Anyone who has been camping with kids knows that when they get into the woods their imagination runs free. Children are ready to perceive information with an open heart. Just provide them with a debris hut that you build together and it will quickly become their castle where they can play and fight the enemies. Without a doubt, camping is fun, but did you know it is also a great opportunity to teach your kids critical survival skills?
As one of the oldest and most famous traditions, camping is where you can start explaining many survival skills like how to create a shelter or to find your way in the forest, start a fire and stay safe in the wilderness. This article will show you how.
4 Major Survival Aspects of Camping
As a rule, there are four main survival aspects that are usually mastered by the youngsters who go camping along with you or become a part of the boy scouts or similar youth organizations. Regardless of your location and the length of the camping trip, it is vital to explain all the precautions and the safety measures of doing things right.
Making and Managing a Fire.
Knowing how to start a fire is one of the most important aspects of survival in the wilderness as you need to get dry and warm. While it is often shown in the movies as something simple, it is not always easy for the young ones since their movements are not yet mature and well-coordinated.
Teaching your children how to build and tend a campfire also includes keeping it under control. Make sure that you explain how to avoid burning down the surrounding area when one needs to send a signal by making the fire noticeable.
Building a Shelter
Even though you will bring along a good tent that already has poles and pegs to set things up, it’s a great idea to teach your child how to build a shelter on their own in case of an emergency or how to look for a safe place to hide when the weather is getting dangerous.
Along with shelter, explain the ways to retain one’s body heat because building a shelter when you are feeling tired and hungry is even more difficult. Therefore, one should start early when one is lost because the weather can change at any moment and it quickly gets dark. Remember to mention building a safe shelter in hollowed trees, or caves, and explain how to use tree branches.
Practicing First Aid
If there is anything that you should teach your kids to let them survive and help others, it is the set of first aid skills. Start with explaining how to treat a cut or deal with a serious wound. Do not forget to mention what SHOULD NOT be done because the children often make decisions that are not so obvious and clear to adults. Explain the first signs of hypothermia and heat exhaustion. It is good to start with pictures and examples to explain what must and can be done before a real doctor arrives.
The Art of Navigation
While there is no universal survival pattern since it will always depend on where you are, it is still important to learn the basic direction skills and working with a compass or a map that would explain where one must go. The safest way to start learning is to organize a short hiking trip to teach your child how to find a specific location and go back by using a compass or a map. Of course, it is not the same thing as GPS or Google Maps, learning things the old way is what will help to save one’s life!
10 Camping Tools That Can Teach Your Kids Critical Survival Skills
Therm-A-Rest Trail Scout This is one of the best self-inflating camping pads that can be a great support for the younger campers. It comes with a personal stuff sack and can be carried along during any camping trip.
Midland Walkie Talkies These handy devices are powerful enough to send radio streams a few miles in case someone is lost. Teaching your kids navigating their way with the map is important, yet we should remember that modern children enjoy some technology in their lives, so a good way to teach them using Walkie Talkie.
- 2-WAY RADIOS: The walkie-talkies are equipped with 36 FRS (Family Radio Service) channels, and communication options. Additionally, they offer a convenient channel scan feature that allows users to easily check for activity on different channels. For power, these walkie-talkies offer dual options. They can be powered by the included rechargeable battery pack, providing a reliable and reusable energy source. Users have the option to use 3 "AAA" batteries (not included) for flexibility.
- UP TO 30-MILE RANGE: Unlock the power of long-range communication capabilities in, unobstructed environments with minimal or no obstacles. With enhanced signal reach, these devices enable seamless and reliable connections over greater distances. Enjoy clear communication across open spaces, whether exploring vast outdoor landscapes, participating in outdoor events, or engaging in professional activities. Benefit from extended-range capabilities to stay connected, and coordinate efficiently.
- 121 CTCSS PRIVACY CODES: With privacy codes, the Continuous Tone-Coded Squelch System provides a wide selection of up to 2,662 channel options. These codes offer the ability to block out other conversations, ensuring clear and interference-free communication. The walkie-talkies feature a silent operation mode, allowing users to turn off all tones and operate discreetly without any audible signals. This feature proves particularly useful in situations where silent communication is desired.
- NOAA WEATHER SCAN: Stay informed and prepared with the NOAA Weather Scan + Alert feature. With this functionality, your walkie-talkies automatically scan through 10 weather channels, identifying and locking onto the strongest weather channel available. This ensures that you receive critical updates and alerts regarding severe weather conditions. When a potential risk of severe weather is detected, the NOAA Weather Alert triggers an audible alarm, notifying you to take necessary precautions.
