Wherever We Land

Camping is one of the most peaceful ways to spend time — away from the noise, under the open sky, with only God’s creation all around. But I’ve learned that even in the stillness of nature, things can take a turn in an instant. That’s why Snatcher and I always go into our camping trips with an emergency preparedness plan.

It’s not about living in fear — it’s about being wise stewards of our safety, ready for whatever comes our way. Proverbs 22:3 says, “A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.” To me, that means we honor God by using the wisdom He’s given us to prepare for the “just in case” moments.

1. A Solid Communication Plan

Before we even leave home, we make sure someone knows exactly where we’re going, how long we’ll be there, and when we expect to return. If there’s no cell signal at the campsite, we let family know the nearest ranger station or main road where they can try to reach us. A small handheld emergency radio is always in our pack — it doesn’t rely on cell towers and can be a lifeline in a real emergency.

2. First Aid Readiness

A well-stocked first aid kit is non-negotiable. Ours includes:

* Bandages, antiseptic wipes, and antibiotic ointment
* Gauze and medical tape
* Tweezers for splinters or ticks
* Pain relievers and allergy medicine
* An emergency blanket

We also take the time to refresh our knowledge of basic first aid skills — not just for ourselves, but so we can help others if needed.

3. Food & Water Backups

While we love cooking over an open fire, an emergency might mean fire isn’t an option. We always pack a small stash of no-cook food like protein bars, nuts, and dehydrated fruit. For water, we carry both extra gallons and a portable water filter in case our main supply runs low.

4. Weather & Shelter Precautions

Nature is beautiful, but she can also be unpredictable. We check the forecast before leaving and bring gear for sudden changes — a tarp for extra shelter, a lightweight rain jacket, and an extra set of warm clothes even if it’s supposed to be sunny. We also scout the campsite for possible hazards like falling branches or low-lying spots that could flood.

5. Fire Safety

If we’re having a campfire, we make sure we have a water bucket or sand nearby to put it out quickly. We follow the campground’s fire rules to the letter — no s’more is worth a forest fire.

6. A Faith-Based Mindset

Lastly, our best preparation is prayer. We pray before every trip for safety, wisdom, and the ability to help others if they’re in trouble. When you camp with the mindset that God is watching over you, you can stay calm in the chaos and think clearly when problems arise.

Final Thought:
Emergencies can happen anywhere — but out in nature, being prepared makes the difference between a small hiccup and a dangerous situation. We plan, we pack, we pray… and then we relax and enjoy the beauty of God’s creation knowing we’ve done our part.