is a fantastic way to spark children’s curiosity about the natural world. Indiahikes recognises that parents may have concerns about safety in the outdoors. In this article, we answer all the questions you may have about overnight camping.
But first, here are a few fundamentals about overnight camping with us.
We organise treks that are safe and accessible
Our trek locations offer the best of both worlds – far enough from the city for an escape yet still accessible to ensure connectivity and safety.
Anyone with reasonable fitness levels can do the trek. The trail is clearly marked and easy to follow, reducing the likelihood of accidents. This makes overnight camping an ideal choice for everyone, including children ages 8 and above.
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Our trek leaders are highly qualified and experienced
Leading each group are highly experienced trek leaders who know the trails inside out - from the terrain to lesser-known anecdotes about native flora and fauna.
Our trek leaders are trained in mountaineering and have undergone the Wilderness First Responder (WFR) course and Basic Life Support (BLS) training. From Himalayan expeditions to easy day hikes, they guide every trek with equal care and enthusiasm.
Most importantly, they are excellent with children and passionate about instilling in them a love for the outdoors.
We carry safety equipment to address any kind of contingency
In situations where the trail becomes slippery due to rain, our trek leaders are equipped to fix ropes on certain sections to enhance safety while descending. While we've been fortunate never to need ropes, we always have them on hand just in case.
Our team members carry walkie-talkies to stay connected. Whether it's the trek leader at the front or the sweeper at the back, everyone stays informed about what's happening.
The team carries a well-stocked medical kit that includes supplies for treating cuts, bruises, sprains, or insect bites.
Many parents reach out to us with similar questions about children’s safety while overnight camping. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.
What if my child is injured or has a medical emergency on the trek?
We take extra precautions and tread cautiously, particularly in sections with narrow paths. In case of a more serious sprain or ankle twist, the team is trained to tend to the injury and safely bring children back to the base.
Minor falls and scrapes can happen anytime, even outside of trekking. Children are much tougher than we give them credit for!
How safe is the campsite?
Indiahikes has a dedicated campsite in our Southern Campus - a secure and well-organised spot guaranteeing all trekkers a safe and comfortable experience. Children stay two or three in a tent at the campsite. Boys and girls have separate tents.
Additionally, our team members’ tents are nearby. They conduct thorough head counts and check in with the children before bedtime and during the night.
What if my child needs to go to the toilet in the middle of the night?
We assign toilet buddies to ensure nobody wanders off alone in the dark. Plus, our team members are always on hand to accompany children to the toilet. We recommend strongly that parents pack headlamps for children.
What happens in case of rain or bad weather?
We monitor weather conditions a day before and during the trek. In case of bad weather, the team will always make the best call under the circumstances with safety as a priority.
Our tents are waterproof and we insist on children bringing rain gear to wear on the trek and while walking around the campsite.
Having said that, trekking in the rain is not a risk but an unforgettable experience worth having. Unless it is a torrential downpour or poses a safety hazard, we continue the trek.
What about bugs, insects, and snakes on the trek?
We encourage children to act from a place of care and caution, rather than fear or paranoia. Our team engages children in discussions about insects, bugs, and reptiles in the area. Trek leaders provide information on what to watch for and areas to avoid to encourage peaceful coexistence.
To ensure that no child wanders off alone, we have a well-structured buddy system in place. Additionally, our team members are ever-vigilant, constantly around to offer guidance and supervision.
My child is scared of the dark. Will they be ok at night?
Our goal is to introduce children to nighttime and demonstrate the beauty it holds. We take a gradual approach to help kids become more comfortable with the dark. They have the opportunity to sit outside as the sun sets, observing the gentle shift from day to night.
We organise special activities like star gazing, storytelling, or even a short night walk that greatly reduces the fear of the dark. As long as the fear isn’t debilitating, our team can help ease children into it.
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For children, overnight camping is more than an adventure. Some benefits are profound and hard to measure. The growth in confidence from learning new skills and taking responsibility for yourself and others. The resilience that comes from failure but learning to try again.
Indiahikes is committed to making camping an enjoyable and worry-free experience. You can have peace of mind knowing your child is in safe hands, allowing them to explore, learn, and create wonderful memories with confidence.
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