- INCLUDED IN THE BOX: Radios (x2), Belt clips (x2), rechargeable battery packs (x2), Desktop charger, AC Adapter, Owner's Manual
Brunton Glow Compass It is one of those pieces of camping safety tools that you simply cannot survive without. It is the best way to teach the youngsters about finding relevant directions and explain general geography rules. Most importantly, it is small enough and has a flashing light that the children will love since it glows in the dark. It has a great metal loop that makes it possible to attach it to a child’s belt or a backpack. Even if it gets dropped, it will instantly start to glow, so it can be noticed in the tall grass.
- TAG-ALONG 9041 GLOW COMPASS
- TAG-ALONG 9041 GLOW COMPASS
- TAG-ALONG 9041 GLOW COMPASS
- TAG-ALONG 9041 GLOW COMPASS
- TAG-ALONG 9041 GLOW COMPASS
Geocaching Kits. The chances are high that your youngsters have already heard about geocaching. It is another way to teach your kids how to survive with the help of modern technology. Start by turning it into a treasure hunt and implement various navigation rules as you go. Since one can add smartphone use, it will help even those kids who cannot imagine their days without sending some message or posting an Instagram picture every five minutes.
You can also consider the Garmin Etrex10 device that will be suitable for kids as it has topographical data already installed with the time and distance estimates.
- Rugged handheld navigator with preloaded worldwide basemap and 2.2 inch monochrome display
- WAAS enabled GPS receiver with HotFix and GLONASS support for fast positioning and a reliable signal
- Waterproof to IPX7 standards for protection against splashes, rain, etc.
- Support for paperless geocaching and Garmin spine mounting accessories. Power with two AA batteries for up to 20 hours of use (best with Polaroid AA batteries)
- See high and low elevation points or store waypoints along a track (start, finish and high/low altitude) to estimate time and distance between points
Signal Mirror. As long as you remain in a sun-filled environment, using a simple mirror is an important survival kit since it can easily spread the light for miles. Since it needs no power or batteries, it can be used basically as much or as often as you would like. Remember to explain the light signals to your child so they can choose a particular rhythm or even an actual message to help the rescue teams see that it was not an accidental flash of light.
- The Best Glide ASE Compact Emergency Signal Mirror is a durable, compact, metal signal mirror that won't crack like the plastic or acrylic mirrors. Furthermore, the Stainless Steel construction is more reflective than the plastic or acrylic mirror.
- The Best Glide ASE Compact Emergency Signal Mirror utilizes a hole in the center to aim your reflection. It also includes instructions printed on the back.
- The Best Glide ASE Compact Emergency Signal Mirror measures approx 2 x 1.5 inches and weighs less than 1 ounce. It is small enough to fit into your wallet, coin purse, or pocket.
LED Flashlight and Signal Light. The younger children will always appreciate something that can act as a torch and glows in the dark. It also has both positive and negative aspects. For example, the rescue teams will be able to find a child much easier if he or she has a LED torch or a flashlight of some sort. The problem is that the batteries can run low and the light will eventually get weaker. The practical solution would be to use LED-based lights and take another set of batteries just in case as a part of the basic survival kit.
- BRIGHT - Experience the GearLight S2000, the biggest and brightest flashlight in GearLight’s lineup. Its ultra-wide beam effortlessly illuminates an entire backyard, offering double the lumen output of other tactical flashlights.
- DURABLE - The S2000 high-powered flashlight is virtually indestructible. Constructed from military-grade aluminum, it’s water-resistant and can withstand a 10-foot drop.
- COMPACT - This powerful flashlight is compact enough to fit in your backpack, survival bag, or glove compartment, making it ideal for outdoor adventures and emergency preparedness.
- VALUE - The emergency light package includes (1) S2000 flashlight, (1) AA battery holder (batteries not included), (1) lanyard, and (1) user manual.
- VERSATILE - Measuring 7.5 x 1.3 x 1.3 inches, this heavy-duty tactical flashlight is perfect for hiking, camping, or as an emergency light for outdoor activities and at home.
Emergency Whistle Also known as mountain whistles, they can produce loud sounds without forcing the youngster to blow really hard when and if they are weak or tired. It is also way more efficient than shouting. As you are looking for a good emergency whistle, remember that they also come in handy sets with signal mirrors and fire flints.
