November 2023 • Nebraskaland 43
out the rain, that will work just fi ne. The most important
thing is to keep dry — getting wet is the worst when it's cold,
which can also quickly turn into an emergency.
LAYERS – Mornings and nights will be cold, but dress your
children in layers that they can peel off if you experience a
sunny, warm day. Here is how I dress my kids: I start with
a base layer, something a little tighter fi tting that a couple
more layers can fi t over. Over the layers, they wear insulated
bib overalls, which can be easily removed during warmer
spells. Next, a shell jacket will help keep them dry and block
out the prairie wind. Cold feet and hands are the quickest
way to put out the fi re on a good winter adventure. I keep a
stock of hand warmers to tuck inside pockets and boots. Also,
ear bands will provide protection, even when it's too warm to
wear a stocking cap.
The P's
There is just no way around it, the inevitable baring of skin
for the P's: pee and poo. Boys may have it a little easier than
girls, but we all end up having to squat at some point in time.
Diaper wipes will always have a place at my camp.
On a related note: When my youngest was 3, we camped
in an ice storm, and a few days after
our family adventure, he broke out in
poison ivy in the only three places that
get exposed in such weather: his hands,
face and groin.
Urushiol is the compound in poison
ivy that is responsible for my son's
nasty reaction, and it exists in every part of the plant, even
during dormancy and also when it's dead. Know how to
identify poison ivy in any season and pass on that knowledge
to your children.
If cold-weather camping sounds as though it could scratch
an itch for your family, start by planning a couple of trips
mid- to late fall. Head over to OutdoorNebraska.gov and
search "camping," and take a look at what Nebraska camping
has to off er in the off -season.
N
if you prepare well, winter camping off ers solitude, no insects, and quality time with family outdoors. GETTYIMAGES
POISON
IVY,
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