Camping with the Class: A Weather and Safety Guide for Unforgettable Trips
A camping trip can tremendously strengthen class cohesion. To ensure the adventure is a positive experience for everyone, good planning and clear safety rules—especially regarding the weather—are essential.
1. Site Selection & Weather Check
Choose an official campsite with good infrastructure (sanitary facilities, on-site contact person). Avoid wild camping. Research the specific weather characteristics of the region in advance. A coastal region has different challenges (wind, storm surges) than a mountain region (thunderstorms, cold snaps).
2. The Right Equipment
Provide students with a detailed packing list. Randomly check important gear.
- Tent: Must be waterproof (hydrostatic head of at least 3,000 mm). All pegs and guy lines must be present and intact.
- Sleeping Bag & Pad: Must be suitable for the expected nighttime temperatures. A cold night can ruin the mood.
- Clothing: The layering principle is mandatory. Important: a fully waterproof jacket and trousers, as well as waterproof shoes. Even in summer, pack a hat and gloves for cold evenings.
- Teacher's Gear: Comprehensive first-aid kit, communication devices (charged phone + power bank), weather app with radar function, list of emergency contacts.
3. Camp Safety During Severe Weather
- Storms: Set up tents in sheltered locations (not under isolated, old trees!). Use all guy lines and drive pegs deep into the ground. In case of a storm warning: have an evacuation plan to solid buildings (sanitary block, common room).
- Rain: Do not pitch tents in depressions. Digging trenches around the tent is usually unnecessary and harms the ground. It is more important that everyone keeps their gear dry in waterproof bags.
- Thunderstorms: Tents offer NO protection! Immediately move the group to solid buildings or closed vehicles. Follow the 30-30 rule.
4. Meal Planning and Hygiene
Plan simple, nutritious meals. Gas stoves must be operated by teachers. Ensure safe food storage to not attract animals and maintain a clean camp kitchen to prevent gastrointestinal issues.