- SUPER LOUD survival whistle: double tubes emergency whistle, high pitched powerful noise maker with dual sound chambers, can provide up to 120 decibel dB sound power, enough to be heard over a mile away. Cannot be overblown, works great as signal whistle.
- PEALESS DESIGN means no moving parts, nothing to obstruct sound, and nothing to jam, break or freeze. Lightweight and fail safe works well in any conditions with excellent airflow design. Comfortable mouth grip, won't stick to lips like METAL ones in cold environments.
- ADJUSTABLE REFLECTIVE LANYARD and CLIP, high visibility even in the dark with slider button to adjust length around neck, long lanyards can easily loop through backpack, sailboats, hike gear, life jacket, kayak PFD, paddle board. You can also clip the whistle to your belt or shoulder straps for quick and easy use in case of emergency.
- SUPER DURABLE high impact ABS plastic construction ensures strong durability and complete waterproof moisture resistance. Premium quality whistles to carry for life safety, camping, hiking, hunting, fishing, swimming, boating, kayaking, marine sporting events any kind of outdoor activities, also for dog training.
- EASY-TO-REACH SERVICE, every purchase includes our worry-free warranty and lifetime support. If you have any questions, our friendly customer service team will be more than happy to help out.
First AId Kit Although it may not always be of much use for a young child, it is recommended to teach your child to have it present in any case.
- DESIGNED BY EMERGENCY CARE EXPERTS: Be emergency-ready with our 100-piece first aid kit. Developed by doctors, EMTs, and CPR instructors, our first aid kit for sports & travel has essential supplies for handling a variety of minor injuries.
- POCKET-SIZED & PORTABLE: Our emergency first aid kit is lightweight and compact (7.5" x 5.2" x 1.5") for on-the-go readiness. You can effortlessly fit our travel & sports first aid kit in your pocket, backpack, or car compartment.
- PREMIUM-QUALITY MEDICAL SUPPLIES: We manufacture our outdoor first aid kits in a modern facility, using only the best materials. All medical supplies you’ll find in our first aid kit for home & travel are top-quality & have maximum shelf life.
- MULTI-USE BASIC FIRST AID KIT: Stay prepared & ready anytime, anywhere with our travel first aid kit. This small first aid kit is a necessity for outdoor activities like hiking or biking and for unexpected situations at the gym, home, or office.
- PROTECT LIFE PROMISE - We care about keeping people safe with our medical first aid kit. Should you have any issues with our travel size first aid kit, contact us immediately and our medical team will be in touch.
Duct Tape Since it is one of the most versatile camping tools that you may have without taking too much weight, it can be used to repair anything, build a shelter when you need to connect something together and it is one of those tools that can stick something together when you need to cover a hole or repair a broken plastic bottle to collect water from the nearby stream.
- Product belongs to home storage
- This product is manufactured in united states
- 1 inch x 30 feet
- Included Components: Adhesive Tape
Emergency Survival Blankets. Mylar survival blankets come in all types and sizes but a Survival Bivvy can be used as an emergency sleeping bag. It is also essential for keeping warm in situations when you can barely move. Teach your children to stay in their emergency sleeping bags if there is no obvious danger until they are found by the rescue teams. They also retain body heat.
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The Art of Noticing Things
Also known as situational awareness among survival specialists, it is one of the most challenging parts to master. In simple terms, your task is to teach children to notice things and survive in an emergency situation. Starting with the development of an instinct to learning how to cope with panic, you should explain that no camping tools or popular gadgets can be as important as knowing how to stay calm and level-headed when facing a critical situation.
The best way to approach a younger person is to explain that panic often leads to wrong decisions and unnecessary risks. Middle-school-age children will appreciate your questions as you ask them about what they have noticed. The role-playing will also be useful to analyze various scenarios together with relevant explanations and questions.
Speaking of water, remember to instruct your kids not only about how to find water but explain the basic water purification techniques in the wilderness. Show them how water can run downhill and direct them to various spots where they can notice little streams or pools. At the same time, teach them to watch the animals as the majority of them will always seek water sources.
Finally, remember to build the child’s confidence by praising their achievements and support them according to their age and skills. Take camping trips regularly and do not forget to keep things fun. If your child is inspired and learns something in a calm, yet demanding environment, it will re-create the real emergency situation in a much better way!
Author’s bio. Jessica Fender is a professional writer and educational blogger at EssaySupply, an aggregator for useful college resources and websites. Jessica enjoys sharing her ideas to make writing and learning fun.