Dear Just Be: My family is bugging me about goign camping this summer- I don't have much experience camping though. Do you have any safety tips?

Memorial Day weekend is right around the corner, the sunshine is in full force and that means enjoying the great outdoors! What better way to connect with nature, smell some fresh air and have a fun family outing than tent camping. Its one of America's favorite summer pastimes.

Before venturing out this season, here is a list of tips we think you may want to keep in mind.

1. Do you already own your camping equipment? If so, be sure to break it out of its winter storage and check it thoroughly for any repairs that need to be taken care of before you head out on your camping trip.

2. If you don't already own equipment, take stock of what you do have (you don't necessarily need to buy everything at once.) You will need a tent and sleeping bags. Make sure the tent is large enough to fit all of your family inside at night (including the family dog!) and that your sleeping bags are rated for low enough temperatures that you won't freeze if the temperatures fall at night. Be sure to take a flashlight that casts a decent light for maneuvering in the dark.

3. Even if you don't have a family, be sure to camp with someone. There is safety in numbers. In case there is an emergency, it is better if you have a travel companion with you. For remote camping destinations, think about traveling in a group of four people-that way if someone is injured, two people can hike out for help while a 3rd person stays behind with the injured camper.

4. Leave a rough, if not exact, itinerary with someone who is not traveling with you. Let them know when you expect to return from your trip and give them some sort of idea of where you plan to camp.

5. Pack and wear appropriate clothing. The weather can change suddenly in the Rocky Mountain region, so plan for dressing in layers. You will want light enough clothing that you can wear to protect against sunburn, but warm items for at night.

6. Pack an emergency signaling device and a first aid kit every time you camp. Do not rely on your cellphone as many areas do not have service or you may run out of battery if there is no electric to recharge your phone. Consider taking a first aid course before you start camping.

7. Before heading out, check the weather for the latest report. Have a back up plan in place in case of inclement weather, such as a different location. If while you are camping a weather system moves in, avoid bare ridge tops, exposed places, lone trees, streams, and rocks during lightning storms. Find shelter in a densely forested area at a lower elevation. Even in the summer, exposure to wind and rain can result in hypothermia.

8. Whenever possible, make camp before dark and walk the area you will be camping so you are familiar with the site before it is dark. Avoid setting up camp too close to a water source or near any cliffs.

9. Remember that alcohol may have a different affect on you and others at higher altitudes. Drink responsibly. Also, be sure to drink plenty of water- but make sure it is clean, filtered water (or water you packed in.) Many streams and lakes contain water-borne parasites and microorganisms that can cause discomfort and sometimes serious illness.

Think and plan ahead, be prepared and remember to have fun this summer enjoying the great wild areas of our state and country!