Since the heat wave in Vancouver temporarily ended and we received a bit of rain, we’ve been battling the onset of mosquitoes and other biting bugs at our local playground. It’s pretty amazing the size of the welts that the children get from the bug bites. Since I already slather my kids in sunscreen before we go outside to protect them from the sun, I was hesitant to add more chemicals from an insect repellent. But then I learned that there are natural and DEET-free bug repellents such as Buzz Away Pump Spray Insect Repellent available at Whole Foods or your neighbourhood natural food store. So, now we can be safe from the sun, the bugs and the chemicals.

Unfortunately, there will always be the “goose-egg” bumps and scrapes that my son gets from falling at the playground. While I can’t always prevent him from getting hurt, I do feel better that my first aid kit includes All Terrain Eco Guard bandages and arnica gel that instantly take care of all our summer-time “boo-boos”. Of course, ice cream also makes him feel better as it’s his favourite summertime treat. Too bad I can’t pack that in our first aid kit.

What do you have in your summer survival kit?